Description

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a rich and comforting breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings. This easy, make-ahead recipe combines chunks of bread soaked in a creamy pumpkin custard, spiced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Baked to golden perfection, the casserole is crispy on top and soft inside, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s versatile, crowd-friendly, and can be customized with different toppings like streusel, whipped cream, or maple syrup. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or preparing a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish brings the taste of fall to the table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 15-18 oz loaf of stale white bread*, such as challah, French bread, or Brioche
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
5 large eggs
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, or make your own – see recipe notes
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23 x 33 cm) glass baking pan.
Cut the loaf of bread into small cubes or rip into pieces with your hands. Place the bread in the prepared pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, pumpkin spice and vanilla extract.
Pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread and gently stir (if needed) to ensure that the bread is evenly coated.

Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl stir together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin pie spice and chopped pecans.
Stir in the melted butter.

If Baking Immediately

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) degrees.
Sprinkle/crumble the streusel over the French toast casserole.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

If Baking the Next Morning

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place in the fridge overnight.
Cover the bowl of streusel with plastic wrap and place in the fridge.
When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350F (180C) degrees.
Sprinkle the streusel over the French toast casserole.
Bake covered with aluminum foil for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes.

Notes

Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before, allowing the bread to absorb the custard for extra flavor. Simply refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning.
Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Bread: Use sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for the best texture. If the bread is fresh, toast it in the oven or leave it out overnight to dry.
Customization: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. For a richer version, swirl cream cheese into the casserole before baking.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Pair with bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.
Dietary Options: Use gluten-free bread and non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for a gluten-free or dairy-free version.