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Indulge in the ultimate fall breakfast with this pumpkin french toast casserole. This easy-to-make recipe layers fluffy brioche bread with a custardy pumpkin filling, cozy spices, and crunchy pecans to create a festively delicious dish that will warm your soul. Ideal for brunch and special occasions, this pumpkin baked french toast is sure to become a beloved autumn favorite in your home. Best of all, you’ll need just 9 ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare it!

“The perfect Thanksgiving brunch recipe to me! I love breakfast casseroles for busy weekends and this pumpkin one fits the bill perfectly. Thank you 🙂”

– MADELINE
Close-up photo of maple icing drizzled on pumpkin brioche French toast.

Update: This recipe was originally published in October 2019. I made updates to the article below to include more information about this making this recipe for French toast with pumpkin at home.

Hi, friends! I hope you love pumpkin, because I’m so excited to introduce you to my favorite fall breakfast (or brunch, lunch and dinner) dish!

Table of Contents

About this pumpkin french toast casserole

Rich and packed with all the cozy fall feels, this pumpkin French toast bake is the perfect mix of sweet and savory!! If you love French toast, you are going to love this simplified casserole version! It has everything you love about classic French toast – golden, slightly caramelized edges and a creamy, pillowy-soft interior – however, it’s just made easy! No frying, flipping or fussing over a stove required! Plus, it’s bursting with warm pumpkin flavor!

Buttery and custard-like in taste, this pumpkin french toast has a fluffy, melt in your mouth texture. It’s jam packed with silky, subtly sweet pumpkin, crunchy pecans, rich brown sugar and warm pumpkin pie spice! Generously drizzled with a smooth cream cheese icing, this casserole gives new meaning to the phrase ‘sugar, spice and everything nice’. Essentially, this bake is outrageously delicious!

Plus, this pumpkin breakfast casserole is insanely easy to throw together, can be prepared in advance, freezes beautifully and it doesn’t require hours of slaving away over a hot stove!

With only 15 minutes of hands on prep time required, this pumpkin french toast is elegant enough for holiday entertaining yet easy enough for Sunday brunch with the family! And, if you are looking for a Thanksgiving brunch idea, look no further – you need this pumpkin breakfast bake on your menu!!

If you’re looking for more scrumptious breakfast casseroles, check out these recipes next: Sweet Breakfast Bake and Sausage and Egg Casserole.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Unmatched Flavor Profile. This pumpkin baked french toast recipe combines the rich taste of pumpkin with pillowy-soft brioche bread and warm spices, creating a cozy, comforting dish that embodies the essence of fall.
  • Effortless Preparation. With the ability to prep the casserole the night before, this French toast casserole has all the warming, inviting delicious texture and flavor you love about traditional french toast.
  • Basic Ingredients. You only need 9 simple-to-find ingredients to prepare this recipe, and most of them are pantry staples!
  • Super Easy. You can easily throw together this recipe in just about 15 minutes!
  • Great Way to Use Up Old Bread. This French toast bake is a great way to use up any bread that is about to go stale!
  • Versatility for Any Occasion. This warm, cozy breakfast is ideal for everything from holiday gatherings to casual brunches. And it appeals to a variety of tastes and settings, ensuring it can be served year-round.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appeal. The rich flavors and beautiful presentation make this pumpkin french toast a hit among family and friends, guaranteeing that everyone will want seconds and may even ask for the recipe!

What’s a pumpkin French toast bake?

Pumpkin French toast casserole is an easy, hands off version of French toast that is perfect for feeding a crowd!

French toast casserole still incorporates all the flavors of pumpkin French toast; however, it’s made with cubes of bread instead of slices, and it’s baked in a casserole dish instead of being fried.

