Go Back
- 1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk (whole or almond milk for a dairy-free option) These main ingredients form the heart of the casserole. Using day-old bread is key. It soaks up the mixture well and gives a great texture. Canned pumpkin puree adds rich flavor and moisture. Eggs and milk create a creamy custard that binds everything. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - Maple syrup for serving Adding chopped nuts gives a nice crunch. You can use walnuts or pecans, depending on your choice. Maple syrup is a must for serving. It adds sweetness and pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice flavors. - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Spices make this dish come alive. Pumpkin pie spice brings warmth and depth. It blends well with the cinnamon and vanilla extract. These flavorings enhance the pumpkin and make every bite delightful. For the best taste, use fresh spices when you can. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and tips on how to make this delicious dish! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure the casserole bakes evenly. While it heats, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk (you can use whole or almond milk) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt Whisk until everything is mixed well. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Next, take your day-old bread. Cut it into cubes. Add those cubes to the pumpkin mixture. Gently fold the bread cubes into the mixture. Make sure every piece is coated well. If you like nuts, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans at this point. Now, pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread evenly in the dish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This soaking time helps the bread absorb the mixture. If you have time, refrigerate overnight for the best flavor. When ready to bake, remove the foil. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for a golden top. The casserole should be set when done. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup for a delicious treat. For the complete details and instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. To get the best texture, use day-old bread. Fresh bread can get too soggy. Day-old bread absorbs the liquid well and holds its shape. I recommend letting the bread sit out overnight. This simple step can make a big difference. Soaking time is also key. I suggest soaking the bread for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, refrigerate it overnight. This lets the bread soak in all the yummy flavors. The longer it soaks, the better it tastes. Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding extra spices. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth. You might also like a dash of ginger for a little kick. Feel free to mix and match until it feels right. When it comes to toppings, think beyond syrup. Chopped nuts can add crunch. You might also enjoy a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt. Fresh fruit, like berries or banana slices, can brighten up your dish, too. If your casserole is soggy, don’t worry! You can fix it by baking it a bit longer. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If it looks too wet, give it an extra 10 minutes in the oven. To avoid burning the top, cover it with foil during baking. This will protect it while the inside cooks. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to let it brown. This way, you get a nice golden color without overcooking. For the full recipe, check the details provided earlier. Enjoy your cooking journey! {{image_2}} If you're looking for dairy-free options, almond milk works great. It gives a nice flavor without the creaminess of regular milk. For those needing gluten-free choices, try gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the mixture. The flavors still shine through, and you won’t miss the gluten. You can add fun flavors to your casserole. Try mixing in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, can also add a lovely texture. If you want a pumpkin spice experience without bread, use a mixture of oats and pumpkin puree instead. This gives a hearty and satisfying dish that’s different and delicious. This casserole fits perfectly for both breakfast and brunch. Serve it warm with maple syrup for a cozy morning treat. For brunch, you can pair it with fresh fruit and whipped cream. If you have leftovers, slice them and reheat in the oven. You can also turn them into a new dish by adding yogurt or fresh berries. This way, you get to enjoy it again with a fresh spin. To keep your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in the flavor. If you have leftovers, let them cool first. Then, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just cut it into squares and wrap each piece well in plastic. Place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it later. Reheating the casserole is easy. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warm throughout. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds. This keeps the texture nice and soft. In the fridge, your casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it looks dry or has an off smell, it is best to throw it away. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole! For the full recipe, check back to the top. Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before. After mixing the bread and custard, cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight. This helps the bread soak up the mixture. When you're ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes. Then bake as directed. This option saves time and makes breakfast quick and easy. If you don't have pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree. It has a similar texture and flavor. You can also use sweet potato puree. Both options work well in this recipe. Just make sure they are smooth and creamy for the best results. Absolutely! Beyond maple syrup, you can try fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. Nuts add a nice crunch too. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well. For a sweet touch, consider whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar as garnishes. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg also enhances the flavor. You can find the complete recipe for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole [here](Full Recipe). This blog post covered all you need to know about making a delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. You learned about the main ingredients like day-old bread and pumpkin puree. I shared easy steps to prepare the mixture and bake the casserole. We discussed tips for perfect texture and exciting variations. Remember to store leftovers properly for best taste. Now, you can impress friends and family with this tasty dish! Enjoy the fall flavors and have fun experimenting in the kitchen.

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole! Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients like brioche, pumpkin puree, and warming spices to create a delightful dish. Learn how to make this comforting casserole that can be prepared ahead of time. Click through to explore the recipe and bring the taste of autumn to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

4 large eggs

2 cups milk (whole or almond milk for a dairy-free option)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Maple syrup for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

    In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

      Add the bread cubes to the mixture, gently folding to ensure all pieces are coated. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

        Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the bread evenly.

          Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or preferably refrigerate overnight—this will allow the bread to soak up the custard.

            Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden on top.

              Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

                Serve warm, drizzled generously with maple syrup.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in individual plates with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top and a dollop of whipped cream for added flair. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an aesthetic touch.