Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Oh my gosh, have you ever smelled something so cozy it feels like fall? I made this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, and it’s like a warm hug! It’s super easy, too!

So, I mixed pumpkin, cinnamon, and soft bread all together. It’s sweet, spicy, and so yummy for breakfast. My family ate every bite!

Honestly, I want this casserole every morning in autumn. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with pumpkin spice magic. It’s like a party on your plate!

Come on, let’s bake this fun dish together! Grab some bread and pumpkin, and we’ll make it. Trust me, it’s a fall favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

If you’ve ever had French toast, you already know how satisfying it can be. But when you turn it into a casserole, it becomes even better! Here are just a few reasons why you’re going to love this recipe:

• Perfect for Fall: The classic pumpkin pie spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—give this casserole that warm, fall flavor that instantly brings comfort and joy. Plus, the addition of pumpkin puree makes it creamy and rich, just like your favorite pumpkin pie.
• Easy to Make: This casserole is surprisingly easy to prepare, and you don’t even need to worry about flipping individual pieces of French toast. You assemble everything the night before, let it soak overnight, and bake it in the morning. It’s perfect for lazy weekends, holiday breakfasts, or whenever you need a show-stopping dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a holiday brunch, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will feed a crowd. It’s a fantastic way to make breakfast or brunch for a large group without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Want to make it even more decadent? Add some chocolate chips or swirl in a caramel sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat bread or swap out some of the sugar for a healthier sweetener. I’ll explain all of these variations later, so you can make it your own!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get into the ingredients and the recipe, let’s make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size works perfectly for a casserole like this. If you want to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and use a bigger dish, but this size is great for serving 6-8 people.
• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large bowl to whisk together your custard ingredients.
• Whisk: A simple whisk will do the trick for blending together the eggs, milk, and pumpkin puree.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to getting the right balance of flavors.
• Sharp Knife: To slice your bread into perfect ½-inch thick pieces.
• Spoon or Pastry Cutter: For cutting in the butter into the brown sugar crumble topping.

Ingredients

Now let’s dive into the ingredients for this mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Casserole

• Unsalted Butter (at room temperature): The butter helps to make the casserole extra rich and adds flavor to the custard.
• One 1-pound loaf Italian-style bread (sliced into ½-inch thick slices): You’ll want to use sturdy bread like Italian bread, which holds up well when soaked in the custard mixture. Brioche or challah are also great options if you’re looking for a richer, more decadent dish.
• Large Eggs: The eggs help bind everything together and create that classic French toast texture.
• Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to complement the spices and pumpkin puree.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The signature fall spice mix! This includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—flavors that are synonymous with fall.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla helps round out the sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, bringing balance to the sweetness of the dish.
• Whole Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the custard. You can use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk if needed.
• Heavy Cream: The cream makes the casserole more decadent and custardy.
• Pumpkin Pie Puree (not pure pumpkin puree): Make sure to grab canned pumpkin pie puree, as it has the right blend of spices already added in. If you use plain pumpkin puree, you’ll have to adjust the spices accordingly.

Brown Sugar Crumble Topping

• Packed Light Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture to the crumble.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps the crumble set up into a nice, crunchy topping.
• Kosher Salt: Again, a little salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes): Cold butter is key for a buttery, flaky crumble topping.
• Chopped Pecans: Add a little extra crunch and flavor with toasted pecans. You can swap them out for walnuts or leave them off if you prefer a nut-free dish.

Tips for Making Perfect Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

1. Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale or day-old bread. Fresh bread can get too soggy, while day-old bread soaks up the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
2. Let it Soak Overnight: Don’t rush this step! Let the casserole soak in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the custard and pumpkin pie flavors, ensuring each bite is rich and flavorful.
3. Cover with Foil During Baking: When baking, cover the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes. This helps cook it evenly and ensures the bread doesn’t dry out. After 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up.
4. Make it Ahead of Time: This casserole is a great make-ahead breakfast option. You can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning.
5. Add Toppings: You can top your casserole with whipped cream, maple syrup, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

1. Prepare the Bread

The first step is to slice your Italian-style bread into ½-inch thick pieces. If you’re using a day-old loaf, it should be slightly firm, which will help it absorb all of the delicious custard mixture. Fresh bread tends to become soggy too quickly, so if you’re using fresh bread, consider letting it dry out a bit by leaving it out on the counter for a few hours.

Once your bread is sliced, layer it evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You can overlap the pieces slightly, but the goal is to make sure each piece of bread gets a chance to soak in the custard.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to whisk together your custard ingredients. Add the large eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, kosher salt, whole milk, heavy cream, and pumpkin pie puree. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy with a beautiful orange hue from the pumpkin puree.

Once the custard is ready, pour it evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Press down gently on the bread to help it soak up the custard. You’ll want every piece to be saturated, but don’t worry if there’s a little custard left over—it’ll soak in as it sits.

3. Let It Soak Overnight

The secret to a perfectly soaked French toast casserole is allowing it to sit and absorb the custard overnight. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the bread becomes soft and custardy, creating that perfect French toast texture when baked.