Ingredients for french toast pumpkin casserole

  • Bread: Bread is the foundation of french toast. I highly recommend using stale, day old bread for this recipe. Need a gluten-free option? Be sure to use gluten free French bread.
  • Pecans: Roughly chopped or halved pecans provide a crunchy texture and buttery flavor which adds the perfect contrast to the fluffy french toast! Substitution: Walnuts or hazelnuts are delicious too!
  • Eggs: Six whole large eggs add richness to the french toast custard.
  • Milk: Along with eggs, whole milk also provides rich and creamy flavor.
  • Cream: For the best flavor I recommend heavy cream; however, you can use half-and-half if desired.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you use plain pumpkin puree for this recipe, and not pumpkin pie filling! Canned pumpkin puree is 100% cooked and pureed pumpkin. On the other hand, canned pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and flavored with various spices which will alter the recipe. Substitution: An equal amount of mashed bananas.
  • Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds the perfect touch of rich sweetness. You can substitute dark brown sugar if desired. Or, you can use a combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar.
  • Vanilla Extract and Salt: Both pure vanilla extract and kosher salt enhance all the flavors.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Pumpkin spice blend is what gives this french toast that iconic, intensely aromatic touch of warm pumpkin flavor. Substitution: A combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice!

If you’ve got leftover pumpkin puree, put it to good use in these recipes: Pumpkin Stuffed Dinner Shells, Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cake Mix, and No Bake Pumpkin Dessert.

Recipe variations

Please feel free to get creative with this recipe for baked french toast with pumpkin and add whatever ingredients you love. Below are a few delicious ideas to help get your creative culinary juices flowing:

  • Dairy-Free Option. To make this french toast casserole dairy free, substitute the milk with your favorite dairy free substitution, such as almond milk, coconut milk or soy milk. And, replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk. Also, make sure your bread doesn’t contain any diary.
  • Vegan French Toast Pumpkin Casserole. Substitute the large eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water. And use almond milk or coconut milk instead of the regular dairy. Replace brioche bread with a vegan-friendly option for a plant-based treat.
  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. Stir semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the pumpkin puree mixture for a decadent twist.
  • Cranberry Pumpkin French Toast. Add a festive touch to your french toast by adding in some cranberries. Use about 1 cup of fresh cranberries and layer them with the nuts before adding the egg custard. (Note: If using cranberries, I recommend substituting the pecans for walnuts.)
  • Raisins French Toast with Pumpkin. While it may sound like an odd addition, pumpkin and raisins are a delicious match! Try using cinnamon raisin bread to make this breakfast casserole. Or you can layer 1 cup of raisins with the nuts before adding the egg custard.
  • Orange Overnight French Toast Casserole. Pumpkin and oranges pair together beautifully! Try adding a bit of orange zest or orange liqueur to the egg custard for a subtle touch of bright, citrusy flavor.

How to make French toast casserole with pumpkin

Pumpkin French toast is incredibly easy to make and only requires 15 minutes to prepare!

  1. Spray a 9×13’’ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the casserole:  Place half of the cubed bread into the baking dish. Sprinkle ¾ cup of pecans evenly over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and pecans. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the egg custard:  In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin, sugar, milk, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
  4. Preheat oven:  Position oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove casserole from the refrigerator and let sit on the counter to remove the chill while the oven preheats.
  5. Bake:  Uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the top evenly with ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
  6. Serve:  Let the casserole cool in baking dish for 5-10 minutes before drizzling with icing or sprinkling with powdered sugar. Slice and serve with maple syrup. Enjoy!

Expert tips for the most success!

  • Use Stale or Day-Old Bread. Bread is the foundation of french toast. I highly recommend using stale or day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for optimal absorption of the custard. Fresh bread will become too mushy.
  • Quality Pumpkin Purée. Use a good brand of pure canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) for a rich, natural flavor. If using fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s well-cooked and puréed.
  • Custard Consistency. Whisk the egg and milk mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and to create a creamy custard that coats the bread evenly.
  • Overnight Soaking. While you can bake the casserole right away, the French toast lack that signature custard texture. for the best results, let the pumpkin casserole soak in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight.
  • Monitor Baking Time. Bake just until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Use a knife or toothpick to test; it should come out clean when done.
  • Let It Rest. Allow the pumpkin breakfast casserole to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up for easier slicing and serving.
  • Serve with Style. Remember, you eat with your eyes first. Consider dusting the top of the pumpkin french toast with powdered sugar, drizzling with maple icing, or dolloping with whipped cream for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

(Please scroll down for the detailed measurements and complete instructions in the printable pumpkin baked french toast recipe card at the bottom of the page.)

