If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dish takes the classic French toast experience up a notch by turning it into a luscious, custardy casserole infused with the vibrant flavors of pumpkin and autumn spices. It’s perfect for leisurely weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum warmth. With its golden, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a crispy, buttery topping, this casserole is a celebration of fall in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an irresistible dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s delivering tender bread soaked in fragrant pumpkin custard, adding a touch of sweetness, or bringing that all-important cozy spice blend that makes pumpkin recipes a seasonal favorite.
- 1 loaf day-old bread (French bread or challah): Day-old bread soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy, providing the ideal base texture.
- 6 large eggs: Eggs give the casserole structure and a rich, silky custard texture.
- 2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream): The liquid mixture adds richness and moisture for that creamy bite.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Pure pumpkin delivers naturally sweet, earthy flavor and gorgeous color.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the spices and pumpkin.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides a clean sweetness to round out the flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances all the flavors and brings warmth to the custard.
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice: The star seasoning that gives the dish its unmistakable autumn charm.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt brightens flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Optional add-ins (1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup dried cranberries): Nuts add crunch while cranberries bring a tart contrast.
- For the topping – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base for the crumble topping.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the topping as it bakes.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Ensures the topping echoes the comforting spice notes throughout.
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed: Cold butter cut into the topping gives it a crisp, crunchy finish.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing your 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later. This little step makes all the difference for a smooth release when your casserole is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Step 2: Add the Bread Cubes
Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. This sets the stage for the custard soak, spreading those pillows of bread so every bite is filled with pumpkin-spiced goodness.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth. This mixture is like autumn in a bowl—rich, fragrant, and bursting with cozy flavors.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard
Pour the pumpkin custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure each cube is lovingly coated. Gently press down to help the bread soak up that luscious pumpkin mixture, which will transform the texture into creamy perfection after baking.
Step 5: Let It Soak
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or, even better, overnight. This soaking period is where the magic happens—allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard and flavors, making every bite tender and juicy.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven hot is key to achieving that perfectly golden crust and a soft, custardy center.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
Mix the flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice for the crumble topping in a small bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This topping adds the signature sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the custard base.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the soaked bread, distributing that sugary-spiced goodness across the entire casserole so every slice has a delicious crusty finish.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the custard center is fully set but still tender. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting pumpkin spice aroma you can imagine.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it set completely, making for neat, satisfying portions that hold their structure beautifully.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup right on top. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon can also add a lovely finishing touch that complements the dish’s cozy spice blend.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or berries to cut through the richness. A side of crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory on your brunch table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch, or layer it with fresh berries and mascarpone in a trifle dish for a stunning brunch centerpiece. The Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe also shines beautifully topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and tastes just as wonderful when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you’ll have a quick, comforting breakfast ready to go.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This helps restore the topping’s crispness and the custard’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While French bread or challah are preferred for their texture and ability to soak up custard, you can also experiment with brioche or even whole wheat bread for a healthier spin. Just be sure it’s slightly stale for the best results.
Is it necessary to let the casserole soak overnight?
While soaking overnight enhances flavor and texture by allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard, a minimum of 3 hours will still yield a delicious outcome if you’re short on time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter for the topping. The casserole will still be tasty and comforting.
What other spices can I add to tweak the flavor?
In addition to pumpkin pie spice, you can add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to intensify the autumn spice profile. Just adjust to your taste preferences to keep it balanced.
Can I prepare this casserole without the crumble topping?
Definitely. The casserole will still be delicious without the topping, but the buttery pumpkin spice crumble adds a wonderful texture contrast and an extra flavor boost that’s worth trying at least once.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of biting into a slice of Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe that’s bursting with warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and a delightfully crunchy topping. Whether it’s a special holiday brunch or a relaxing weekend treat, this recipe offers comfort and joy in every mouthful. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved favorite that brings a little autumn magic into your kitchen and heart.
Print
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (including soaking time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a comforting, festive breakfast perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings. Made with day-old bread soaked in a rich pumpkin-spiced custard and baked to golden perfection with a crumbly spiced topping, it combines warm autumn flavors and creamy textures for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (French bread or challah recommended)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and allow easy serving.
- Arrange the bread cubes: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base for the custard.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or milk and cream), pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the pumpkin custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Gently press down the bread to help it absorb the custard evenly.
- Chill the casserole: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This soaking time allows maximum flavor absorption and custard setting.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the casserole.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Add the topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked bread casserole to add a sweet, spiced crunch.
- Bake the casserole: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is fully set and cooked through.
- Cool before serving: Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking. This resting time helps it set well and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute 1 cup of milk with 1 cup heavy cream.
- You can customize by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and dried cranberries into the casserole before baking.
- Day-old bread is best as it soaks up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and better texture.
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
