October 24, 2023
Review RecipePumpkin French Toast Casserole
This delicious pumpkin French toast casserole is the perfect way to enjoy a special breakfast loaded with soft bread, pumpkin, warm spices, and a streusel topping.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
Nothing says fall like the fragrant aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon from this pumpkin French toast casserole baking in your oven. This soft French toast is made from hearty bread layered with sweet pumpkin puree, a sticky brown sugar topping, and chopped pecans.
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Ingredients
If you’re a fan of pumpkin, then you’ll definitely want to try this delicious pumpkin French toast casserole.
This dish has all of the flavors of fall: rich, warm, and indulgent. The pumpkin is subtle but adds a depth that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg in the dish.
The French toast base is soft, with a slight crunch from the streusel topping. The casserole has pockets of pumpkin goodness scattered throughout.
You’ll need:
- 3 cups of whole milk
- 1 (15-ounce or 425-gram) can of pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of light brown sugar, tightly packed
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 14 to 15 ounces of cubed French bread (day-old bread)
PRO TIP:
Make sure you buy pure pumpkin purée and not canned pumpkin pie filling at the grocery store.
For The Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup of cold cubed salted sweet cream butter
- ½ cup of light brown sugar, tightly packed
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- ½ cup of maple syrup (optional drizzle)
- Vanilla ice cream or thawed whipped topping (optional garnish)
Substitutions And Additions
NUTS: For this breakfast recipe, you can substitute chopped walnuts for the chopped pecans in the streusel topping.
MIX-INS: You can add raisins, dried cranberries, dried craisins, or even chocolate chips.
TOPPING: You can sprinkle coarse sanding sugar over the streusel crumb topping to add a bit of sparkle and extra crunch.
BREAD: This easy French toast casserole recipe calls for day-old French bread, but you can use other types of leftover bread.
Just be sure you’re using sturdy white bread that will hold up well in the casserole.
Basic packaged white bread will become too soft and mushy in the casserole, so opt for very firm bread. Brioche would also be delicious.
How To Make This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
This delicious breakfast casserole takes only a little bit of prep work, most of which could be done the night before so that all you have to do is pop it in the oven in the morning.
Here’s how you make this recipe.
STEP ONE: Add the milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and eggs to a large bowl.
Whisk until combined, and no streaks of egg are visible.
STEP TWO: Generously spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish.
STEP THREE: Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cubed bread.
You can use a fork or spoon to gently press the bread cubes down into the pumpkin mixture to ensure that the bread cubes soak up the mixture.
Cover the baking dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You can let the casserole chill in the refrigerator overnight, covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, before topping and baking the next morning.
STEP FOUR: Just before you are ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350°F.
STEP FIVE: To make the streusel topping, add the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, flour, and pumpkin pie spice to a food processor.
Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
If you do not have a food processor, you can use a pastry blender to combine the ingredients.
Transfer the streusel ingredients to a medium bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans.
STEP SIX: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes away clean.
Remove the casserole from the oven and drizzle the maple syrup over the casserole. Allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your baked pumpkin casserole at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
How To Serve
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try pairing the pumpkin French toast bake with fresh fruit or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.
For a savory option, consider serving it with a side of bacon or sausage.
And, of course, no breakfast spread is complete without a piping-hot cup of coffee, pumpkin spice latte, or tea.
Pumpkin recipes are the perfect way to usher in the fall season. Our pumpkin donuts and pumpkin pudding are two more ways to take your pumpkin game to the next level.
MORE PUMPKIN RECIPES
Storage
Whether you want to savor it over a couple of days or save it for a special occasion, we’ll ensure your casserole stays as delicious as when it came fresh out of the oven.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning to get a head start on breakfast or brunch, you can absolutely make this pumpkin French toast casserole ahead of time.
Assemble the casserole following the recipe instructions up to the baking step.
Instead of popping it in the oven, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent any air from seeping in.
You can refrigerate the unbaked casserole overnight, and it will be ready to bake the next morning.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of this baked French toast casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the leftover pumpkin French toast casserole in an airtight container for up to one month.
Allow the casserole to thaw overnight before reheating and serving.
REHEATING: If you have frozen slices of the casserole, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For quick reheating, use the microwave by placing an individual slice on a microwave-safe plate and heating it on medium power for one to two minutes or until it’s heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the slices in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the casserole slices for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are warm and toasty.
Why We Love This Recipe
AUTUMN BLISS: This casserole is a delightful embodiment of fall flavors, featuring pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup that creates a cozy and comforting breakfast experience.
EFFORTLESS PREPARATION: Making this casserole is a breeze, perfect for those busy mornings or when you want to enjoy a delicious breakfast without the hassle of individual French toast.
MAKE AHEAD: Prepare it the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free and impressive breakfast.
When it comes to pumpkin French toast casserole, you can’t go wrong. This recipe is easy to make, with the perfect pumpkin flavor, and a brown sugar pecan crumb topping that is sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my French toast casserole soggy?
First, you need to make sure you are using older bread that is firm enough to stand up to the mixture. Fresher and softer bread contains too much moisture and will not soak up the egg custard, leaving the casserole with a less desirable texture.
Second, under-baking can be another reason for a soggy casserole. If the casserole is not yet set, but the top is browning very quickly, lay a piece of foil on top to slow down the browning process and allow the casserole more time to cook.
Can I freeze this French toast casserole?
You can freeze leftovers of this easy breakfast casserole, but you can also make this dish ahead of time and freeze the entire thing. Thaw and bake as instructed when you are ready to enjoy it.
What is the best bread to make French toast out of?
A hearty bread such as French bread or brioche is the best bread for this pumpkin casserole. A softer bread will end up soggy and not stand up to the custard mixture in this great recipe.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cream Cheese Banana Bread
- Snickerdoodle Bread
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream
- Cotton Candy Ice Cream
- Pecan Pie Ball
- Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
This delicious pumpkin French toast casserole is the perfect way to enjoy a special breakfast loaded with soft bread, pumpkin, warm spices, and a streusel topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree (425 grams)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 14 to 15 ounces cubed French bread, day-old bread
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup cold cubed salted sweet cream butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup maple syrup, optional drizzle
- Vanilla ice cream or thawed whipped topping, optional garnish
Instructions
- Add the milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and eggs to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until combined, and no streaks of egg are visible.
- Generously spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cubed bread. (You can use a fork or spoon to gently press the bread cubes down into the pumpkin mixture to ensure that the bread cubes soak up the mixture) Cover the baking dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
- Just before you are ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- To make the streusel topping, add the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, flour, and pumpkin pie spice to a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. (If you do not have a food processor, you can use a pastry blender to combine the ingredients) Transfer the streusel ingredients to a medium-sized bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the casserole. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes away clean. Remove the casserole from the oven and drizzle the maple syrup over the casserole. Allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving with vanilla ice cream or thawed whipped topping.
Notes
- Make sure you buy pure pumpkin purée and not canned pumpkin pie filling at the grocery store.
- You can let the casserole chill in the refrigerator overnight, covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, before topping and baking the next morning.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your baked pumpkin casserole at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
Nutrition
Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 5992IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 3mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Even More Recipes You’ll Love
Pumpkin Recipes
- 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Pumpkin Donut Holes
- Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies
- Mini Pumpkin Pies
- Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Crunch Cake
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie
Breakfast Recipes
- Banana Bread
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
- Sheet Pan Breakfast
- Carrot Bread
- Hashbrown Bites
- Cream Horns
Comments
Jennifer says
We fixed this for a friends and family dinner and it was devoured! Amazing!