Description
Discover the irresistible flavor of fall with this healthy pumpkin French toast casserole. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or meal prep, this recipe combines warm spices, pumpkin goodness, and a refreshing touch of lemon for a nutritious and delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of cubed whole wheat bread or brioche
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups almond milk or milk of choice
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- Fresh lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- Optional toppings: Fresh blueberries, chopped nuts, or honey
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and lemon zest in a large bowl.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the cubed bread, pressing gently to let the bread absorb the flavors for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the soaked bread into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until golden and set. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top, keeping a close eye.
Notes
- Preparation can be made a day ahead; cover and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Use gluten-free bread to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Enhance with additional toppings like sliced apples or chopped nuts.
- Vegan version: substitute eggs with plant-based alternatives and milk with almond or coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg