Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. Perfect for holiday brunch or a leisurely weekend breakfast, this make-ahead dish is a crowd-pleaser. Rich pumpkin custard soaked into cubes of brioche or challah bread, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble, this casserole is a delightful blend of sweet and spiced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old brioche or challah bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Custard:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the cubed bread in an even layer.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, heavy cream, sugars, spices, vanilla, and salt. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, press down gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle over the soaked bread.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until set. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with desired toppings.
Notes
- Perfect for holiday brunch or a cozy fall breakfast.
- Use stale bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Substitute dairy-free milk and cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
