Description
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a deliciously comforting and festive breakfast perfect for the fall season. Made with brioche or challah bread soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, and topped with a buttery pecan crumble, this make-ahead dish bakes to golden perfection and is perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches. Serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Custard
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk (whole or dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the cubed brioche or challah bread evenly inside, ensuring it’s spread out for even soaking.
- Make Pumpkin Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to help the bread absorb the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow deep soaking.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans if using.
- Assemble Casserole: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with maple syrup or whipped cream as desired.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared the night before for convenience on holidays or busy mornings.
- Feel free to swap brioche or challah for French bread if preferred.
- For extra sweetness and texture, add chocolate chips or raisins mixed into the soaked bread before baking.