Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, there’s nothing more comforting than waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm spices and pumpkin in the air. And this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is just the ticket! Whether you’re prepping for a cozy fall brunch or planning a special breakfast for the holidays, this dish is as heartwarming as it is easy to make. The best part? It’s a make-ahead recipe, so you can simply pop it in the oven in the morning while you enjoy your coffee.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is the perfect mix of fall flavors and convenience! Imagine warm bites of bread soaked in a creamy pumpkin custard, laced with cinnamon and nutmeg, then baked to golden perfection. It’s like having pumpkin pie for breakfast—but in casserole form! Here’s why you’ll want to make this recipe ASAP:

• Make-ahead magic: Assemble the night before, and wake up to an oven-ready meal.
• Family favorite: This dish serves a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Packed with flavor: Creamy pumpkin puree, rich brown sugar, and a cozy mix of spices make this anything but boring!
• Versatile: Add your favorite toppings like pecans, whipped cream, or even chocolate chips for a personalized touch.

What Does It Taste Like?

The flavor of this casserole is a delightful balance of sweet pumpkin and warming spices. Every bite is soft and custard-like, with a slightly crisp top that adds the perfect contrast. The bread soaks up the pumpkin mixture beautifully, giving you a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of sweetness. Serve it with maple syrup for that extra touch of indulgence—trust me, the combo is heavenly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this cozy fall breakfast, you’ll need:

• 1 loaf of bread (about 10-12 slices) – Any sturdy bread will do; think French bread or brioche.
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups milk – Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can use your favorite milk alternative.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree – Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness and depth.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Let’s Talk Add-Ins & Substitutions

This casserole is delicious as is, but here are a few ways you can make it your own:

• Add-ins: Try mixing in chopped pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Bread choices: Stale French bread or brioche is perfect, but challah or even sourdough could work for a heartier flavor.
• Dairy-free option: Swap out the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Sweetness tweak: Prefer it sweeter? Drizzle in a little maple syrup or honey into the pumpkin custard mix.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut your loaf of bread into cubes (about 1-inch squares) and place them evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine

Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to make sure all the bread is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or for best results, let it sit overnight.

Step 4: Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover, and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and the center is set.

Step 5: Serve

Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with warm maple syrup and top with whipped cream for an extra treat!

What to Serve with Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

This casserole is a meal in itself, but here are some fun serving ideas to complement it:

• Fresh fruit – Sliced apples, pears, or a fruit salad add a fresh contrast.
• Crispy bacon or sausage – The salty and savory balance perfectly with the sweet casserole.
• Whipped cream or yogurt – Top each slice with a dollop for extra creaminess.
• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle on toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

• Don’t skip the soaking time: Letting the bread absorb the pumpkin custard overnight gives you the creamiest texture.
• Use slightly stale bread: Fresh bread might get too soggy, so stale bread works best for soaking up the custard.
• Cover during baking: If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced, which will throw off the balance of the recipe. Stick with pure pumpkin puree.

Can I prepare this without letting it sit overnight?

Yes! If you’re short on time, a 2-hour soak will still yield delicious results, but for the best texture, overnight is recommended.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use almond, soy, or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.

In Conclusion: The Perfect Fall Breakfast Awaits!

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a fall-flavored breakfast that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare—what more could you want for a cozy morning? Whether you’re enjoying it with family, serving it at brunch, or freezing leftovers for a quick morning bite, this dish brings the flavors of fall straight to your table.

Craving more fall recipes? Check out these fall favorites:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin S’mores Cookies 

Don’t forget to share your casserole creations on Pinterest, and leave a review below! I’d love to hear how you enjoyed this recipe.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 10g

Enjoy your cozy breakfast and happy fall! 🍂

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