French Toast is not usually considered a dessert. However, when hosting a brunch, many of the sweet dishes sit in for dessert, since traditional desserts aren’t usually served. Pumpkin Praline French Toast is sweet enough to be considered a brunch dessert, but it is also a delicious main dish to be served with eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, or other brunch items. The bread slices are soaked in a flavorful pumpkin mixture made rich with plenty of eggs; a caramel pecan topping bakes underneath the bread slices. When the toast is finished baking, it can be unmolded onto a serving platter for a spectacular presentation, or the toast slices can be individually dipped from the serving dish. Either way, this elegant French toast will become an oft-requested favorite.

Pumpkin Praline French Toast is easy on the cook, since it’s made the night before and baked just before serving. Although it really needs no additional adornment, some guests may like a little butter and maple syrup on the side.


12 Servings

1 pound French bread, (1 loaf)

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 cup pecan halves

2 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Butter and maple syrup

1. Slice the bread into 1" slices; set aside.


2. Mix the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a microwaveable container.


3. Microwave 2-3 minutes or until boiling.


4. Stir well and spread over the bottom of a 9 x 13" casserole dish; sprinkle the pecans on top.


5. Arrange the bread slices over the pecan mixture. It's okay to crowd the bread, but keep it in 1 layer.


6. Whisk together (or blend in the blender) the milk, brown sugar, salt, flour, pumpkin puree, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice; pour over the bread slices.


7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.


8. Preheat oven to 350°.


9. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the French toast 45 - 50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the middle.


10. To serve: Run a knife around the edges of the dish and place a large serving platter over the dish. Invert onto the serving platter. Or dip up individual pieces of French toast onto serving plates upside down (to show off the praline topping). Serve with maple syrup.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 357 Calories from Fat 128
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 36% Protein 9% Carb. 56%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 72 mg
Sodium 507 mg
Total Carbohydrate 50 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 8 g

Vitamin A 96% Vitamin C 3% Calcium 0% Iron 15%