Description
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a cozy, fall-inspired breakfast dish combining soft French bread soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping. Perfect for making ahead and serving warm, it offers rich flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then evenly distribute the cubed French bread in the dish to form the casserole base.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the pumpkin egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well coated and soaked in the custard.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to let the bread absorb the custard fully.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Apply the topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked bread mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set without jiggle.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, allow the casserole to soak overnight.
- You can substitute French bread with brioche or challah for a richer taste.
- To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute for the crumb topping.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
