Description
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a cozy, autumn-inspired breakfast dish perfect for chilly mornings. Cubes of French bread are soaked overnight in a flavorful mixture of eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, and spices, then topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel before being baked to golden perfection. Serve warm for a comforting, festive meal that’s easy to prepare ahead of time and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 thoroughly and evenly distribute the cubes of French bread within it.
- Mix the Egg Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the pumpkin-egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece is well coated with the mixture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, allow the casserole to soak overnight.
- You can substitute French bread with brioche or challah for a richer texture.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate overnight, then add the topping and bake in the morning.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for serving.
