Apple Spiced French Toast Casserole (With Pumpkin)
You will want to make my Apple Spiced French Toast Casserole on Christmas morning! It’s easy, warm and delicious!
There is also a surprise ingredient- Pumpkin! Though I think the pumpkin is subtle- my daughter says , “No mom- I taste the pumpkin, they’re just like your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls but different!” LOL
Overnight French Toast Makes Breakfast Easy
This is a make ahead breakfast casserole. By that I mean, you prepare everything in the casserole dish the night before, then you will place it in the fridge overnight to bake off the next day.
What Kind of Bread do I Use For This Apple Spiced French Toast Casserole
You will want to use a thick and sturdy bread such as French bread. I make mine with a homemade ciabatta bread- super thick crust and more absorbent in the middle. I recommend fresh bread from a baker versus using something like basic sandwich bread which is pretty fragile.
Substitutes
If you would like to omit the pumpkin- you can replace it with a 1/2 cup heavy cream or add additional milk, nut pods or half and half. If you want a gluten free casserole, I suggest using the gluten free bread from Trader Joe’s as it’s more dense.
You can also make this recipe without the apple mixture if you prefer.
How Long Does a French Toast Casserole Need To Cook
This recipe will need to bake for 45 minutes or until it is set. Let the casserole cool, then you can add the powdered sugar as a garnish.
What Side Dishes Should I Serve with Apple Spiced French Toast Casserole
This casserole is pretty filling if you would like to serve it as is. However a nice thing about casseroles is that they are large servings and perfect for parties! Here are some side dish suggestions:
- Scrambled Eggs
- Eggs Benedict
- Frittata
- Bacon
- Spiral Ham
- Fresh Fruit
- Mini Quiches
And we can’t forget the toppings! Drizzling Maple Syrup on top helps balance it out because this casserole isn’t that sweet by itself.
Let’s Make Apple Spiced French Toast Casserole!
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Looking for more delicious Brunch Recipes? Be sure to check my Shakshuka with Ground Turkey!
Apple Spiced French Toast Casserole (With Pumpkin)
Equipment
- 13 x 9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 10 cups ciabatta bread or any firm bread, cut into bread cubes
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- cooking spray
Spiced Apples
- 2 large green apples peeled, medium diced
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 4 teaspoons maple syrup
Instructions
- For the Spiced Apples:In a large pan, heat on medium/low, add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the apples along with the spices. Turn the heat down to low and let it cook for 5 minutes. Add the 4 teaspoons of maple syrup. Continue to cook for 3 more minutes then remove from the heat. Set aside.
- Slice the bread into 1 inch bread cubes. Spray the baking pan with the cooking spray. Then place the bread into the pan.
- In a stand mixer on medium speed, add the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, canned pumpkin, vanilla, and the eggs- one at a time. Mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture over bread. Evenly spoon the spiced apple mixture over the top.
- Cover and place in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375. Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit out for about 30 minutes .
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until it is set.
- Garnish with powdered sugar and enjoy!
