Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is the ultimate fall breakfast or brunch treat, combining the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spice with the comforting texture of French toast. The rich, custardy filling soaks into the bread cubes, while the sweet, crunchy streusel topping bakes to perfection. This casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and can even be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday mornings or casual gatherings. Drizzle with maple syrup and you’ve got a dish everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the French Toast Casserole:

• 1 lb day-old French bread or brioche bread

• 2 cups milk

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cold salted butter, diced

• ⅓ cup chopped pecans

• 1 tsp cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Prepare the Bread:

1. Cut the day-old French bread or brioche into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Make the Custard Mixture:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon). Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole:

1. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, making sure all the bread is soaked. Press down lightly to ensure even soaking.

Prepare the Streusel Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, flour, diced cold butter, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it forms a crumbly texture.

Top the Casserole:

1. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the bread mixture in the baking dish.

Chill the Casserole:

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture and the flavors to meld together.

Bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 30 minutes.

3. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.

Serve:

1. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes (including 30 minutes covered and 15-20 minutes uncovered)

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including 2 hours of chill time)

Variations

• Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, cranberries, or chopped apples for an extra burst of flavor.

• Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist.

• Vegan Version: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative (such as almond or oat milk), and use flax eggs instead of the regular eggs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave individual servings for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes, this casserole can be prepared the night before. After assembling it, cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake it as directed.

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

While day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard mixture, you can use fresh bread. Just allow the bread cubes to sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly, or toast them lightly before assembling the casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out clean.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, it’s best to use pumpkin puree as pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners that could alter the flavor of the casserole.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a perfect fall breakfast or brunch dish, combining the best flavors of pumpkin spice and sweet custard with the warmth of toasted bread. The crunchy streusel topping adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite a satisfying combination of creamy, crisp, and sweet. Whether you make it for a special occasion or a cozy weekend morning, this casserole will be a crowd favorite!

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