Overhead photo collage of how to make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole step by step with written instructions on each step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Great French toast starts with the bread! The best bread to use is stale bread – bread that’s at least one to two days old. Stale bread is drier and will hold up better while absorbing the maximum amount of flavor when dipped into the egg custard. If you use fresh bread, it will simply fall apart and disintegrate, causing your casserole to turn mushy.

You can use almost any type of stale, leftover bread for this pumpkin french toast recipe. I personally prefer a rich, buttery bread, such as brioche bread. However, any thick-sliced or crusty bread can be used for French toast recipes.

  • Brioche: This is my personal favorite type of bread for sweeter French toasts. It’s made with eggs and butter so it has a very rich flavor.
  • Challah: Braided challah bread is enriched with egg and oil – and no dairy. It’s eggy and slightly sweet in flavor. It’s also a delicious option for french toast!
  • French Bread: Chewy French bread is a great option if you plan on making this French toast casserole in advance. Since it is a crusty loaf of bread, it requires a longer soak in the custard.
  • Non-traditional breads: Leftover croissants or cinnamon raisin bread are delicious options if you want to shake things up a bit!

How to dry out fresh bread for French toast?

While the best French toast is made with bread that’s one to three days old, you can still make delicious French toast with fresh bread! All you need to do is lightly toast the bread!

Drying out bread for French toast

  • Preheat your oven to 250°F.
  • Cut or tear fresh bread into large cubes. Transfer the cubed bread onto a large sheet pan.
  • Toast the bread in the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the bread is dried out and lightly toasted.
  • Remove the bread cubes from the oven and allow to cool completely. Proceed with the recipe.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin purée. While canned pumpkin purée is more convenient, homemade will offer more fresh flavor. If using homemade, ensure it’ is’s well-cooked and very smooth in consistency.

How long should I bake the casserole?

Bake the pumpkin brunch casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Check the doneness with a knife or toothpick.

Can I add ingredients like nuts or chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this fall breakfast casserole recipe by mixing in ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to enhance the flavor and texture. (Scroll up for more recipe variations in the ingredients section above.)

Why is my French toast casserole soggy?

Your pumpkin baked french toast should be golden brown and crisp on top with a soft center throughout the middle and bottom. To prevent a soggy and sad casserole, follow the tips below:

  • Use thick slices of bread. Cut your bread into ¾ to 1’’ thick slices. Using thin sliced bread will be too flimsy to dip into the egg and milk mixture.
  • Use stale bread. Make sure your bread is at least a day old! Stale bread won’t fall apart when dipped into the egg and milk mixture. If you don’t have stale bread, you can lightly toast the bread prior to dipping.
  • Use the proper type of bread. Make sure you use a dense bread, such as Brioche, Challah or French bread. Breads with a denser consistency will do a much better job holding together when dipped into the egg custard.
  • Don’t use too much milk. Adding too much dairy to the French toast custard will prevent the egg in the mixture from properly cooking, which will cause soggy baked French toast!
  • Mix the custard well. Whisk the egg and milk mixture until it is fully combined! You want the eggs to be fully incorporated into the dairy and seasonings.
  • Soak the bread. Make sure you gently press the bread cubes into the custard. You want all of the bread to be evenly soaked.

What toppings work well with this casserole?

A better question would be ‘what toppings don’t work with this pumpkin french toast recipe’? There are delicious toppings options galore! Some ideas include pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, maple icing, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped candied nuts. Fresh fruits, like berries or bananas and fruit purees, also make a great addition.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe for pumpkin French toast casserole is that you can make it in advance! It’s perfect for entertaining or holiday morning breakfasts, because you can prepare it in advance and bake it fresh in the morning!

