What ingredients do I need to make pumpkin French toast casserole?

To make pumpkin French toast casserole, you'll need day-old bread like brioche or challah, milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, butter, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans for the streusel topping. These ingredients create the custard base and the sweet, spiced flavor that make this casserole special.

What types of bread work best for pumpkin French toast casserole?

Brioche and challah are ideal for pumpkin French toast casserole because they have a soft texture that absorbs the custard well. Brioche is rich and buttery, while challah is slightly eggy without dairy. If those are unavailable, French bread is a budget-friendly option, though it requires a longer soak to soften properly.

How can I prepare fresh bread if I don’t have stale bread for this casserole?

If you don't have stale bread, cube fresh bread and toast it in a 350°F oven for 12-18 minutes until it feels dry and crunchy but not too browned. Allow it to cool before soaking it in the custard mixture. This technique mimics the dryness of day-old bread and helps the casserole absorb the custard evenly.

How long should I soak the bread before baking the pumpkin French toast casserole?

For the best texture, soak the bread cubes in the pumpkin-spiced custard mixture for at least 3-4 hours in the refrigerator. For even better flavor and consistency, refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a creamy and custardy bake.

Can I freeze leftover pumpkin French toast casserole, and how do I reheat it?

Yes, pumpkin French toast casserole freezes well. Cut leftovers into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe bags or containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This makes it easy to enjoy for later breakfasts without losing flavor or texture.

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe With Warm Spices 2024

Name: Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Prep time: PT-488350H43M55S
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 5 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 lb. day-old French bread (or brioche or challah), diced; – 2 cups milk (or substitute 1 can full-fat coconut milk); – ½ cup heavy cream (or substitute ½ cup soy, almond, coconut, pecan, or walnut milk); – 1 cup granulated sugar; – 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling); – 6 large eggs; – 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; – 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; – ½ cup light brown sugar; – ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); – ½ cup cold salted butter, diced; – ⅓ cup chopped pecans (can substitute walnuts or omit); – 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice

Description

🍂 Warm up your mornings with this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole, bursting with cozy spices and rich pumpkin flavor.
🍁 This make-ahead dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a deliciously indulgent yet comforting breakfast or brunch option.

Ingredients

– 1 lb. day-old French bread (or brioche or challah), diced

– 2 cups milk (or substitute 1 can full-fat coconut milk)

– ½ cup heavy cream (or substitute ½ cup soy, almond, coconut, pecan, or walnut milk)

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

– 6 large eggs

– 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

– 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

– ½ cup light brown sugar

– ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

– ½ cup cold salted butter, diced

– ⅓ cup chopped pecans (can substitute walnuts or omit)

– 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice

Instructions

1-First, spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and place the diced bread in it. This sets the base for all that yummy custard to work its magic.

2-Next, in a bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until everything is nicely combined, then pour it evenly over the bread. Cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, or better yet, overnight that’s my secret for extra flavor!

3-While that’s chilling, prepare the streusel topping in a small bowl by combining the brown sugar, butter, flour, pecans, and pumpkin spice. Use your fingertips to mix until the butter breaks into small pieces and gets coated it’s like making little treasures of crunch.

4-When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350ºF and position the rack in the center, then sprinkle that streusel evenly over the casserole.

5-Bake it for 48-55 minutes until the custard is set and no longer jiggly, and if the topping starts browning too fast, just tent it with foil.

6-Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and top it off with maple syrup or butter for that extra wow factor.

Notes

🍞 Use day-old or stale bread; if using fresh bread, cube and bake at 350°F for 12-18 minutes until lightly browned and firm.
🌾 Substitute gluten-free bread and flour for a gluten-free version.
🥥 Replace dairy with coconut milk and other plant milks for a dairy-free option.

Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Soaking time: 3-4 hours
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking, Soaking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: pumpkin french toast casserole,warm spiced breakfast,maple syrup casserole,fall brunch recipe