Let's Have Brunch - Pumpkin Cinnamon Overnight Pull-Apart French Toast with Vanilla Maple Butter

From Averie Cooks, this moist and tender pull-apart French Toast is filled with a delicious blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, maple syrup and more. Prepare the night before, refrigerate, and just bake in the morning. Even those who have trouble getting their day started can serve a hot and delectable brunch. Sure to make an impression.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Overnight Pull-Apart French Toast with Vanilla Maple Butter

For the French Toast

About 8 cups bread, diced in 1½- to 2-inch pieces, or about 12 ounces (French bread, a French Baugette, or a crusty and hearty bakery-style bread is necessary; something that can stand up to overnight soaking without disintegrating)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

½ cup milk or cream

½ cup granulated sugar

⅓ cup maple syrup

¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Vanilla Maple Butter (double the batch if you love syrup)

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

⅓ cup maple syrup

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

For the French Toast - In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about 1 minute; being careful not to burn it. Allow the butter to cool momentarily so you don't scramble the eggs.

Add all remaining ingredients to the butter, except for the bread, and whisk until smooth and combined. Add the bread cubes and toss gently to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and place bowl in the refrigerator overnight, or at least two hours so the bread has time to absorb the marinade.

Before baking, preheat oven to 350F and line a 9-by-9-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.

Transfer bread into baking pan, leaving it fairly loosely piled in the baking pan. Watch any bread corners that are sticking up much higher than the rest of the pieces as they will have a tendency to burn more easily. Push any of them down with a spatula so all pieces are roughly the same height. Scrape out any marinade in the bottom of the bowl and pour that over the bread. Bake for about 30 to 38 minutes, or until golden and browned, and the marinade has dried out some, taking care not to overbake as you want this moist (the coating does not have to be bone dry on all pieces). Serve immediately with a pat of butter, warm maple syrup, a dusting of confectioners' sugar, or the vanilla maple butter.

Store extra French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheat gently in the microwave prior to serving.

For the Vanilla Maple Butter - Melt the butter in a small pan on low heat. To the melted butter, add the maple syrup, and whisk vigorously until combined. Heat for about 30 seconds to warm the mixture and add the vanilla and whisk to combine. Pour over French Toast. Extra syrup may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.