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- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 cups whole milk - 4 large eggs - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/3 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Maple syrup, for serving - Whipped cream, for topping (optional) As you prepare for your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, gather these ingredients. First, the bread choice is key. I love using brioche for its soft texture. Challah also works well, adding a nice flavor. Next, you'll need whole milk, which gives the dish creaminess. Four large eggs help bind everything together. The star of the show is the canned pumpkin puree. It adds rich taste and color. Brown sugar adds sweetness. The vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. Pumpkin spice blend gives that cozy, fall vibe. You might add salt to balance the sweetness. If you want crunchy nuts, pecans are great. They add texture. Maple syrup is a must for serving. A dollop of whipped cream on top makes it extra special. With these ingredients, you are set to create a warm, inviting dish. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven and grease baking dish First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it with non-stick spray or butter. This step helps prevent the casserole from sticking. - Prepare the pumpkin mixture In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of whole milk, 4 large eggs, and 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree. Add in 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin spice blend, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth. - Combine bread and pumpkin mixture Cut your loaf of brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes. Scatter these cubes evenly into the greased baking dish. Slowly pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread. Use your hands or a spatula to press down on the bread. Ensure every piece is well soaked. - Cover and soak time Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, refrigerate it overnight. This soaking time lets the bread soak up all the flavors. - Bake covered, then uncovered Bake the casserole covered with foil for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the center set. - Cool before serving Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the casserole set up better. When ready to serve, drizzle it with maple syrup. Add a dollop of whipped cream if you like. Enjoy! - Choosing the right bread Use brioche or challah bread. They soak up the pumpkin mixture well. This gives you a soft and rich texture. Avoid dense bread as it may not absorb enough. - Soaking time for optimal flavor Let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors. - Ensuring even cooking Cover the dish with foil while baking for even heat. Remove the foil halfway through baking. This helps the top become golden brown. - Pairing with maple syrup and whipped cream Drizzle maple syrup on top for sweetness. Add whipped cream for a creamy finish. These toppings enhance the pumpkin spice taste. - Garnishing options with nuts or spices Add chopped pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also sprinkle extra pumpkin spice on top. This adds extra flavor and makes it look nice. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Using brioche or challah will give you a richer flavor and a softer texture. These breads soak up the custard beautifully, making your casserole extra delicious. Overnight Soaking: For the best flavor and texture, let the casserole soak overnight in the fridge. This allows the bread to absorb all the pumpkin spice goodness thoroughly. Nutty Topping: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. They add a delightful texture contrast to the soft bread. Serving Suggestions: Serve your casserole warm, drizzled with maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra treat. It’s perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast! {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole to keep things exciting. - Chocolate chip Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the bread cubes. Mix them in well with the pumpkin mixture. The sweet chocolate pairs nicely with the pumpkin spice. It makes a rich and tasty treat. - Apple Cinnamon variant: Dice 2 cups of fresh apples and add them to the mixture. Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor. The apples add a nice crunch and a fresh taste to the casserole. You can also tweak this recipe to fit special diets. - Gluten-free bread option: If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free bread. Choose a soft variety to maintain the texture. This swap keeps the flavor while making it safe for gluten-free eaters. - Dairy-free alternatives for custard: To make it dairy-free, swap whole milk with almond milk or oat milk. You can also use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. This keeps the dish creamy without any dairy. To store your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat it, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil. This keeps moisture in and helps it heat evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until warm. You can also microwave slices for a quick option, but the oven gives the best texture. You can freeze this casserole, too. If you want to freeze it before baking, prepare the dish as normal. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can store it for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Remove the cover before baking. Bake as the original recipe states, but add a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool. Then wrap it well and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as mentioned above. Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. After you mix the bread with the pumpkin mixture, cover it tightly. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This soaking time helps the bread soak up all the flavors. If you don't have pumpkin puree, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas. Both options add moisture and sweetness. However, they will not give the same pumpkin flavor. Yes, you can make this casserole vegan. Substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk. Make sure the bread is vegan as well. To know if the casserole is done, look for a golden brown top. The center should also be set, not jiggly. You can insert a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. This article covered a delicious pumpkin spice casserole recipe. You learned about the simple ingredients and easy steps to prepare it. Remember to soak the bread for great flavor and choose the right bread for the best results. I shared tips on serving it with maple syrup and whipped cream. Feel free to explore variations and dietary options to fit your needs. Whether storing or freezing, you now have all the details. This dish is tasty, fun, and perfect for gatherings. Enjoy creating your pumpkin delight!

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

A delicious and cozy casserole combining the flavors of pumpkin spice and French toast, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • to taste Maple syrup, for serving
  • to taste Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice blend, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated.
  • Scatter the bread cubes evenly into the greased baking dish, ensuring every piece has a chance to absorb the flavorful mixture.
  • Slowly pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread cubes, using a spatula or your hands to gently press down on the bread to ensure each piece is drenched in the custard.
  • If you like a nutty crunch, evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the casserole.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, refrigerate it overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the mixture.
  • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top turns a lovely golden brown and the center is set.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and add a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, refrigerate overnight before baking.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, French toast, pumpkin