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.