This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly mornings! It’s made with soft bread, warm spices, and a splash of pumpkin for extra flavor.
You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Just mix everything, let it sit, and bake! It’s like a big hug on a plate, and perfect for brunch with friends or family. Yum! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah are perfect choices because they’re soft and soak up the custard well. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat bread or a gluten-free bread can be used. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough for the casserole!
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This adds rich flavor and moisture. If you have fresh pumpkin, you can puree it, but be sure to cook it until soft first. For a twist, try sweet potato puree instead!
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding the casserole. If you’re looking for an egg-free version, use a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or a commercial egg replacer.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture. If you’re nut-free, feel free to skip them or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free milk to cater to dietary preferences.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Soaked?
Getting the bread to soak up the custard is key for a great casserole. After pouring the custard over the bread, press the bread gently with a spatula. This helps it absorb the mixture better. Letting it sit for a few hours, or even overnight, in the fridge is the best way to achieve that perfect soaked texture.
- Use a spatula to press the bread down after adding the custard.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate—it helps the flavors meld and the bread soften.
- Before baking, ensure the top isn’t too dry; drizzle extra custard if needed.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for topping)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing pan)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, let it soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge, and then it bakes for 45-50 minutes. In total, you’ll need roughly 3 hours, but most of that time is spent letting it chill and soak. The result? A flavorful, cozy breakfast that’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter. This will help the casserole not stick when it’s baking.
2. Assemble the Bread Base:
Next, take your cubed bread and arrange it evenly in the baking dish. Make sure to spread it out nicely so each piece of bread gets coated in that delicious pumpkin mixture.
3. Mix the Pumpkin Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix it well until everything is blended into a smooth custard.
4. Combine with Bread:
Pour this tasty pumpkin spice custard evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press down the bread. This will help all those wonderful flavors soak into the bread.
5. Add Nuts and Butter:
Now, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top, making sure they’re spread out. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the mixture for extra richness.
6. Let it Chill:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it soak for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor and texture, try to leave it overnight if you can!
7. Bake the Casserole:
When you’re ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge and remove the foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set.
8. Add Extra Crunch:
If you want some extra crunchy nuts, feel free to sprinkle more on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This makes it easier to slice.
10. Drizzle and Enjoy:
Serve chunks of the casserole warm, drizzled generously with maple syrup. You can add a pat of melted butter on top or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch!
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, perfect for cozy mornings with family or friends! 🥰
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their softness, you can use any sturdy bread like whole wheat or even a gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s not overly crumbly, so it holds up in the casserole.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
You can easily make this casserole vegan by substituting the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) and using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. For the pumpkin puree, ensure it’s pure pumpkin with no added dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. You might want to add a drizzle of maple syrup or a touch of milk to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Then, bake it the next morning for a delicious, easy breakfast!