Name: Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 6 large eggs; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Hey y'all! If you love the cozy flavors of fall and want an easy breakfast dish that feeds a crowd, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is about to become your new favorite. It’s packed with warm pumpkin flavor, hints of cinnamon, and a golden, buttery topping—the perfect start to any autumn morning, holiday brunch, or lazy weekend breakfast. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Make-ahead magic makes mornings easy and stress-free.
Loaded with real pumpkin and fragrant pumpkin spice for ultimate fall vibes.
No standing at the stove: It bakes all at once with very little effort!
Crispy, buttery streusel topping adds irresistible crunch.
Perfect for serving a hungry crowd, holidays, or cozy brunches.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for greasing dish and topping)

For Streusel Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Cut French bread into bite-sized cubes and spread evenly in the baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Soak

Pour pumpkin custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down to make sure every piece is soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cubed cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until crumbly. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the streusel over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown on top and set in the center. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes for Making the Best Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Stale or day-old bread works best—it soaks up the custard without getting mushy.
Chill overnight for maximum flavor and the easiest morning prep.
If you like extra sweetness, drizzle with maple syrup before baking.

Variations on Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Apple-Pumpkin Twist: Add 1 cup of peeled, diced apples before pouring over the custard.
Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle ½ cup chocolate chips between bread layers for a kid-friendly treat.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread instead of regular French bread.

Required Equipment for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

9x13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Medium bowl
Whisk
Pastry cutter or fork

Storage and Shelf Life of Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Casserole can be frozen (baked or unbaked) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Pair with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links for a savory contrast.
Top with fresh whipped cream or vanilla yogurt and toasted pecans for extra indulgence.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Let the bread soak in the custard overnight for the smoothest texture and richest flavor.
If the casserole is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.
Taste and adjust pumpkin spice to your preference for a bolder or milder kick.