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Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and allow easy serving.
  2. Arrange the bread cubes: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base for the custard.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the casserole.
  7. 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.
  8. Add the topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked bread casserole to add a sweet, spiced crunch.
  9. Bake the casserole: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is fully set and cooked through.
  10. 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.