Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead fall breakfast! With rich pumpkin custard, warm spices, and a buttery pecan crumb topping, this cozy overnight bake is ideal for holiday mornings or lazy weekends. Easy to prep, full of seasonal flavor, and always a crowd favorite!
- Prep Time: 4 hours (including rest time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours (overnight recommended)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12–14 oz French bread, brioche, sourdough, or challah, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Pure maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and let sit out to dry for several hours or overnight.
- Grease a 9×13-inch (or 3.5–4 quart) baking dish and spread the dried bread evenly inside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Pour custard over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to ensure even soaking.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- For the topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then stir in pecans. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Sprinkle crumb topping over casserole. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then cover with foil and bake an additional 25–35 minutes, or until center is set.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with maple syrup.
Notes
- No Nut Option: Omit pecans for a nut-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free butter.
- Apple Twist: Add thinly sliced apples between bread layers.
- Extra Spice: Add ground cloves or more cinnamon for a bolder flavor.
- Single Servings: Bake in ramekins or muffin tins for individual portions.
- Quick-Dry Bread: Toast cubes in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes if short on time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/pumpkin-french-toast-casserole/
