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To achieve the perfect texture for your Cozy Baked Pumpkin French Toast Squares, the baking process is crucial. Covering your baking dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time allows the dish to steam gently, ensuring that the custard mixture fully absorbs into the bread. This step is essential for achieving a moist and rich flavor throughout the squares.

Baked Pumpkin French Toast Squares

Experience the warm embrace of fall with Cozy Baked Pumpkin French Toast Squares. This comforting breakfast dish combines the rich flavors of pumpkin puree and warm spices in an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy morning at home, it allows you to serve a generous batch without the hassle of flipping slices individually. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen. Elevate your brunch game with this seasonal favorite that everyone will love!

Ingredients
  

8 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah work best)

1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree

4 large eggs

1 cup milk (or substitute with any dairy-free milk alternative)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for extra texture)

Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish using butter or a cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.

    Cube the Bread: Take your thick-cut bread and slice it into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer for even baking.

      Mix the Pumpkin Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

        Combine Bread and Mixture: Gently pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure that each piece of bread is well coated. Lightly press down on the bread cubes to help them soak up the custard mixture.

          Add Nuts (If Using): If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the top of the bread mixture, which will contribute a delightful crunch.

            Bake It: Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set to a soft custard consistency.

              Cool and Serve: Once you take the dish out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Cut into squares and dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup over each square.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr | 8 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the squares on a rustic wooden platter with a small pitcher of maple syrup on the side, and sprinkle a few extra pecans around the edge for decoration.