Cozy Morning Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe

Lazy weekend mornings call for something special, and this creamy pumpkin French toast casserole delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Autumn’s favorite flavors blend seamlessly into a decadent breakfast that will make you swoon.

Warm spices dance through soft bread soaked in a rich, custardy mixture that screams cozy mornings.

Layers of soft bread absorb every drop of the pumpkin-infused custard, creating a dreamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper sweet promises of comfort with each delectable bite.

Prepare to transform your breakfast routine with this make-ahead marvel that serves up pure morning magic.

Grab a fork and dive into this irresistible breakfast sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pumpkin French Toast Bake – Why It’s a Fall Favorite

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish the night before, making it perfect for stress-free holiday mornings or lazy weekend breakfasts with zero morning hassle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm pumpkin spices and crunchy pecans, this casserole delivers a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a cool morning.
• Versatile Serving: Easily adaptable for special occasions like family gatherings, brunch parties, or as a delicious weekend treat that everyone from kids to grandparents will love.

What You Need for Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Bread: A cozy base that soaks up all the delicious pumpkin flavors.

Pumpkin Puree: Creamy and smooth, bringing autumn magic to the dish.

Eggs: The binding hero that holds everything together.

Milk: Silky liquid that adds richness and moisture.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet companions that caramelize and add depth.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm and fragrant blend of classic fall spices.
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle flavor enhancer with sweet undertones.

• Flour: The structural foundation for a crumbly topping.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide a delightful texture contrast.
• Butter: Rich and golden, making the streusel perfectly crisp.

• Aluminum Foil: Kitchen helper for even baking and moisture control.

Step-by-Step Guide for Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Prepare Baking Vessel

Lightly coat a 9×13 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Bread Preparation

Tear or slice bread into bite-sized cubes.

Spread bread pieces evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Create Pumpkin Mixture

• Whole milk
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Coat Bread

Pour pumpkin mixture over bread cubes.

Gently fold to ensure every bread piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 5: Develop Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Chopped pecans

Step 6: Finish Streusel

Drizzle melted butter into the dry streusel ingredients.

Stir until mixture becomes crumbly.

Step 7: Baking Immediately

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Sprinkle streusel evenly over the pumpkin-soaked bread.

Step 8: Initial Baking

Cover casserole with aluminum foil.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Step 9: Final Baking

Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 10: Overnight Option

Alternatively, cover casserole and streusel separately.

Refrigerate overnight.

Next morning, remove from refrigerator, sprinkle streusel, and follow baking instructions.

Step 11: Serving

Allow casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Optionally top with powdered sugar or maple syrup.

Tips for Baking Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

• Assemble the entire casserole the night before and store in the refrigerator for a hassle-free breakfast that saves you precious morning time.
• Choose slightly stale or day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for better absorption of the pumpkin mixture and a more custardy texture.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on personal preference or dietary needs by reducing sugar or using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
• Ensure streusel is evenly crumbled and not packed down to create a crispy, textured topping that adds delightful crunch to the casserole.
• Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra protein and sprinkle chia seeds or ground flaxseed for added nutritional value.

Store and Reheat French Toast the Right Way

• – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm and steamy. For best texture, warm in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore the crispy streusel topping and prevents sogginess. Avoid freezing, as the custard base can separate and change texture when thawed.

Great Side Dishes for Pumpkin French Toast

• Elevate Breakfast Pairings
• Create Maple-Pecan Coffee Combo: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel and serve alongside the casserole. The nutty, warm beverage complements the pumpkin spice and pecan streusel perfectly.
• Enhance with Bacon-Wrapped Delight: Prepare crispy maple-glazed bacon strips as a savory side. The salty, sweet bacon adds a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet French toast casserole.
• Refresh with Cinnamon Apple Cider: Warm up fresh apple cider with a sprinkle of cinnamon. This seasonal drink echoes the warm spices in the casserole and provides a light, fruity balance to the rich breakfast dish.
• Garnish with Whipped Cream Indulgence: Top the casserole with a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with a touch of vanilla and sprinkled with extra pumpkin pie spice. This creamy addition elevates the entire breakfast experience.

Sweet Add-On Ideas for French Toast Bake

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes and use a gluten-free flour blend for the streusel topping. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter in the streusel topping for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Nut-Free Variation: Omit pecans from the streusel topping or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, egg substitute like flax eggs, and swap butter with coconut oil. Choose a vegan bread and replace eggs with mashed banana or commercial egg replacer.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use challah, brioche, or day-old French bread. Avoid very soft or fresh bread as it might become too mushy.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free bread. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this casserole less sweet?

Reduce the sugar by half or use a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also skip the streusel topping to lower overall sweetness.

• Can I freeze this pumpkin French toast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this delightful Pumpkin French Toast Casserole, blending warm autumn spices with creamy custard. Sweet pumpkin layers and crisp bread edges create a luxurious breakfast that will charm weekend brunch guests and family alike.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 15-18 ounces (425–510 grams) loaf of stale white bread, such as challah, French bread, or Brioche
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) milk

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) white sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, or make your own see recipe notes

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious 9×13 inch glass baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Transform the bread into rustic chunks by either slicing or tearing into irregular pieces, then distribute evenly across the greased pan.
3. Craft a luxurious pumpkin custard by whisking together milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Gently cascade the aromatic pumpkin mixture over the bread, carefully ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly saturated and coated.
5. Create a decadent streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl.
6. Introduce melted butter to the dry streusel ingredients, mixing until the texture becomes crumbly and cohesive.
7. Heat the oven to 350F (180C), positioning a rack in the center of the oven.
8. Generously scatter the streusel mixture across the top of the prepared casserole, creating an even, textured layer.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the base to set.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
11. For overnight preparation, cover the casserole and streusel separately with plastic wrap, refrigerating until ready to bake.
12. When prepared to serve, remove from refrigerator, uncover, and bake following the same temperature and timing instructions.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Let bread slightly stale overnight for better absorption of pumpkin mixture, creating a more custardy texture.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a vegan or lactose-free version.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the streusel topping.
• Experiment with different bread types like challah or brioche for a richer, more decadent breakfast casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 278
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg