Introduction
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your home. Enter the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole—a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This cozy casserole combines fluffy, cinnamon-infused bread with a rich, custardy filling, all accented with the warm notes of pumpkin and spices.
Perfect for leisurely weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy breakfast-for-dinner scenario, this dish is incredibly easy to assemble ahead of time and simply bake whenever you’re ready to serve. Imagine slicing into a steaming, golden-brown casserole, the sweet scent of pumpkin spice enveloping you, and the first forkful melting in your mouth. Topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a deliciously indulgent way to celebrate the season.
So, grab your favorite bread and let’s create a heartwarming Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of robust bread (such as challah or brioche), diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pumpkin puree from a can
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
- Maple syrup, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
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- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt, whisking until all ingredients are smoothly blended.
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- Arrange the bread pieces in a single layer within the prepared baking dish. If using pecans, distribute them evenly over the top of the bread.
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- Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently press down on the bread to guarantee all pieces absorb the custard.
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- Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or let it rest overnight for enhanced flavor.
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- When ready to bake, uncover the dish and place it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole has set and the top achieves a golden brown color.
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- Allow to cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8
Key Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf of challah or brioche, cut into cubes
- Eggs: 6 large eggs
- Milk: 2 cups of whole milk or half-and-half
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup (ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- Pumpkin Spice: 2 teaspoons (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup (optional for added sweetness)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Toppings: Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts), powdered sugar, or whipped cream for serving
Baking Process
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Prepare the Bread: Start by selecting your bread; a day-old or slightly stale loaf works best for this casserole. You can use brioche, challah, or even a hearty whole grain. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
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Make the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk (or a dairy-free alternative), 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a blend of spices: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger and allspice. Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar for sweetness, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Combine Bread and Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked evenly. Gently fold the bread into the mixture, allowing it to absorb the liquid. Let it sit for about 15–20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate it overnight for a more intense flavor and texture.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the casserole to bake evenly and achieve a lovely golden-brown top.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. If you like, you can also sprinkle a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts on the bottom for added crunch.
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Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Spoon the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you want to add a cream cheese swirl, you can drop dollops of softened cream cheese throughout the casserole and use a knife to create swirls.
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Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1 tablespoon of softened butter. Optionally, you can add some oats or nuts for texture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the bread mixture.
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Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden and slightly crispy. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar, and garnish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or crushed pecans for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole as a perfect brunch option or a delightful breakfast treat!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole and make it a delightful centerpiece for breakfast or brunch, consider the following serving suggestions:
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Warm some pure maple syrup and drizzle it generously over the top of each serving for a classic touch of sweetness.
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Whipped Cream: Top each portion with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or cooled whipped topping for a creamy, indulgent addition.
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Nuts & Seeds: Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture, or include pumpkin seeds for an extra autumnal touch.
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Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of fresh bananas, strawberries, or apples. A handful of berries can also provide a juicy contrast to the warm casserole.
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Bourbon Caramel Sauce: For an adult twist, drizzle each piece with a homemade or store-bought bourbon caramel sauce to add richness and depth of flavor.
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Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that adds a touch of sweetness.
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Cinnamon Sugar: Mix sugar with ground cinnamon and sprinkle this blend on top right before baking for added sweetness and a picturesque finish.
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Serve with Yogurt: A side of Greek yogurt can provide a tangy contrast and a protein boost that balances the sweetness of the casserole.
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Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair your casserole with a warm beverage, like spiced coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate, to enhance the cozy flavors of the dish.
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Brunch Platter: Include a selection of breakfast meats such as bacon or sausage, along with a fruit salad or yogurt parfait, for a complete and satisfying brunch experience.
Feel free to customize these suggestions based on your preferences and the season, making your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole a go-to dish for gatherings or a cozy family breakfast!
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is the perfect dish to elevate your breakfast or brunch gatherings this fall. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones, but it’s also packed with the warm and comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg that define the season. Whether you enjoy it drizzled with maple syrup, topped with whipped cream, or served fresh with a dusting of powdered sugar, this casserole is sure to impress.
With minimal prep and an impressive result, it’s ideal for holiday mornings, family get-togethers, or even a cozy breakfast-in-bed surprise. So, gather your ingredients, channel that autumn spirit, and savor every delicious bite of this warm, spiced delight. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find that this dish becomes a beloved seasonal tradition. Happy cooking!
