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As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the warmth of a home filled with the comforting aroma of baked goods. Enter Cozy Baked Pumpkin French Toast Squares—a delightful dish that captures the essence of autumn and brings a sense of nostalgia to any breakfast, brunch, or holiday gathering. This recipe not only serves up a delicious meal but also creates a cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or intimate brunches with friends.

Baked Pumpkin French Toast Squares

Warm up your autumn mornings with Cozy Baked Pumpkin French Toast Squares. This easy and delicious recipe features thick slices of buttery brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich custard of pumpkin puree, eggs, and fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, these squares can be prepared ahead of time and baked to golden perfection. Elevate your fall experience by sharing this comforting dish with friends and family. Enjoy the cozy flavors of the season!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of thick-cut brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (ensure it's pure pumpkin, not pie filling)

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (for greasing the baking dish)

Optional toppings: maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped pecans, or powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Preheat & Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the softened unsalted butter to ensure the pumpkin French toast squares won’t stick.

    Cube the Bread: Take the loaf of brioche or challah bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Transfer the cubed bread into a large mixing bowl and set aside to allow it to breathe.

      Make the Custard Mixture: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.

        Combine Bread and Custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread in the mixing bowl. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together, ensuring that each bread cube is well-coated. Allow the mixture to rest for about 15-20 minutes; this will give the bread time to absorb the custard.

          Bake: Transfer the custard-soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

            Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the pumpkin French toast squares cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully cut into squares and serve warm. Top with your choice of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful finish.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 55 min | Servings: 6-8

                - Presentation Tips: For an extra cozy touch, serve the squares on a festive plate, and garnish with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or nutmeg for an aromatic presentation.