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
Scale
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.
