why make this recipe
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a cozy and delicious dish that combines the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. It’s perfect for fall mornings or special occasions like brunch. This casserole allows for easy preparation in advance, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
how to make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Ingredients :
- 1 lb. French bread (or brioche bread, or challah, day old + diced)
- 2 cups milk (see note)
- ½ cup heavy cream (see note)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vanilla
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold salted butter (diced)
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
Directions :
PREP: Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place the diced bread in the baking pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, pumpkin, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Pour the prepared custard over the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours and preferably overnight.
STREUSEL: Combine the light brown sugar, butter, all-purpose flour, pecans, and pumpkin spice in a small bowl. Using your fingertips, mix together until the butter breaks down into smaller pieces. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the French toast casserole.
BAKE: When ready to bake, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Sprinkle the prepared streusel mixture over the casserole evenly. Bake the casserole for 48-55 minutes or until the casserole is no longer jiggly. You may need to tent the casserole with a piece of foil if it starts browning too quickly around the 30-40 minute mark. Let cool for several minutes before slicing and serving! Serve warm with maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar.
how to serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
You can serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole warm straight from the oven. Drizzle some maple syrup on top, add a pat of butter, and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. It pairs well with fresh fruit or whipped cream if desired.
how to store Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
To store any leftover casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. It absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
- For added flavor, you can include chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries.
- Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar if you prefer a less sweet dish.
variation (if any)
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Additionally, swap the pecans for walnuts or omit nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.
FAQs
Can I prep this casserole the night before?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s best to use plain pumpkin puree as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the recipe.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when it is set and no longer jiggly in the center. If you insert a knife, it should come out clean.
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb French bread (or brioche bread, or challah, day old + diced) Day-old bread absorbs the custard better.
- 2 cups milk See note for alternatives.
- ½ cup heavy cream See note for alternatives.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Adjust sweetness to preference.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree Use plain pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vanilla
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Streusel Topping
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold salted butter (diced)
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans Can be swapped for walnuts or omitted for nut-free.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place the diced bread in the baking pan; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, pumpkin, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Pour the prepared custard over the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours and preferably overnight.
Streusel Preparation
- Combine the light brown sugar, butter, all-purpose flour, pecans, and pumpkin spice in a small bowl.
- Using your fingertips, mix together until the butter breaks down into smaller pieces. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the French toast casserole.
Baking
- When ready to bake, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Sprinkle the prepared streusel mixture over the casserole evenly.
- Bake the casserole for 48-55 minutes or until the casserole is no longer jiggly. Tent with foil if it starts browning too quickly around the 30-40 minute mark.
- Let cool for several minutes before slicing and serving!