If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn, you have to try this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe. This dish masterfully blends soft, buttery brioche or challah bread with a rich pumpkin custard infused with warm spices, creating the perfect bake for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. Whether you’re making it ahead or serving it fresh out of the oven, this casserole offers a dreamy combination of flavors that feel both indulgent and comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from the creamy pumpkin puree that adds velvety texture to the fragrant pumpkin pie spice that delivers that signature fall warmth. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Brioche or Challah bread (1 loaf, about 14 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose something soft and slightly sweet for the best custard absorption.
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient that gives this dish its creamy texture and distinct pumpkin flavor.
- Large eggs (6): These bind the casserole and give the custard its rich structure.
- Milk (1 1/2 cups, whole or 2%): Adds moisture and creaminess to the custard base.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Boosts the richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the flavors with just a touch of sweetness.
- Pumpkin pie spice (2 teaspoons): Essential for warming notes like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a lovely aromatic boost.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Small but mighty, it balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky texture to the custard.
- Topping – all-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Creates the base of a crumbly, crispy streusel.
- Topping – brown sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the topping and helps it brown beautifully.
- Topping – cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant spice to the crumbly crust.
- Topping – cold butter (1/4 cup, cubed): Cut into the flour mixture for that perfect streusel texture.
- Topping – chopped pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Offers crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to skip or swap for walnuts.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick. Spread the cubed brioche or challah bread evenly in the dish, making sure to fill it evenly for a great texture.
Step 2: Whisk the pumpkin custard
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter. Whisk everything vigorously until you have a smooth, well-blended custard.
Step 3: Soak the bread in custard
Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then gently press the bread down so it soaks up the custard. This soaking step is key to getting every bite flavorful and luscious. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
Step 4: Prepare the streusel topping
Before baking, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut the cold butter into the mixture until you get coarse crumbs, then stir in pecans if you’re using them. This topping will add an irresistible crispy layer once baked.
Step 5: Bake until golden and set
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the center. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe even more special, top it with a drizzle of pure maple syrup or dollops of freshly whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely snowy contrast that makes every bite feel festive and indulgent.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to brighten the plate. For a savory balance, consider bacon or sausage on the side, which complements the sweetness of the dish perfectly and adds satisfying variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at brunch. Or sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch that’s both seasonal and unexpected. You can even layer it with cream cheese between bread layers before soaking for a delightful twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pumpkin French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftover bites just as tasty as fresh ones.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking if you want a truly ready-made breakfast option. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
When reheating, pop your slice in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes to restore that freshly baked texture. You can also microwave it, but the oven keeps the topping crisp and the custard creamy for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread besides brioche or challah?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah give the richest results due to their soft, buttery nature, you can use French bread, sourdough, or even a sturdy white bread if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the custard soaking time might vary slightly.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole before baking?
Refrigerating allows the bread to soak up the pumpkin custard fully, resulting in a more custardy and flavorful bake. Although you can bake right away, the texture and taste will be less profound, so we highly recommend the chill time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Swap the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based milks like oat or almond milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter. The flavors stay delicious, though the texture may be a touch lighter.
What is the best pumpkin pie spice substitute?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, combine 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. This will mimic the warm spice mixture perfectly.
How long does the Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe serve?
This recipe comfortably serves about eight hungry guests, making it perfect for family gatherings or brunch parties. Leftovers can be saved too for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe truly embodies the flavors and coziness of fall breakfasts. Its rich custard, soft bread, and crunchy topping come together in a way that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, don’t hesitate to make this show-stopping breakfast your new seasonal favorite.
Print
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus chill time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a cozy, fall-inspired breakfast bake that combines warm spices, soft brioche or challah bread, and rich pumpkin custard. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or make-ahead breakfasts that taste like dessert but feel like home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the cubed brioche or challah bread inside.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the pumpkin custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to help the bread soak up the custard fully. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for better flavor and texture.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans if using.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. For best experience, serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Best made ahead and refrigerated overnight for maximum flavor and texture.
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave for up to 3 days.
