Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole?
This cozy breakfast dish combines the classic comfort of French toast with the beloved flavors of pumpkin spice.
Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin as we dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
To make this casserole, you’ll need:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for the topping
- Pastry cutter or fork
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
- Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs more flavor.
- For the ideal custard consistency, make sure your egg-to-milk ratio is balanced. Too many eggs can make it rubbery, while too much milk can make it soggy.
- Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice to your liking. Love cinnamon? Add an extra dash!
- This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra decadence.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptations
While this casserole is a treat, here are some ways to make it fit various dietary needs:
- Each serving (assuming 12 servings per casserole) contains approximately 300-350 calories.
- For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free bread.
- Make it dairy-free by substituting the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter in the topping.
- Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting the amount by half.
- For a vegan adaptation, use plant-based milk, replace eggs with a flax egg mixture, and use vegan butter in the topping.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Turn your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole into a fall feast with these pairings:
- Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a savory contrast.
- Pair with a pumpkin spice latte or a warm apple cider for the ultimate autumn experience.
- Add a side of fresh seasonal fruits like sliced apples or pears.
- For a festive brunch, serve with a fall-inspired mimosa made with apple cider and cinnamon.
Variations and Twists on the Classic Recipe
Get creative with these delicious variations:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the casserole before baking.
- Cream Cheese Stuffed: Cut a block of cream cheese into cubes and nestle them between the bread pieces for gooey pockets of creamy goodness.
- Mini Casseroles: Prepare in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch – perfect for brunches or gatherings.
- Maple Pecan: Replace the streusel topping with a mixture of chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup before baking.
There you have it – the ultimate Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole recipe that’ll make you the breakfast hero this fall!
This cozy, indulgent dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or even as a dessert.
The beauty of this casserole is its versatility – feel free to experiment with different add-ins or toppings to make it your own.
Whether you’re a pumpkin spice fanatic or just looking for a comforting autumn treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to create some delicious memories. Don’t forget to share your mouthwatering creations on social media – your friends will be begging for the recipe!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this casserole without pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can omit the pumpkin puree and increase the milk by 1/2 cup. You’ll still get a delicious French toast casserole with warm fall spices.
What type of bread works best?
A sturdy, slightly stale bread like French bread, challah, or brioche works best as it can absorb the custard without falling apart.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf about 1 pound of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (French bread or challah work great!)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness
- 1 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 1/4 cup dried cranberries
For the topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup cold butter cubed
Instructions
- Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugars, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
- Pour this pumpkin custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all that pumpkin-y goodness!
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to slice.