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Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

The ultimate make-ahead breakfast or brunch delight made with delicious fall flavors. This comforting Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole recipe transforms your favorite breakfast into an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekend gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chill Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf stale challah, brioche, or thick-sliced white bread approximately 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Optional Toppings
  • powdered sugar for dusting
  • maple syrup for serving
  • whipped cream
  • toasted pecans or walnuts
  • caramel sauce

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Plastic wrap or aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. The day before you plan to bake your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can lightly toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or simply leave them out on the counter overnight to become stale. Stale bread is key to absorbing the custard without becoming mushy.
    1 loaf stale challah, brioche, or thick-sliced white bread
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole from sticking.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs until well combined. Add the 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
    8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. To the pumpkin mixture, add the 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves. Whisk again until the spices are evenly distributed. This blend of spices is what gives our Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole its signature warm flavor.
    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  5. Add the cubed bread to the pumpkin-egg mixture. Gently stir and fold the bread cubes to ensure they are evenly coated. Let the bread soak for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it has time to absorb the delicious custard.
    1 loaf stale challah, brioche, or thick-sliced white bread
  6. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Drizzle the 1/2 cup of melted butter evenly over the top of the bread mixture. You can gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it's submerged in the custard as much as possible.
    1/2 cup unsalted butter
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for allowing the bread to fully absorb the flavors and create that perfect, custardy texture.
  8. When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
  10. Let the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set up slightly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or toasted nuts.
    powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, toasted pecans or walnuts

Notes

Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Frozen casserole can be kept for up to 2-3 months.