Description
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is the perfect fall breakfast or brunch dish. It combines the comforting flavors of traditional French toast with the warm, aromatic spices of pumpkin pie.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (French bread or challah work great!)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- For the topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. In a small bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
10. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, use day-old bread so it holds up well when soaked.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can be assembled the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 125mg