4. Prepare the Brown Sugar Crumble Topping

While the casserole soaks overnight, you can prepare the brown sugar crumble topping. In a medium bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and chopped pecans. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture forms a crumbly texture with pea-sized pieces of butter. This crumble will form a crunchy, sweet topping as it bakes.

Store the crumble topping in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it the next morning.

5. Bake the Casserole

The next morning (or whenever you’re ready to bake), preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, and sprinkle the brown sugar crumble topping evenly over the soaked bread.

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep the casserole from drying out while it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and the center is set.

The casserole will puff up a bit during baking, and the crumble topping will become nice and crispy. The smell will be absolutely irresistible, filling your kitchen with the warm scents of pumpkin spice and cinnamon.

6. Let It Rest

Once the casserole is out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a little bit before you serve it, ensuring that the pieces hold together better when you cut into it.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Now comes the best part: serving and enjoying this delicious casserole! You can serve it as is or top it with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra special touch. For an added flavor boost, serve it with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or even apple compote to complement the warm spices.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

1. Add Chocolate Chips

If you love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate, try adding ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips to the casserole. The sweetness of the chocolate will pair perfectly with the spiced pumpkin custard and add a rich, indulgent element.

2. Make it Nut-Free

If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t enjoy nuts, you can easily skip the pecans in the crumble topping. For added texture, you could replace them with oats or coconut flakes.

3. Switch Up the Bread

While I recommend using Italian-style bread, you can also experiment with different types of bread for a unique twist. Brioche or challah will give the casserole an extra rich, buttery flavor, while whole wheat or multigrain bread will add a hearty, wholesome touch.

4. Add a Caramel Swirl

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try swirling some caramel sauce into the custard before baking. The sweet, buttery flavor of the caramel will elevate the casserole to another level. You can also drizzle caramel on top once it’s done baking for even more decadence.

5. Use Pumpkin Bread or Cinnamon Rolls

For a shortcut or a fun variation, use store-bought pumpkin bread or cinnamon rolls instead of plain bread. This will give the casserole an even richer flavor and add a unique twist to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar and spices in the custard to avoid it becoming too sweet.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

This casserole is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your breakfast or brunch extra special:

• Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy, light contrast to the warm, spiced casserole.
• Drizzle with Maple Syrup: A classic French toast topping, the rich sweetness of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spice flavors in this casserole.
• Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: For a festive touch, dust the top of the casserole with a little powdered sugar just before serving.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: Add a burst of freshness with some sliced bananas, strawberries, or even a dollop of apple compote. The juicy, sweet fruit pairs perfectly with the spiced casserole.
• Pair with Hot Coffee or Tea: A hot beverage complements the cozy, warming flavors of this casserole. A pumpkin spice latte or cinnamon tea would be the perfect match!

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

If you have any leftovers (though they’re hard to come by!), you can easily store them for later. Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Ahead of Time

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time, which is a game-changer for busy mornings or holiday gatherings. You can prepare the casserole the night before, let it soak overnight, and bake it the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast or brunch. Here’s how to do it:

1. Assemble the Casserole: Follow all the steps to prepare the casserole, including layering the bread, making the custard, and pouring it over the bread. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight.
2. Prepare the Topping: You can also prepare the brown sugar crumble topping the night before. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator so it’s ready to go when you’re ready to bake the casserole.
3. Bake the Next Morning: In the morning, just sprinkle the crumble topping over the soaked bread, cover with foil, and bake as directed. It’s a perfect time-saver for busy mornings or special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning!

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole:

This casserole makes a perfect centerpiece for a holiday brunch spread. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual weekend gathering, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole will wow your guests. Serve it alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit, and you’ve got a balanced, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

It’s also a great recipe for meal prepping. If you’re feeding a large group or want to have breakfast ready for the week, you can easily make a double batch and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat, and you’re good to go!

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin pie puree?

While fresh pumpkin puree can be used, canned pumpkin pie puree is already spiced and sweetened, which gives this casserole the classic fall flavor. If you use fresh pumpkin, you’ll need to add extra spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) and sugar to replicate the flavor of canned pumpkin pie puree.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole?

Yes! If you want to make this casserole ahead of time for an easy breakfast on the go, you can freeze it. After assembling and soaking the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the instructions.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any dairy-free milk of your choice. You can also use dairy-free butter for the crumble topping. Just make sure to check your pumpkin pie puree label to ensure it’s dairy-free.

Nutrition Information for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

While this casserole is a decadent treat, it’s also quite filling and satisfying. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350-400
Protein	8g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	25g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	250mg
Vitamin A	50% DV
Vitamin C	2% DV
Calcium	6% DV
Iron	10% DV

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves cozy, indulgent breakfasts with a fall twist. It’s an easy-to-make, make-ahead dish that combines all the flavors of pumpkin pie in a comforting French toast casserole. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a weekend breakfast, or a holiday brunch, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.

The warm spices, creamy custard, crispy crumble topping, and crunchy pecans make it a standout dish, and it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins. I’m sure this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.