If you’re searching for an irresistible breakfast that feels like a big, warm hug on a crisp fall morning, Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is your new go-to. This dish captures everything we love about French toast—custardy softness inside, golden crunch on top—while adding rich pumpkin flavor and cozy spices to create something truly special. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for brunch with friends or leisurely weekends with family, and it always turns out beautifully. Whether you’re a pumpkin fanatic or just eager for an easy make-ahead breakfast, Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is sure to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how it relies on everyday staples—each ingredient plays its own important role, making the final dish aromatic, satisfying, and a feast for the eyes. Don’t let the list intimidate you; every component is here for a reason and can be found at any grocery store.
- Brioche or French bread: The buttery, tender crumb of brioche (or a loaf of French bread) soaks up the custard mixture perfectly without turning mushy.
- Eggs: Large eggs are the backbone of your custard, giving body and richness to every bite.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, so your casserole bakes up soft yet luscious.
- Pumpkin puree: Delivers cozy pumpkin flavor and a gorgeous autumn hue—be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Brown sugar: Brings warmth and a hint of caramel to balance the spices and pumpkin.
- Granulated sugar: Lends extra sweetness and helps the custard set nicely.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and brings a little extra comfort to the dish.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend is all about nostalgia—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for ultimate fall vibes.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance out the flavors and keep the casserole from tasting flat.
- All-purpose flour (for streusel): The foundation of a buttery, crumbly topping.
- Brown sugar (for streusel): Sweetens the topping and helps it caramelize into crunchy bits.
- Cinnamon (for streusel): Adds warm spice and depth to the crunchy part of the casserole.
- Cold unsalted butter (for streusel): Essential for that irresistible crumbly-streusel texture when baked.
- Chopped pecans, optional (for streusel): For a nutty crunch and rustic look, pecans are the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread
Start by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—you don’t want to lose any of that delicious custard to sticking! Cube your brioche or French bread into hearty 1-inch pieces, then arrange them evenly in the dish. Opting for slightly stale bread? Even better! It’ll soak up the pumpkin custard like a dream.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Pumpkin Custard
In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until the mixture is silky and fully blended. You want to make sure those spices are evenly distributed, so every bite of Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is bursting with warm flavor.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour your pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing them gently to make sure every last piece is saturated. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or go overnight for extra convenience. This chill time is crucial; it lets the bread absorb all that pumpkin spice goodness and ensures a creamy, pudding-like texture.
Step 4: Mix Up the Streusel Topping
While your casserole chills, whip up the streusel: stir together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then use a fork or pastry cutter to blend in cold butter until you have a crumbly texture. Stir in the pecans if you love a nutty crunch. This topping bakes up golden and crisp—utterly irresistible!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the luscious streusel evenly atop your soaked casserole. Pop it in the oven, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes. Watch for the top to turn golden brown and the center to set; your kitchen will fill with the most tantalizing fall aroma.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the Pumpkin French Toast Casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This little rest ensures nice, neat slices and allows all the flavors to settle perfectly before you dive in with a fork.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
Dress up each serving with a flourish of maple syrup, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These classic garnishes not only look gorgeous but add just the right touch of sweetness and indulgence to every bite. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans can elevate your casserole from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
The cozy richness of Pumpkin French Toast Casserole pairs beautifully with sides. Try serving it with crisp bacon, chicken sausage, or a simple fruit salad for a complete brunch spread. Even a pot of strong coffee or spiced chai makes an excellent companion, highlighting the pumpkin and spice flavors in the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go the extra mile, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch—perfect for brunch parties! Or, cut it into squares and plate them on a big wooden board, with bowls of syrup, whipped cream, and fruits on the side for guests to customize their plates. Pumpkin French Toast Casserole also looks stunning served family-style straight from the baking dish at the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is nothing short of a treat. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual servings to an airtight container, then pop it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days—making Monday mornings a lot more cheerful!
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Once cooled completely, wrap the baking dish securely with several layers of plastic wrap and foil, or portion out servings to freeze individually. Store for up to 2 months. When that pumpkin craving hits, you’ll have a slice ready in no time.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the casserole (covered with foil to prevent drying out) in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy! The texture and flavor hold up wonderfully, even after freezing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While brioche is my top pick for its richness and flavor, challah or Texas toast also work beautifully. Just be sure to use a hearty, sturdy bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart.
What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, you can blend your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. Roughly 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and a sprinkle of cloves will do the trick.
Do I have to chill the casserole overnight?
While an overnight chill ensures extra flavor and the best texture, a minimum of 4 hours is sufficient in a pinch. The key is to let the bread soak up that vibrant pumpkin custard so you get the signature pudding-like softness throughout.
Can I make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole dairy free?
Definitely. Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) and use a plant-based butter for the streusel. The casserole will still bake up rich and satisfying.
How do I avoid a soggy casserole?
Avoid sogginess by using day-old or lightly toasted bread, and bake the casserole uncovered. The streusel will crisp up while the inside stays custardy—just the way it should be!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a batch of Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with loved ones. From the enticing aroma as it bakes to the final drizzle of maple syrup, every bit brings warmth and joy to the table. Give it a try this weekend—you might just find it turns into your new favorite tradition!
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Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this make-ahead dish is filled with pumpkin spice goodness and topped with a crunchy streusel topping.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the cubed bread in an even layer. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugars, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Pour mixture over bread cubes, press gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans if using.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle streusel topping over casserole. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and set. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
- Challah or Texas toast can be used instead of brioche.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
