The Ultimate Fall Breakfast: Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Few things embody the essence of autumn like the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole takes everything you love about pumpkin pie and French toast and combines them into one delicious dish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this casserole is ideal for cozy mornings or special holiday gatherings.
With a tender, custard-soaked base and a crunchy, spiced topping, this casserole brings a delightful contrast of textures. The added bonus? It’s easy to prepare the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and wait for the heavenly aroma to fill your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the casserole the night before for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
- Rich Pumpkin Flavor: Real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices infuse every bite with autumnal goodness.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Serves up to 12, making it a crowd-pleaser for holidays or weekend brunches.
- Customizable: Add nuts, cranberries, or a drizzle of maple syrup to make it your own.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and seasonal ingredients for a wallet-friendly recipe.
The Secret to Perfect Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
The key to this casserole is using day-old bread. French bread or challah works best because they’re sturdy and soak up the custard mixture without becoming mushy. Letting the bread sit in the pumpkin custard overnight ensures every cube is packed with flavor. The buttery streusel topping adds the perfect crunch, while the pumpkin spice blend ties it all together.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf day-old bread: French bread or challah cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 6 large eggs: Provides the rich custard base.
- 2 cups whole milk: Or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream for extra decadence.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Adds flavor and moisture (not pumpkin pie filling).
- ½ cup brown sugar: For a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Optional add-ins: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, ¼ cup dried cranberries.
For the Topping
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the streusel.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the topping with warm flavors.
- ¼ cup cold butter: Cubed for a crumbly streusel topping.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the dish.
Step 2: Make 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.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the custard. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- A Cup of Coffee: Add a dash of pumpkin spice for a cozy morning treat.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced apples, pears, or berries for a light, refreshing contrast.
- Breakfast Meats: Bacon or sausage links add a savory balance to the sweet casserole.
- Yogurt Parfait: A creamy side dish with granola and fresh fruit complements the flavors perfectly.
Tips for Success
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread soaks up the custard better, ensuring a rich texture.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking Time: Overnight soaking ensures the custard fully infuses the bread.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.
- Make it Your Own: Swap pecans for walnuts, or add raisins for a fruity twist.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, brioche, sourdough, or any sturdy bread will work well.
2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use almond milk or coconut milk and a dairy-free butter alternative.
3. What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
4. Can I bake it immediately instead of soaking overnight?
For best results, let it soak for at least 3 hours. However, you can bake it right away if needed.
5. Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Yes, mix the streusel topping and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 325
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old bread cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chopped nuts or cranberries
- Topping:
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup cold butter cubed
Instructions
- Prep bread and mix custard. Pour over bread and soak.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
- Add streusel topping and bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes.
- Cool, slice, and serve with whipped cream or syrup.