If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy autumn breakfast, look no further than this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. It captures all the warm, spicy, and gently sweet flavors you adore in pumpkin pie, with the added comfort of soft, custardy bread and a buttery streusel topping. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or just want to make a regular weekend extra special, this bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bonus: you can prepare it the night before, making your morning a breeze and your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering everything for Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is pure joy: simple staples come together to make pure magic. Each ingredient plays its own starring role, adding flavor, richness, or wonderful texture to the finished dish.
- French bread or brioche: These sturdy breads hold up perfectly to the custard soak, creating that dreamy soft interior without turning mushy.
- Large eggs: The backbone of your custard! Eggs bind everything together and give the casserole its creamy, luscious texture.
- Milk: This keeps the custard light and velvety, blending seamlessly with the eggs and bread.
- Pumpkin purée: The star of the show! Pumpkin brings gorgeous color and that classic seasonal taste.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramelly sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spices.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash builds the flavor base, adding cozy, aromatic depth.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that iconic fall spice, cinnamon shines in both the custard and streusel.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch boosts warmth and complexity, enhancing the pumpkin and other spices.
- Ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that brightens the whole dish—especially lovely with pumpkin.
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens and balances all the sweet, spicy notes throughout the casserole.
- All-purpose flour (for streusel): Flour gives the topping its signature crumbly texture.
- Brown sugar (for streusel): Brings molasses-rich flavor and sweetness to the crunchy topping.
- Cinnamon (for streusel): Echoes the flavors in the custard, tying everything together.
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): When cut into the dry ingredients, this creates buttery pockets in every bite of streusel.
- Chopped pecans (optional): If you love a nutty crunch, pecans add incredible texture and a toasty finish.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread Base
Start by grabbing your favorite French bread or brioche and slicing it into hearty, 1-inch cubes. Fill a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish with the bread cubes, making sure they’re spread evenly from edge to edge. This base sets the stage for all the delicious flavors to be soaked up later!
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Take an extra moment to ensure everything is smooth and well-blended—the richer the custard, the better your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole will be! Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure each piece gets a good soak. Gently press down with your hands or a spatula to help the bread absorb all that goodness.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Soak
Cover your assembled casserole tightly and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you want to make things even easier in the morning. This chill time is magical: the bread soaks up every drop of those flavors, ensuring your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is custardy throughout and full of warmth in every bite.
Step 4: Mix Up the Streusel Topping
As your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C), whisk together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly and irresistible. If you love a little crunch, fold in the chopped pecans. This topping is what gives the casserole that bakery-worthy finish!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over your soaked bread, covering every nook and cranny. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden and the center feels set but tender. The aroma will have everyone lining up at the kitchen door! Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into eager portions.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
The beauty of Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is how easily it can be dressed up. A drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream on top make each bite extra special. For a pop of color and added freshness, try a scatter of fresh berries or a handful of toasted pecans.
Side Dishes
A casserole like this shines when served with simple, complementary sides. Crispy bacon, hash browns, or a bright citrus fruit salad make perfect partners. The combination of sweet and savory brings balance to your breakfast spread, letting the Pumpkin French Toast Casserole remain the star.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a brunch or family gathering, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming touch. For kids (or fun-loving adults), cut the cooled casserole into thick sticks for “French Toast dippers” and serve with small bowls of maple or caramel sauce. It also looks lovely simply spooned out family-style with a big smile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After breakfast, cover any leftover Pumpkin French Toast Casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers are often just as delicious as the first slice!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this casserole, slice into portions and wrap each piece individually or place them in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole back to life, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick mornings or in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 15 minutes if you’re feeding a group. A quick warm-up restores that lovely soft custard and crunchy topping without drying things out.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and use a gluten-free flour blend for the streusel. It comes out just as cozy and delicious, perfect for sharing with everyone.
Is it possible to prepare the casserole more than one day ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the streusel) up to 24 hours in advance. Wait to add the streusel until just before baking to keep it crisp and irresistible.
Can I substitute the dairy to make this recipe dairy-free?
Of course! Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and use a plant-based butter for the streusel. The flavor and texture will still turn out beautifully.
Do I need to use day-old bread?
Day-old bread does work best, since it absorbs the custard without falling apart, but if your bread is fresh, simply cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or toast briefly in the oven to dry it out slightly first.
How do I know the casserole is fully baked?
The edges will be golden and the center should feel set (not jiggly) when gently pressed. If you like, insert a knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean, with just a bit of moisture from the custard.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to welcome some joy and warmth into your kitchen, this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is the answer. Whether you’re making it for loved ones or treating yourself to a special breakfast, the luscious custard and crumbly streusel make every forkful a taste of fall comfort. Give it a try—and get ready for it to become your new autumn favorite!
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Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for a special holiday breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (about 14–16 ounces) French bread or brioche (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the cubed bread.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using.
- Bake: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure all the bread is soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Notes
- Serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Great for make-ahead holiday breakfasts or brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