To make this breakfast casserole in advance, simply assemble and prepare it as directed in the recipe – but do not bake it. Cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to remove the chill. Then, bake the casserole as directed and enjoy!

Serving pumpkin French toast

This pumpkin french toast recipe is hearty enough to enjoy as a stand alone meal. However, you can also serve this casserole as part of a breakfast or brunch spread! See below for some of my family’s favorite dishes to eat with French toast casserole:

Common Serving Suggestions

  • Drizzle with Maple Syrup. Enhance the rich flavors of this pumpkin french toast casserole by drizzling warm maple syrup over the top before serving.
  • Offer a Cream Cheese Frosting Drizzle. Or if you’re feeling extra, make a rich cream cheese vanilla icing for drizzling over the top. (Icing is included in the recipe card below.)
  • Dust with Powdered Sugar. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your breakfast presentation.
  • Serve with Fresh Whipped Topping. Top individual servings with freshly whipped Greek yogurt, cool whip frosting, or whipped cream for a luxurious, creamy finish.
  • Pair with Fresh Fruit. Lighten up your meal by serve alongside seasonal fruits like berries, bananas, or apples for a refreshing contrast. And macerate fresh fruit for even more juicy flavor.
  • Accompany with Breakfast Meats. Pair the casserole with crispy sausage links, sausage patties, crispy bacon, or bacon candy for a hearty breakfast spread.
  • Drinks. Don’t forget the coffee, tea, mimosas, and bloody Mary’s for the adults. And the hot dark chocolate or hot white chocolate for the kiddos.

Unique Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with Candied Pecans. Top with candied nuts for an extra crunch and a hint of sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor.
  • Potatoes. I’m all for carb-loading during the holidays – crispy home fried potatoes or roasted sweet potato hash are the perfect match for this pumpkin breakfast casserole.
  • Eggs. If you prefer a balance of sweet and savory, serve your casserole with scrambled eggs in the oven.
  • Pastries. If you are a lover of sweet breakfasts, pair your pumpkin breakfast bake with a beautiful (and secretly easy) braided danish or store-bought croissants.
  • Serve with a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Elevate your brunch by pairing the casserole with a warm pumpkin spice latte for a complete cozy fall experience.
  • Pair with More Pumpkin Recipes. Lean into pumpkin season and pair your breakfast bake with more delicious pumpkin dishes, like Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate and Pumpkin Pie Fudge for dessert.

Storing leftovers

Storage Instructions

  • Cool Completely. Allow the french toast pumpkin casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
  • Airtight Container. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Refrigerate. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing instructions

Pumpkin French toast casserole freezes beautifully! It can be frozen both before and after baking!

  • Pre-freeze Preparation. If freezing before baking, assemble the brunch casserole as instructed in the pumpkin french toast recipe. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
  • Label and Date. Clearly label the container with the date and contents for easy identification later.
  • Freezing Duration. Store the unbaked pumpkin french toasts casserole in the freezer for up to 2 months. Alternatively, you can store leftover baked pumpkin casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions

  • To reheat baked French toast casserole in the oven: Cover the top of the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Uncover the casserole and continue to bake for 15 minutes or until warmed throughout.
  • To reheat baked French toast casserole in the microwave: Microwave individual servings of casserole until warmed throughout. The exact time will depend on the size of your French toast casserole serving and the strength of your microwave.
  • To reheat frozen baked French toast casserole: Allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Follow instructions for reheating in the oven.

Now that you have the perfect pumpkin French toast casserole recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your loved ones and make some unforgettable breakfast memories!

Dive into this delicious dish that captures the essence of fall and bring warmth to your table. Get cooking, and don’t forget to share your tasty creations and favorite variations with me in the comments below. I love to see what you’re making in the kitchen!

Cheyanne

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More delicious French toast recipes!

If you love this french toast with canned pumpkin, try one of these delicious breakfast recipes next:

Overhead photo of a pumpkin French toast casserole drizzled with maple icing in a white baking dish.

