This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a cozy breakfast treat! It’s packed with warm pumpkin flavors and sweet spices, making it perfect for fall mornings.
Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes! I love serving it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s the ultimate way to start the day with a smile! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I recommend using day-old challah or brioche for a rich texture. If you can’t find them, white bread or even croissants work as well. Just avoid fresh bread as it might get too soggy!
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not the sweetened pie filling. If you live in an area where pumpkin puree isn’t available, you can try pureed sweet potatoes or butternut squash as an alternative!
Heavy Cream & Milk: Whole milk is crucial for creaminess, but you can substitute half-and-half or a dairy-free milk if you prefer. Almond or oat milk are popular choices. Just consider how they might affect flavor.
Nuts: Pecans and walnuts add crunch, but if you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them entirely or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
Maple Syrup: This adds wonderful sweetness. If you don’t have it, honey or agave syrup can work too, though they offer a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Baked?
Baking the casserole until just right is key for a delightful texture! Here are some tips to nail it:
- Keep an eye on the time, checking for browning after 45 minutes; it should be firm on top, not wobbly.
- If you like a crispier top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving to firm up a bit and make it easier to slice.
The smell will be inviting, and after it cools, you’ll find it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious breakfast treat!
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf day-old challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish
For the Toppings (Optional):
- Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45 to 55 minutes to bake, so you’ll need around 1 hour and 10 minutes total. It’s quick to assemble, and once it’s in the oven, just sit back and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to keep your casserole from sticking.
2. Add the Bread:
Evenly distribute the cubed bread in your prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it out well for an even bake!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Pour and Soak:
Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the custard mixture as much as possible.
5. Top with Nuts:
Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the top of the soaked bread. This will add a lovely crunch to your casserole.
6. Add Maple Syrup:
Drizzle 1/2 cup of maple syrup over the entire top of the casserole for that sweet finish!
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top is golden brown. If it’s browning too fast, you can cover it loosely with foil.
8. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will help it set up nicely.
9. Enjoy:
Serve warm, topping each portion with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Don’t forget to drizzle with a bit more maple syrup if you like!
Enjoy your cozy, aromatic Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole—a perfect fall breakfast!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before. After assembling it, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What Can I Substitute for the Bread?
If you don’t have challah or brioche, other types of bread like French bread, white sandwich bread, or even Texas toast will work well. Just ensure it’s a little stale to absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk to maintain moisture!
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
