5 from 7 votes
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Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe

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Pumpkin French toast casserole is a delicious breakfast casserole made with bread, pumpkin pie spice seasoning, pumpkin puree, milk, and more. This baked French toast recipe is topped with a brown sugar crumble.

Slice of Baked Pumpkin French Toast drizzled with maple syrup sitting on a white plate.

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Pumpkin lovers will love this easy and delicious breakfast recipe. Now, the streusel topping is my favorite part of this casserole dish recipe. Plus it can be an overnight French toast casserole recipe if you want.

Make sure to check out this ham and egg breakfast casserole or these easy 3 ingredient Blueberry Bagels for tasty options to pair with your casserole.

What Is French Toast?

French toast is a classic breakfast dish steeped in history, tracing its origins back to the Roman Empire. Technically a form of bread pudding, it is traditionally prepared by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then pan-frying until golden brown. 

French toast is cherished for its soft, custard-like texture on the inside and its crispy, caramelized exterior. It can be sweetened with sugar or syrup and served with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream. Its inherent versatility has sparked numerous variations around the world, including the Pumpkin French Toast Casserole.

Why This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe Is Popular

Pumpkin lovers will love this easy and delicious breakfast recipe. Now, the streusel topping is my favorite part in this casserole dish recipe. Plus it can be an overnight French toast casserole recipe if you want.

Make sure to check out this ham and egg breakfast casserole or these easy 3 ingredient Blueberry Bagels for tasty options to pair with your casserole.

Ingredients For Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Ingredients for Pumpkin French Toast sitting on a marble countertop.
  • Eggs – A staple in French toast recipes, eggs form the custard base filling, giving the dish its characteristic texture.
  • Spices – The warm spice undertones of cinnamon and pumpkin spice blend infuse the French toast with a delightful aroma and subtle spiciness.
  • White Sugar – A dash of granulated sugar enhances the sweetness of the dish, complementing the other ingredients wonderfully. 
  • Pumpkin Puree – For this recipe, it’s essential to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie mix, ensuring an authentic and balanced pumpkin flavor.
  • Milk – You can use any type of milk, but whole milk tends to lend a richer flavor to the casserole.
  • Bread – The best bread to opt for is Brioche or Texas toast for this recipe, as they offer the ideal thickness and fluffiness.
  • Brown Sugar – This ingredient is an integral part of the crumbled topping, adding a sweet and slightly molasses-like flavor.
  • Flour – Flour is used in the crumble topping mixture, contributing to the crisp texture when sprinkled on top.
  • Butter – It’s recommended to use real butter that’s been softened to room temperature to ensure optimal blending with other ingredients.

Substitutions And Variations

  • You can use a variety of bread. Brioche bread, Challah bread, French bread, or any other sturdy type of bread. Now you will find that fresh bread is too soft and can become a bit too mushy. Stale bread is best.
  • Add in 1/4 cup room temperature cream cheese to the custard mixture to give it a creamier texture.
  • Leave off the topping if you want. Top with shelled pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch factor.
  • Use egg whites in replace of whole eggs.
  • You could make a cinnamon streusel with brown sugar pecan topping with cinnamon and oats. This will elevate flavors.

How To Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Step One: Prepare the casserole dish and prep the oven. Set the pan to the side.

Step Two: Place your bread in the baking dish with a staggered layer. (Photo 1)

Step Three: In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs until frothy. Then add in the vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, sugar, and puree. Whisk until fully combined. Stir in the milk. (Photo 2)

Collage of creating and assembling pumpkin French toast casserole.

Step Four: Pour the pumpkin egg mixture over the bread, cover with foil, and soak in the fridge for 2 hours overnight. (Photo 3)

Step Five: Next, preheat the oven 350 ℉ degrees. While it is heating, make up the topping and sprinkle over the top of the custard mixture. (Photos 4 & 5)

Step Six: Bake as directed. Once done, slice and serve with extra maple syrup, powdered sugar, etc. (Photo 6)

Collage of unbaked and baked Pumpkin French Toast.

Expert Tips

  • Bread Choice: Opt for bread that will hold up well when soaked in the pumpkin custard mixture. Brioche, Challah, or Texas toast are all excellent options. Additionally, using stale bread can help prevent the dish from becoming too soggy.
  • Soaking Time: This recipe calls for the bread to soak in the pumpkin custard mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors of the custard for a rich and decadent casserole.
  • Crumble Topping: For a crunchy contrast to the soft French toast, don’t skip the brown sugar crumble topping. This sweet topping caramelizes as it bakes, resulting in a delicious texture and flavor.
  • Serving: This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is delicious on its own, but feel free to add your favorite French toast toppings. Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a dusting of extra pumpkin spice can all enhance the flavor of the dish.
Pumpkin French Toast on a white plate.

