Amazing Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe

The scent of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen is one of my favorite things about fall. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole recipe with you! It’s the perfect cozy breakfast or brunch, and the total time, including prep and baking, is approximately 55 minutes. Get ready for a delicious treat!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

• It’s easy to make ahead for those busy mornings when you need a comforting breakfast without the fuss.
• The balance of sweet and spicy pumpkin flavor is just perfect, making every bite a delight.
• It’s comforting and delicious for any occasion, from weekend brunches to holiday gatherings.
• I love that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole:

• 1 (12–14-ounce) loaf French bread, brioche, sourdough bread, or challah\*
• 1 cup (226g) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice\*
• 6 large eggs
• 2 and 1/3 cups (560ml) whole milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (69g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup (100g) roughly chopped pecans\*
• for serving: pure maple syrup

Best Bread for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

The type of bread you use can really make a difference in your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. French bread is a classic choice, offering a nice, sturdy texture. Brioche will give you a richer, more tender result. Sourdough adds a slight tang that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully. Challah, with its slightly sweet flavor, is another great option.

For best results, I like to let the bread sit out to dry a bit or even toast it slightly. This helps it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy. Using stale bread works wonderfully, but even slightly dried-out fresh bread can do the trick.

Many people enjoy some of our other recipes featuring bread, such as our recipe for Ultimate Banana Bread Cookies.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create your own Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole:

• Step 1: Slice and cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Let the cubed bread sit out uncovered for a few hours or up to 1 day. (If you don’t have enough time, see Bread note below.)
• Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or any 3.5-4 quart baking dish) or spray with nonstick spray. Spread cubes of bread in the dish.
• Step 3: Whisk pumpkin, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl. Pour evenly over bread.
• Step 4: Cover the pan tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and up to 1 day. This gives the bread a chance to soak up the pumpkin custard and is a key step in this recipe.
• Step 5: Mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together. Add the cold butter and using a pastry cutter or fork, cut butter into the brown sugar mixture until pea-size crumbles form. You can also use your hands to mix it together. Stir in the pecans. Cover and refrigerate (separately, do not add to soaking casserole) until ready to use in step 7. Can be refrigerated for just 15 minutes or up to 1 day. The colder it is, the less likely it will sink down and get lost in the casserole.
• Step 6: Remove casserole from the refrigerator and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Step 7: Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over casserole and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, and then cover with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes or until center appears set and is no longer runny. The total time this casserole takes is 45-55 minutes.
• Step 8: Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving. Casserole deflates slightly as it cools. Feel free to drizzle maple syrup on top of entire casserole or on individual servings.
• Step 9: Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

The Importance of Letting It Soak

Soaking the bread is a critical step in making this casserole. It allows the bread to fully absorb the pumpkin custard, which results in a soft and flavorful texture. You’ll notice the bread will slightly puff up and become saturated with the custard as it soaks. Trust me, don’t skip this step, it’s what makes the casserole so delicious!

You may also enjoy the great recipes we have in our bakes & sweets category.

Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the things I love most about this casserole is that you can make it ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. This makes it perfect for prepping the night before a special breakfast or brunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need to make a few swaps based on what you have on hand or dietary needs. Here are some easy substitutions I recommend:

Ingredient	Substitution Options
Whole Milk	Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
Pumpkin Pie Spice	Mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves
All-Purpose Flour	Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
French Bread	Gluten-free bread, brioche, challah
Brown Sugar	Coconut sugar, maple syrup (adjust liquid accordingly)
Butter	Dairy-free butter alternative

Flavor Variations

I’m all about customizing recipes to make them your own! For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips, different nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even dried cranberries to your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole.

A swirl of caramel can also add a decadent touch. Another recipe that is perfect for fall is our Ultimate Apple Cider Cookies Recipe For Fall.

Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Here are a few of my favorite tips for ensuring your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Use cold butter for the streusel topping. This helps create those perfect crumbly bits.
• Make sure the bread is evenly soaked in the custard for a consistent texture.
• Keep an eye on the topping to prevent it from burning. If it starts to get too dark, cover the casserole with foil during the last part of baking.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Casserole is too soggy: Use slightly stale bread, don’t oversoak it, and bake uncovered for a longer time.
• Topping burns: Cover with foil during the last part of baking.
• Not sweet enough: Drizzle with extra maple syrup after baking.
• Casserole is dry: Ensure you have adequate custard to bread ratio, and don’t overbake it.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Did you know you can even make this casserole in a slow cooker? To avoid sogginess, use slightly less milk than the recipe calls for and cook on low heat. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it.

Use different slow cooker sizes and power levels based on how many people you are serving.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this casserole with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It also pairs wonderfully with other breakfast items like a refreshing fruit salad.

How to Store and Reheat

Store any leftover casserole in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. To prevent drying out, cover it while reheating.

FAQs about Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Here are some common questions I get about this recipe:

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a dish. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and perfect for creating memorable moments.

I really hope you try it and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below with any questions or share your results if you give it a go. Happy baking!

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