If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting breakfasts that feel like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe. I love how it captures all those rich fall flavors—pumpkin, spice, and a hint of cream cheese—while letting you prep it the night before, so your morning is stress-free. It’s perfect for busy weekends or holiday brunches when you want to impress without being stuck in the kitchen all day.
When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly; the custardy texture and pumpkin spice meld together in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Plus, you’ll find that making it ahead means the bread soaks up those delicious flavors deeply, giving you a tender, flavorful bite with every forkful. Trust me, this Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is going to be your new go-to for fall mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make Ahead Convenience: Prepping this French toast the night before frees up your morning for a relaxed start.
- Rich Pumpkin Flavor: The pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice infuse the custard with cozy autumn charm.
- Cream Cheese Magic: A creamy addition that adds smoothness and depth to the custard mixture.
- Perfectly Puffy & Golden: Baking the slices gives you a crisp exterior with a tender inside every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Picking the right ingredients is key to making this Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe shine. I always start with challah or egg bread for that extra fluffy texture, but feel free to use what you love. Using canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice keeps it simple without compromising on that classic flavor.
- Eggs: These provide the custard base to soak into the bread perfectly.
- Milk: Whole or 2% works best to keep the custard rich but not too heavy.
- Canned Pumpkin: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling—you want that natural flavor and texture.
- Sugar: Adds that subtle sweetness to balance the spices and pumpkin.
- Vanilla: A splash brightens the custard and complements the pumpkin nicely.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is the secret blend that packs all the lovely fall flavors into the recipe.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese Product: I discovered this addition brings a lovely smoothness to the custard—don’t skip it!
- Challah or Egg Bread: Thick slices, about three-quarters inch, soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Maple Syrup: For serving—pure maple syrup really elevates the final dish.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to what you have or enjoy. I’ve played around with a few variations that either dial up the spice or accommodate dietary needs without losing any of that cozy, comforting vibe.
- Vegan Variation: Swap out eggs for a flax egg mixture and use plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives—I tried this once and it turned out surprisingly creamy!
- Spice it Up: If you like a little extra kick, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or cloves goes a long way.
- Different Bread: If challah isn’t your thing, thick-sliced brioche works beautifully too for a richer flavor.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace sugar with maple syrup or honey within the custard for a deeper sweetness.
How to Make Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Custard Mixture
Start by combining the eggs, milk, canned pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice in a blender. This step is a game changer because blending ensures everything is super smooth and the flavors meld together perfectly. Then, add the Philadelphia Cream Cheese Product and blend again until the custard is silky. I like to scrape down the sides once to catch any clumps—smooth custard is key for a creamy texture later!
Step 2: Soak the Bread Overnight
Pour your custard into a 13×9-inch dish, then dip each slice of challah into the mixture, turning to coat both sides fully. Don’t panic if the slices look delicate—they’ll hold up as long as you handle them gently. Arrange the dipped slices back in the dish, stacking if you need to, and cover it tightly. Refrigerate overnight so the bread soaks up all those comforting pumpkin and spice flavors. I’ve found this overnight soak really elevates the texture and taste—worth the wait!
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
The next morning, heat your oven to 400°F. Take the bread slices out of the custard one at a time, letting the excess drip back into the dish (don’t toss the extra custard just yet). Place the slices on baking sheets sprayed with cooking spray in a single layer—you want them spread out so they bake evenly. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning once after 8 minutes to get both sides beautifully puffed and golden brown. This technique gives you the best texture—crispy edges with a soft inside every time.
Pro Tips for Making Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Use Thick, Sturdy Bread: I always recommend challah or brioche sliced about ¾ inch thick—it soaks up custard without falling apart, giving you that perfect texture.
- Don’t Over-Soak: While overnight soaking works great, avoid longer than 12 hours so the bread doesn’t become soggy and break.
- Turn Bread Mid-Bake: Flipping after about 8 minutes helps crisp both sides evenly and ensures a lovely golden color.
- Use Pure Pumpkin Pie Spice: Pre-made blends work wonders here—freshly ground spices can be too intense or uneven, while the ready blend keeps flavors balanced.
