This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a warm, cozy dish perfect for fall mornings. Packed with pumpkin goodness, it’s sweet and spiced just right!
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just layer bread, pour over a creamy pumpkin mix, and bake. It’s like having dessert for breakfast—who could resist? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: For this casserole, I recommend using brioche or challah since they’re soft and soak up the custard beautifully. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole grain bread works too—just ensure it’s not too dense.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and gives great flavor. If you want to make it from scratch, roast a small pumpkin, blend it until smooth, and use it in place of canned. Just avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it’s sweetened and spiced already!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, feel free to swap in milk or half-and-half. I often use a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with lower fat content.
Nuts: While pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, you can omit them for nut allergies. You could substitute seeds like sunflower seeds for a similar crunch or add chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Is Fluffy and Not Soggy?
The key to a good French toast casserole is allowing the bread cubes to soak in the pumpkin custard without going overboard. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Use stale or day-old bread. Fresh bread may become too mushy.
- Press down the bread gently after pouring the custard to ensure it soaks through evenly.
- Chilling the casserole overnight is a must. It gives the bread time to absorb the liquid while the spices meld together.
- To check for doneness, insert a knife in the center. It should come out clean if the custard is set.
With these tips, your casserole will turn out fluffy and delicious every time!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 12 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare initially. You’ll want to let it chill for a minimum of 4 hours, but overnight is best. After chilling, it will take around 45-50 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can enjoy this deliciousness in about 5 hours, plus baking time!
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 sticking.
2. Arrange the Bread:
Evenly place the cubed brioche or challah bread into the prepared baking dish. Make sure the pieces are spread out nicely to soak up all that yummy custard!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens with all the pumpkin flavor!
4. Soak the Bread:
Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down lightly to help the bread absorb the custard. Make sure every piece gets a good soaking!
5. Add Nuts (Optional):
If you’re using pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the mixture for some added crunch.
6. Refrigerate:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours. If you can, leave it overnight to let those flavors blend beautifully!
7. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so that your casserole bakes evenly.
8. Prepare to Bake:
Take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it bake evenly.
9. Add Butter Topping:
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole for a delicious golden finish!
10. Bake:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place your casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
11. Cool Slightly:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps with slicing and serving.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and don’t forget to drizzle it with maple syrup for that extra sweetness. Enjoy this comforting dish with friends and family!
Happy cooking! 🍂🥞
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are great choices for their softness, you can use any bread you have on hand. Whole grain or sourdough can work as well, but avoid very dense breads that won’t soak up the custard.
How Do I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
This casserole is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it the night before by following all the steps up to refrigerating. Just bake it in the morning when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. If you prefer a richer taste, consider using a non-dairy creamer or coconut milk as alternatives.
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, place individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven covered with foil until heated through.
