Indian Recipes

Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Walnuts

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Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Baked Casserole Recipe

This Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Baked Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that combines the sweetness of pumpkin, the richness of eggs and milk, and the spices of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, making it the perfect fall-inspired breakfast or brunch treat. It’s also an incredibly easy dish to prepare the night before, allowing you to bake it fresh in the morning for a delightful, hassle-free start to your day.


Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Whole Eggs 2
Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon
Granulated Sugar 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Ground Cinnamon 1 ½ teaspoons
Ground Cloves ¼ teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg A pinch
Pumpkin Puree ½ cup
French Loaf (or any bread) 4 cups, diced
Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) ½ cup
Walnuts ½ cup
Cold Butter (sliced) ⅓ cup
Milk ½ cup

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 385
Protein 8g
Total Fat 22g
Saturated Fat 7g
Carbohydrates 47g
Fiber 3g
Sugars 21g
Cholesterol 65mg
Sodium 300mg

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 8 hours (overnight refrigeration)
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 9 hours 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mixture:
    Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Add the brown sugar and pumpkin puree, and stir just until everything is combined. The key here is not to overmix—simply stir enough to blend the ingredients.

  2. Add the Milk:
    Pour in the milk and give the mixture a gentle stir to combine thoroughly. You should now have a smooth, spiced pumpkin custard base for your casserole.

  3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
    Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with butter, ensuring the entire surface is coated. If you don’t have an 8 x 8-inch dish, you can use a slightly larger or smaller one, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

  4. Assemble the Casserole:
    Evenly arrange the diced bread (French loaf or any other bread you prefer) in the greased baking dish. The bread should be layered and levelled to ensure even soaking in the custard. Pour the prepared egg-pumpkin mixture over the bread, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Use a spatula to gently stir and coat the bread cubes, pressing them down lightly to absorb the liquid.

  5. Refrigerate Overnight:
    Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up all the flavors of the pumpkin mixture, creating a flavorful base for the baked casserole.

  6. Bake the Casserole:
    The next morning, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is heated, remove the plastic wrap from the casserole dish. Arrange slices of cold butter over the top of the casserole and sprinkle with the walnuts for a crunchy texture.

  7. Cook to Perfection:
    Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a knife into the center of the casserole—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If not, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.

  8. Cool and Serve:
    Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest time lets the flavors settle and ensures a better texture.

  9. Optional Serving Suggestion:
    For an even more indulgent breakfast or brunch, serve the Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Baked Casserole with a Chocolate Banana Smoothie. The creamy, chocolatey smoothie complements the warm, spiced casserole perfectly, creating a satisfying, filling meal.


Tips for Success

  • Bread Selection: While French loaf is recommended, feel free to experiment with other bread types like croissants, brioche, or whole-grain bread for different textures and flavors.
  • Make it Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can even double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish, making it ideal for family gatherings or holidays.
  • Add Toppings: For extra sweetness and crunch, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or extra chopped nuts like pecans or almonds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Baked Casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors. The pumpkin puree brings in an autumnal warmth, while the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg provide that irresistible seasonal aroma. The bread soaks up the custard, turning soft and flavorful when baked, and the walnuts add a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the casserole. The best part? It’s all prepped the night before, so you can simply pop it into the oven the next morning for a hassle-free, delicious breakfast.

Enjoy this cozy, comforting dish with your loved ones—it’s sure to become a new breakfast tradition!

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