How to Serve Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this French toast with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup—it brings out the pumpkin spice beautifully. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a lovely creamy contrast. For a little crunch, chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top are my go-to. Oh, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar never hurts if you want an extra cozy feel!
Side Dishes
This pairs wonderfully with crisp apple slices or a simple green salad for a fresh touch. My family also loves having some crispy bacon or sausage on the side—the salty meat contrasts so well with the sweet, spiced French toast. Sometimes I’ll throw together a quick fruit compote with berries or stewed apples to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, try layering the slices in a pretty baking dish, then topping with streusel crumbs before the last few minutes in the oven for a sweet crunch. I once served it with mini pumpkins and autumn leaves decor for a festive vibe that wowed guests. You can also stack slices like a cake, then drizzle syrup artistically for a beautiful, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (not that it lasts long in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I found that letting the French toast cool completely before storing helps maintain the texture. When you want to reheat, you’ll get the best results by warming gently in the oven to keep that crispy exterior intact.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions of this French toast after baking by placing the cooled slices on a tray to flash freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. It freezes beautifully and reheats quickly in a toaster oven or regular oven, making it a fantastic make-ahead breakfast option for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. I avoid microwaving because it tends to make it soggy, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick zap followed by a toasting helps regain crispness. Always keep an eye to prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in this Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s cooked and pureed smoothly before mixing it into the custard. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin can have more moisture than canned, so you might want to reduce the milk slightly to keep the custard consistency balanced.
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How long can I soak the bread in the custard mixture?
Overnight soaking (about 8-12 hours) is ideal to allow the bread to absorb all the flavor and moisture without getting too soggy. Soaking beyond 12 hours might cause the bread to break down, making it harder to handle and bake evenly.
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What’s the best bread choice for this recipe?
Challah and brioche are my favorites because their texture and slight sweetness make the French toast rich and tender. Thick slices help it hold the custard well without falling apart. If you prefer, you can experiment with thick-sliced white bread or even sourdough for a tangy twist.
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Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting eggs with flax or chia eggs and swapping dairy milk and cream cheese for plant-based versions, you can make a vegan adaptation. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but it still tastes delicious and satisfying!
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How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
The key is using sturdy bread and soaking it overnight but not longer than 12 hours. Also, baking the slices instead of frying helps develop a crisp exterior that keeps the inside tender but not soggy. Don’t forget to turn the bread halfway through baking for even color and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe has truly become a beloved staple in my home kitchen, especially when I want a hassle-free but impressive breakfast. Its balance of spice, pumpkin creaminess, and that perfect baked texture brings a little autumn magic to the table any day of the week. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy those cozy mornings just as much as I do — it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug each time you dig in!
Print
Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight soak plus 35 minutes (20 prep + overnight refrigeration + 15 bake)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Make Ahead Pumpkin French Toast recipe is a deliciously creamy and flavorful breakfast treat perfect for the fall season. Featuring a rich blend of pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and cream cheese, this French toast is soaked overnight for maximum flavor and then baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare in advance, it makes a perfect morning dish to impress family and guests.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup Philadelphia Cream Cheese Product
Bread & Toppings
- 12 slices challah or egg bread, ¾ inch thick
- ¾ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, canned pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Add the Philadelphia Cream Cheese Product and blend again until the custard is completely smooth and creamy.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Dip each slice of challah or egg bread into the custard, coating both sides well. Arrange the soaked bread slices in the dish, stacking if necessary to fit them all. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: The next day, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray baking sheets with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Bread for Baking: Remove the bread slices from the custard mixture, letting any excess drip back into the dish. Place the bread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Discard any leftover custard mixture remaining in the dish.
- Bake the French Toast: Bake the bread slices for 12 to 15 minutes until they are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Halfway through baking (after about 8 minutes), carefully turn the slices over to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Serve: Remove the French toast from the oven and serve warm, topped with maple syrup for a sweet, comforting breakfast.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from Kraft Canada with permission.
- Refrigerate overnight for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Challah or egg bread with ¾ inch thickness works best for soaking and baking.
- Use pumpkin pie spice or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable.
- Cooking spray prevents sticking on baking sheets for easy cleanup.
- Turning the bread halfway through baking ensures even golden crispness.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
