Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Introduction
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat, infusing classic comfort food with the irresistible flavors of fall. With the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves paired with hearty bread and rich pumpkin, this easy casserole feeds a crowd and fills your kitchen with cozy aromas. It’s a hassle-free way to treat your family and guests to something special—just assemble and bake!
Deliciously Unique Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
What makes this casserole truly shine is its custardy texture and bold pumpkin spice profile. Every bite delivers a blend of creamy, spiced pumpkin mixture soaked into crusty bread. A crisp, golden topping gives way to a soft and flavorful interior, creating a balance of textures that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at any festive gathering.
Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Custard
The secret to this dish is the pumpkin-infused custard. Whisk together real pumpkin puree with eggs, milk, brown sugar, and a generous spoonful of pumpkin pie spice. This mixture gets poured over chunky cubes of bread, allowing it to absorb all the creamy, aromatic goodness. For extra depth, add a splash of vanilla extract or a scattering of chopped pecans.
Assembling and Baking Your Casserole
Layer your cubed bread in a greased baking dish, pour the pumpkin custard evenly on top, and give everything a gentle toss. It’s best to let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) so the bread soaks up all the custard. Bake until puffed and golden on top. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a handful of toasted nuts for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven, garnished with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt. Pair with fresh fruit and a steaming mug of coffee for the ultimate holiday brunch spread. It’s delicious enough to serve for dessert, too—just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 8 hearty servings. Each portion contains roughly 300-350 calories, depending on bread and toppings used. Enjoy as an occasional indulgence that captures the best of fall flavors.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole (Recap)
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that delivers warm, nostalgic flavors with the convenience of make-ahead preparation. Savory, sweet, and perfectly spiced, it transforms any morning into a festive occasion.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the cubed bread evenly in the pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently toss or press down to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25-30 minutes, or until casserole is set and golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream as desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is the ideal make-ahead breakfast—perfect for meal prep and busy fall mornings! Save and schedule this recipe for the week to generate seamless shopping lists and ensure you’re set for delicious breakfasts.
Planning Benefits:
- Auto-calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
- Organizes shopping lists by grocery store category
- Prevents duplicate grocery buys and forgotten ingredients
- Keeps meal prep organized and stress-free
Pro tip: Schedule your recipes in advance to see how ingredients overlap—for example, both this casserole and other breakfasts may use milk and eggs, so your list will calculate how much you need for the whole week, cutting down on excess and minimizing waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (with recommended overnight soaking)
