This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a warm, cozy dish perfect for fall breakfasts. It’s filled with soft bread, eggs, and sweet pumpkin spice goodness!
Just imagine the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen—heavenly! I love to top mine with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Yum! 🥞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old bread: For the best texture, use French bread or brioche, which often gets lovely and custardy. If you don’t have either, any sturdy bread will do. Just avoid super soft bread, as it may become mushy.
Pumpkin puree: This is the star of the dish! Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but fresh pumpkin works too. Just roast and puree it until smooth. Sweet potatoes can also be a fun swap if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Eggs: They help bind everything together. If you need a substitute, try a mix of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, or use commercial egg replacers.
Milk: Whole milk will make the dish creamy, but you can use any milk, such as almond or oat milk, for a dairy-free option. If you prefer an extra-rich texture, half and half is great!
Pumpkin pie spice: This gives a warm flavor. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Use according to your taste preferences—some spices might appeal more to you!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Bread for Casserole?
Making the casserole requires the bread to soak up the creamy custard mixture without getting too soggy. It’s essential to use day-old bread since it’s a bit drier. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. This helps it soak evenly.
- If your bread isn’t stale, toast it in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10-15 minutes. This will dry it out slightly.
- Layer the bread cubes evenly in your baking dish to ensure all pieces get coated.
By prepping the bread right, you’ll achieve that perfect custardy center and crispy topping that everyone loves!
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (such as French bread or brioche), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or half and half for creamier)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
To Serve:
- Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
- Maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 20 minutes for preparation and requires at least 4 hours to chill (preferably overnight). Baking takes an additional 45-55 minutes. So, if you prep the night before, your morning will be a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This will help your casserole come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Evenly place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the cubes are nicely spread out to soak up all that delicious custard!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat this mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. It should smell wonderful!
4. Combine Bread and Custard:
Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with your hands to help it soak up the custard. You want each piece to be coated well!
5. Chill the Casserole:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This allows the bread to soak fully and absorb all those yummy flavors.
6. Make the Streusel Topping:
In another medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until you get a crumbly texture. If you like pecans, toss them in as well!
7. Add the Topping and Bake:
After chilling, remove the casserole from the fridge and scatter the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center. Test it by inserting a knife—it should come out mostly clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly. When you’re ready to serve, dish it up warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt. Don’t forget a drizzle of maple syrup for that sweet finish!
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, a perfect way to embrace the autumn spirit!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! Just roast a fresh pumpkin until soft, then scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth. This will give your casserole a deliciously fresh flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Substitute the whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk. You can also use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a richer texture.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s advisable to refrigerate it overnight after combining the bread and custard. This helps the bread soak in all the flavors and ensures a custardy texture when baked.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
