Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Baked Casserole
Description:
Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Baked Casserole is the perfect choice for a weekend breakfast or brunch, offering a delicious balance of warm spices and a creamy texture. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—by preparing it the night before, you can enjoy a hassle-free morning. The bread soaks up the flavorful custard overnight, and all you have to do is bake it to golden perfection the next day. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that will satisfy everyone at the table!
Cuisine: Continental
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Eggs | 2 eggs |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Ground Cloves (Laung) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground Nutmeg | A pinch |
| Pumpkin Puree | 1/2 cup |
| French Loaf (or any bread) | 4 cups, diced |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara) | 1/2 cup |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup |
| Salted Butter | 1/3 cup, cold/sliced |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
Prep Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need for this dish. If French loaf is not available, feel free to substitute it with any other bread, such as regular bread or even croissants. The more airy the bread, the better it will soak up the custard mixture. -
Make the Custard Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, salt, cinnamon powder, ground cloves, nutmeg, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree. Stir gently until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing—just a few stirs will do. -
Add Milk:
Pour the milk into the egg mixture and stir until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and uniform in consistency. -
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter. Then, arrange the diced bread in the dish, making sure it’s spread evenly to ensure each piece soaks up the custard. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the prepared egg and pumpkin mixture over the bread. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down so it absorbs the custard. Ensure all the bread is well-coated. -
Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The longer the bread soaks in the custard, the more flavorful and soft it will become. -
Bake the Casserole:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Arrange slices of cold butter over the top of the casserole and sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the surface. -
Cooking Time:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is firm and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp. -
Serve:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes. This will help it set and make serving easier. Cut into squares and serve warm.
Serving Suggestion:
For a complete breakfast experience, pair this Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Baked Casserole with a Chocolate Banana Smoothie. The creamy texture and richness of the smoothie will complement the warm, spiced casserole beautifully, creating a filling and satisfying meal for your loved ones.
Enjoy the comforting flavors and the ease of preparing this dish the night before, making your breakfast or brunch effortless and memorable!
