Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a cozy morning treat that blends thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy custard with warm pumpkin flavors and those classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It bakes up soft and custardy inside with a slightly crisp, sugary topping, making every bite a perfect mix of sweet and warming textures.
I love making this casserole when the air gets a little chillier—it feels like a gentle hug on a plate. What’s great is that you can prepare it the night before, so in the morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven. I usually sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup on top right before serving, and somehow it just makes the whole house smell amazing.
This dish is a favorite at weekend brunches or holiday mornings because it’s easy to share and fills the kitchen with that wonderful pumpkin spice smell everyone loves. I always think of it as the perfect way to welcome fall or treat yourself any time you want a little something extra special without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Challah or brioche gives this casserole a soft, rich texture thanks to their eggy dough. If you don’t have these, Texas toast or another thick white bread can work well too.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin makes this recipe easy and consistent. If you prefer fresh, roast and mash a sugar pumpkin. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it has added sugar and spices.
Milk & Cream: The combo of whole milk and heavy cream gives the custard a creamy, tender texture. Feel free to substitute with half-and-half or use plant-based milk, but the texture may be slightly different.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend adds warm, classic fall flavors to the dish. If you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves works perfectly.
Brown Sugar Topping: This helps create a sweet, crispy crust. For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or oats to add crunch and flavor.
How Do You Make Sure the Bread Soaks Up the Custard Perfectly?
Getting the bread to absorb the custard well is key to a custardy, flavorful casserole. Here’s how I do it:
- Use day-old or lightly stale bread. It soaks better without falling apart.
- After pouring the custard over the bread cubes, press the bread gently with a spatula or your hands.
- Let the bread soak for at least 10-15 minutes before baking. You can even refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor and better soaking.
- If you find the custard leftover, pour a little more over before baking to keep it moist.
This soaking step helps every bite feel soft inside but still holds shape when sliced. It’s the secret to a perfect French toast casserole!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I prefer this size to hold all the bread comfortably and bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking together the custard ingredients; a large one helps avoid spills.
- Whisk or fork – makes mixing the custard smooth and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps add all ingredients accurately.
- Small bowl – for mixing the topping ingredients like brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
- Oven – of course! Preheated to 350°F to bake the casserole until golden and set.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding a handful of chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to the bread before baking for a sweet surprise.
- Swap out pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
- Mix in chopped apples or pears with the bread for extra fruitiness and texture.
- Use cream cheese or mascarpone in the custard for a richer, tangy flavor to balance the sweet spices.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 12 slices) thick-cut challah or brioche bread, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cloves, ¼ tsp ginger)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Maple syrup
- Drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus 45-55 minutes baking time. If you soak the bread overnight in the custard, prep time will be longer but baking time stays the same. Cooling a few minutes before serving is recommended.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Oven Ready and Prep Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well so the casserole won’t stick.
2. Layer Bread in Dish:
Place the cubed challah or brioche bread evenly in your prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it out nicely.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
4. Soak the Bread:
Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down so all pieces start soaking it up. Let the bread soak for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Add Nuts and Topping:
If you like nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the soaked bread. Then, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this sweet buttery topping evenly over the bread and nuts.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is lovely golden brown and the casserole feels set when gently shaken.
7. Cool and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. If you like, add a drizzle of icing made by mixing powdered sugar with just enough milk to make it thick and drizzly.
Enjoy your cozy, pumpkin-spiced French toast casserole — a perfect fall treat!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Casserole?
Yes! Frozen bread works well as long as it’s fully thawed before you start. Thaw it at room temperature or in the fridge overnight for best results.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! After assembling, cover and refrigerate overnight. This gives the bread extra time to soak up the custard and makes morning prep super easy. Just add the topping before baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.
What Can I Use Instead of Pumpkin Puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute the same amount of sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a similar flavor and texture. Just make sure the puree is smooth.