A Brief History of French Toast Casserole
French toast itself dates back to ancient Rome, where stale bread was soaked in milk and eggs, then fried for a hearty meal. In America, this evolved into “French toast casserole,” a baked version designed to feed larger groups with less hands-on cooking. The addition of pumpkin spice is a modern autumn twist, inspired by the popular pumpkin pie flavors that became a holiday tradition in the U.S. during the 19th century. Today, pumpkin spice French toast casserole is a fall brunch favorite that blends nostalgia, flavor, and convenience.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This pumpkin spice French toast casserole is cozy, sweet, and bursting with fall flavors. With layers of soft bread cubes, spiced custard, and a buttery crumble topping, it bakes into a golden, fluffy dish perfect for chilly mornings. The warm pumpkin spice aroma makes it ideal for Thanksgiving breakfast, Christmas brunch, or a lazy fall weekend at home. Best of all, it can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh, making it both festive and effortless.
Ingredients
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1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 12 cups)
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6 large eggs
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2 cups milk (whole or half-and-half)
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1 cup pumpkin purée
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
Topping:
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup flour
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ cup butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add cubed bread evenly into the dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, and spices.
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Pour mixture over bread, pressing gently to soak.
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In another bowl, mix topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over bread.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 2 hours).
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden.
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Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Make it ahead: refrigerate overnight for an easy morning bake.
Serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.
Swap brioche for gluten-free bread to make it GF-friendly
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes! It’s actually better when chilled overnight because the bread absorbs the custard fully, creating a rich texture.
2. Can I use regular sandwich bread?
You can, but thicker breads like brioche or challah work best since they hold up better when soaked.
3. How do I keep the casserole from being soggy?
Use slightly stale bread, let it soak just enough, and bake uncovered until the top is golden and crisp.
