Pumpkin French Toast Casserole for a Cozy Morning Treat

Some mornings just feel like they need a little more warmth, don’t they? That was me last Saturday—leaves tumbling outside, slippers on, coffee brewing—and I knew exactly what to make: Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. This cozy Pumpkin French Toast Casserole filled the kitchen with cinnamon-spiced comfort and pumpkin-sweet nostalgia. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes everyone linger a little longer. Soft cubes of bread soak up a creamy pumpkin custard overnight, then bake up golden and puffy under a buttery cinnamon streusel. Best of all? You can prep this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole ahead. It’s perfect for holidays or slow weekends with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole comes together with just a few pantry staples and a can of pumpkin. Let’s break it down.

For the Casserole Base

You’ll need:

• A loaf of day-old French bread (cut into cubes)
• Large eggs
• Milk
• Pumpkin puree (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
• Vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping

You’ll mix together:

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• Cold cubed butter

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

This recipe is very beginner-friendly and comes together in simple steps. Here’s how I make it, cozy-kitchen style.

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Baking Dish

Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then cut your French bread into bite-sized 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly into the dish. Using day-old or slightly stale bread gives it the best texture—it holds up to the custard without getting soggy.

Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Then add milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla. Keep whisking until everything’s combined and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Refrigerate

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press the bread gently down with a spoon or clean hands so it soaks up the mixture. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours—or overnight. This chill time makes all the difference!

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Right before baking, stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it forms small crumbs. It should resemble damp sand.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole, sprinkle the streusel over the top, and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden and a knife comes out clean from the center. Let it cool slightly before serving. I love it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor

For that perfect balance between soft and crisp, always use stale or crusty bread. Fresh bread tends to get mushy. Also, make sure to press the bread into the custard so it fully soaks. Don’t skip the refrigeration step—it helps the flavors develop and gives the casserole a firmer structure. You’ll know it’s done baking when the center no longer jiggles and the top is lightly browned.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Want to make it your own? Here are a few swaps you can try:

• Use brioche or challah if you don’t have French bread
• Swap in oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option
• Add chopped pecans or raisins for extra crunch and sweetness

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This casserole is truly a time-saver. Prep it the night before, refrigerate, then bake in the morning—easy as can be. If you have leftovers (lucky you!), cover and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through. You can also freeze it: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe Card

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Related Recipes to Try

If you loved this fall bake, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting or try a slice of Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread for a Moist Fall Treat. For a cozy morning bite, these Easy Pumpkin Donuts with Fall Spices are always a hit. Or bake up Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread for Cozy Mornings—it’s a reader favorite!

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is my go-to for fall mornings when I want something warm and crowd-pleasing without the fuss. It’s flavorful, filling, and full of pumpkin-spice love. I hope it brings the same comfort to your table. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out—or share your own twist. Happy baking, friend!

Before you go, come pin it with me on Pinterest for more cozy kitchen inspiration.

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