This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a warm and cozy dish perfect for fall! With layers of bread soaked in spiced pumpkin goodness, it’s a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch.
Imagine waking up to that sweet, pumpkin smell wafting through your kitchen—yummy! I love to top mine with maple syrup and whipped cream, making every bite extra special! 🍁😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah works great for this casserole due to their richness. If you’re looking for a healthier option or something less sweet, try whole grain or sourdough bread.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. You can also use homemade pumpkin puree if you have it on hand!
Dairy: Whole milk adds richness, but if you’re lactose intolerant, feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead! For an extra creamy texture, consider half-and-half.
Pecans: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have nut allergies, you can skip them or substitute with chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch to the dish!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Set?
Getting the perfect texture for your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is key! After pouring your custard over the bread, let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the mixture well. Keep an eye on the baking time—remove it from the oven when the top is golden brown and the center is set to achieve that wonderful texture.
- Cover with foil initially to ensure even cooking, then uncover for a crispy top.
- Don’t skip the resting time before baking; it makes all the difference!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole takes approximately 15 minutes to prep, followed by about 50-55 minutes to bake. After letting it cool slightly, it’s ready to serve! A perfect dish for a cozy breakfast or holiday brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Assemble the Bread Base:
Evenly place the cubed brioche or challah bread into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the bread for added crunch and flavor.
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Bread and Custard:
Pour the pumpkin-egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure to press down gently to help the bread soak up the custard. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld and the bread can absorb the mixture.
5. Preheat Your Oven:
While the bread is soaking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for baking!
6. Add the Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. This adds delicious richness and a lovely golden finish when baked.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will keep it moist during the initial baking.
8. Finish Baking:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is nicely golden brown.
9. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This helps everything set up a bit more.
10. Serve with Toppings:
Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and extra pecans if desired. Enjoy this delightful, cozy dish!
Perfect for any fall morning, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is sure to please your friends and family!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their flavor and texture, you can use any bread you have on hand, like sourdough, whole grain, or even bagels. Just make sure it’s stale or toasted to help absorb the custard mixture!
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Just follow all the steps up to pouring the custard over the bread, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply take it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, and then bake as instructed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop portions in the microwave or warm in the oven until heated through. You can add a splash of milk to keep it moist when reheating!
Can I Substitute the Pumpkin Purée?
If you’re looking for a variation, you could substitute with sweet potato purée or even mashed bananas for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the spice balance may need slight adjustments to match the sweetness or flavor of the alternative.