Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Oh my gosh, you guys! I just made the coziest breakfast ever. It’s all pumpkin-y and sweet and totally yummy.

I love how the soft bread soaks up all that pumpkin spice. It’s kinda like eating dessert for breakfast. Every bite feels like a warm hug.

You’ve gotta try this. It’s so simple, and your kitchen will smell amazing. I promise, everyone will want seconds!

So, wanna bake this pumpkin French toast casserole with me? Grab your dish. Let’s make some happy tummies!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Seasonal Flavor: Infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, it captures the essence of fall.
• Perfect for Gatherings: You can easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd, making it perfect for holidays, brunches, or family get-togethers.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked the next morning, saving you time and effort.
• Tastes Like Fall: It’s like a cozy autumn hug in a baking dish—cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spices dance together in every bite.
• Crispy and Tender: The combination of custardy bread with a crunchy, sweet topping makes this dish the best of both textures.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole, you’ll need the following tools:

• 9×13 Baking Dish: This size dish is perfect for a casserole that feeds a crowd.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few to mix the custard, crumb topping, and to assemble the casserole.
• Whisk: For beating the eggs and mixing the custard ingredients.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key for the pumpkin puree and spices.
• Spatula: To spread the custard and topping evenly over the bread.
• Sharp Knife: To chop the pecans into smaller pieces for the topping.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this decadent casserole (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Casserole:

• 1 (12-14 ounce) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, or challah: The bread is the base of your casserole, and something slightly stale works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
• 1 cup (227g) pumpkin puree: You’ll want to use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor and texture.
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a rich depth of sweetness and works beautifully with the spices.
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) is essential for bringing that signature fall flavor.
• 6 large eggs: Eggs create the custard that binds the casserole together and gives it a rich, creamy texture.
• 2 and 1/3 cups (560ml) whole milk: Whole milk makes the custard extra creamy, but you can swap in a dairy-free milk for a lighter option.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the other flavors and adds a fragrant note to the dish.

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/3 cup (69g) packed light brown sugar: The brown sugar here will melt into the butter, creating a crispy, caramelized topping.
• 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): This helps create the crumbly texture of the topping.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon makes the topping even more fragrant and delicious.
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is essential to making a crumbly topping.
• 3/4 cup (100g) roughly chopped pecans: Pecans add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the dish, but you can swap them for walnuts or omit them for a nut-free version.

For Serving:

• Pure maple syrup: Drizzle over the casserole for that sweet, sticky finish.

Variations for Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweet touch, sprinkle some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips over the casserole before baking. They’ll melt into the custard and add a bit of indulgence.
• Substitute Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, swap them out for chopped walnuts or almonds. Or, omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap out the whole milk for almond milk or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter for the topping.
• Use Different Bread: Try using brioche for a buttery, rich flavor or cinnamon raisin bread for extra spice and sweetness.
• Add Apples or Pears: Fold in some thinly sliced apples or pears before baking for an additional layer of fall flavors.
• Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an even more indulgent treat, serve your casserole with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

1. Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your loaf of French bread into 1-inch cubes. You’ll want to use bread that’s a little bit stale (or you can toast it lightly to dry it out). This helps the bread absorb the custard without getting soggy.

2. Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined, and there are no lumps in the pumpkin mixture. This custard is the heart of the dish, adding flavor and moisture to the bread.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Place the bread cubes into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour the pumpkin custard over the bread, ensuring that all the pieces are well-coated. Use a spatula to gently press the bread into the custard so it soaks up all the liquid.

4. Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread and custard mixture.

5. Refrigerate and Let It Soak

For the best texture, cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard and absorb all the flavors.

6. Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

7. Let It Cool Slightly

Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions:

• Serve with Maple Syrup: A drizzle of warm maple syrup is the perfect finishing touch to bring out the pumpkin flavor.
• Add Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an extra decadent treat, top your casserole with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Serve with Bacon or Sausage: For a savory contrast, serve the casserole alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or apple slices for added freshness and texture.

Storing Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

• Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	120mg
Sodium	160mg
Total Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	22g
Protein	6g

Conclusion:

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is the perfect way to celebrate fall, offering all the warm, comforting flavors of the season in a single dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to prepare, and even easier to make ahead, so you can enjoy a cozy, indulgent breakfast with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating your family to a weekend breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.