Storing Tips

Refrigerate – Store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Then you can eat chilled or warm it up.

Reheating – Warm up the baked French toast casserole in the microwave or cover with aluminum foil and heat up in the oven. Make sure it is covered in foil to prevent the bread from becoming dry bread.

Freezing – You can freeze leftovers by placing the leftovers in an airtight container. Then, place in the fridge and allow the casserole to thaw first. Then reheat and drizzle on warm maple syrup or powdered sugar.

What To Serve With Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

This sumptuous Pumpkin French Toast Casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. For a light and refreshing contrast, consider a side of fresh fruits or a citrusy salad. A savory protein like bacon or sausage links can balance out the sweetness of the casserole, or perhaps a creamy, zesty yogurt to complement the pumpkin’s flavor. For those who like a little extra indulgence, a caramel or vanilla latte is an excellent beverage choice to round off this delectable breakfast spread.

Recipe FAQs

Why is my overnight French toast soggy?

Your French toast can become soggy if the bread is too soft or too thinly cut. It is best to use day old thicker style of bread. You can also allow bread to sit out on the counter for 24 hours to dry out a bit so it soaks in the custard.

How long can breakfast casserole be refrigerated before cooking?

The longest you want to store your casserole before cooking in the fridge is 24 hours. Anything over that will break down the bread too much.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, you can replace granulated sugar with your preferred sweetener. You can use honey, agave syrup, or even stevia. Just ensure to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired sweetness.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! If you prefer a non-dairy alternative, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk can be used instead of regular milk. Keep in mind each might slightly alter the flavor of the casserole.

Can I add other spices to the recipe?

Yes, while this recipe uses cinnamon and pumpkin spice, feel free to experiment with other spices. Nutmeg, cardamom, or clove could all be excellent choices, but remember to add them sparingly to avoid overpowering the pumpkin flavor.

How do I prevent the crumble topping from burning?

If the crumble topping starts to burn before the casserole is fully cooked, you can cover the dish with a piece of aluminum foil. This will help to prevent further browning while the casserole continues to bake.

Baked Pumpkin French Toast drizzled with maple syrup sitting on white plate with a fork.

Need More Breakfast Recipes? Try These:

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Maple syrup drizzling onto a slice of pumpkin French toast.
5 from 7 votes

Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Breakfast & Brunch
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a delicious pumpkin spice flavored French toast casserole. Drizzle with maple syrup and dive in fork first. A simple fall breakfast the whole family can enjoy.

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Ingredients 

  • 8 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup (59 ⅐ ml) milk
  • 1 22 ounce loaf thick-sliced brioche or Texas toast bread

Topping

Instructions

  • Prepare a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place the bread in the prepared casserole dish in a staggered layer.
  • Beat the eggs until frothy. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, sugar, and pumpkin puree until well blended. Add the milk, stirring until completely incorporated.
    8 eggs,1 teaspoon vanilla extract,2 teaspoons ground cinnamon,1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend,1 tablespoon white sugar,1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree,¼ cup milk
  • Pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread.
    1 22 ounce loaf thick-sliced brioche or Texas toast bread
  • Cover the casseroles and allow to soak in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) degrees and place the casserole on the counter as the oven heats.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and all purpose flour. Cut in the butter until the mixture is the consistency of coarse sand. Sprinkle over the casserole.
    ⅓ cup brown sugar,¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon,2 tablespoons all purpose flour,1 tablespoon butter
  • Bake the french toast casserole for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Bread Choice: Opt for bread that will hold up well when soaked in the pumpkin custard mixture. Brioche, Challah, or Texas toast are all excellent options. Additionally, using stale bread can help prevent the dish from becoming too soggy.
  • Soaking Time: This recipe calls for the bread to soak in the pumpkin custard mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors of the custard for a rich and decadent casserole.
  • Crumble Topping: For a crunchy contrast to the soft French toast, don’t skip the brown sugar crumble topping. This sweet topping caramelizes as it bakes, resulting in a delicious texture and flavor.
  • Serving: This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is delicious on its own, but feel free to add your favorite French toast toppings. Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a dusting of extra pumpkin spice can all enhance the flavor of the dish.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 132kcal (7%) Carbohydrates: 13g (4%) Protein: 6g (12%) Fat: 6g (9%) Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 169mg (56%) Sodium: 80mg (3%) Potassium: 92mg (3%) Fiber: 0.4g (2%) Sugar: 11g (12%) Vitamin A: 317IU (6%) Vitamin C: 0.1mg Vitamin D: 1µg (7%) Calcium: 50mg (5%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

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5 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love French Toast and this casserole was right on point. All of those amazing fall flavors just exploded in my mouth with every bite.

  2. 5 stars
    We had this french toast casserole for breakfast this morning and it was incredible! Definitely making again for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

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