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

5 from 6 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate fall breakfast with this pumpkin french toast casserole. This easy-to-make recipe layers fluffy brioche bread with a custardy pumpkin filling, cozy spices, and crunchy pecans to create a festively delicious dish that will warm your soul. Ideal for brunch and special occasions, this breakfast casserole recipe is sure to become a beloved autumn favorite in your home. Best of all, you'll need just 9 ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare it!

Equipment

  • 1 9×13” Baking Dish (for baking the pumpkin french toast)
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl (for making the pumpkin custard)
  • 1 Whisk (for mixing ingredients)

Ingredients 

  • 1 (14 ounce) Loaf Brioche Bread – cubed (SEE NOTES)
  • 2 Cups Pecans – halves or chopped (about 7.5 ounces)
  • 6 Large Eggs
  • 2 Cups Whole Milk
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree (SEE NOTES)
  • 3/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar – packed
  • ½ Cup Half-and-Half (substitute: heavy cream_ (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 ½ TBS Vanilla Extract
  • 1 ½ TBS Pumpkin Pie Spice – PLUS ½ teaspoon for topping
  • ¾ tsp Kosher Salt
  • Optional Serving Suggestions: Cream Cheese Icing (recipe below – see notes), Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar, Maple Syrup

Instructions

  • Prepare Casserole Pan: Spray a 9×13’’ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and then set the pan aside.
  • Start the Casserole – Layer Bread and Pecans: Place half of the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish.
    Then, sprinkle half of the pecans evenly over the bread.
    Repeat with the remaining bread and pecans. Then set the baking dish aside.
  • Prepare the Pumpkin Egg Custard: To a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, pumpkin, sugar, half-and-half, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Grab a whisk and stir the ingredients until well combined and homogenous.
  • Pour Custard Over Bread: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and pecans in the casserole dish.
    Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Next, use your hands to gently press the bread into the custard so that all the bread is soaking in the pumpkin.
    Place the casserole into the refrigerator. Let refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
    Alternatively, you can set the casserole aside on the counter, preheat the oven, and continue with the recipe. (SEE NOTES)
  • Preheat the Oven: Position the oven rack to the center position. Then, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Remove casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter to remove the chill while the oven preheats.
  • Bake the Pumpkin French Toast: Uncover the baking dish and sprinkle ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice evenly all over the top of the raw breakfast casserole.
    Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
    (NOTE: If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly near the end of baking, lightly tent the pan with aluminum foil and continue baking.)
  • Cool Slightly and Garnish the Top: Place the the casserole on a wire rack and let it cool in baking dish for 5-10 minutes.
    Once slightly cool, drizzle icing, pure maple syrup, or sprinkle the top of the casserole with powdered sugar.
  • Slice and Serve French Toast Pumpkin Casserole: Slice the pumpkin french toast casserole into individual servings and serve warm. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  1. Bread: The best bread for French toast is generally a rich, buttery, egg-based bread such as brioche or challah.  However, any thick-sliced white bread, such as French Bread, can be used.  Instead of brioche, try using cinnamon raisin bread for a delicious twist!
  2. Stale vs Fresh Bread: For best results, use bread that is 1-3 days old. Fresh bread will disintegrate when soaked in the egg custard. If you only have fresh bread, toast the cubes of bread. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Spread the bread out evenly on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5-6 minutes or until very light toasted.
  3. Pumpkin puree is not the same thing as pumpkin pie filling! Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree for this French toast recipe.
  4. Milk: While I prefer a mixture of whole milk and half-and-half to make the egg custard, you can use any non-dairy milk such as almond milk and/or heavy cream.
  5. Chilling the casserole: This casserole tastes best if allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator. However, you will still get delicious results as long as you let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. While you can bake the casserole right away, the French toast will not have its signature custard texture.
  6. To make this gluten free: Replace brioche bread with gluten-free bread.
  7. Homemade Cream Cheese Icing:
    • 5 TBS Confectioners’ Sugar
    • 3 ounces Cream Cheese – softened
    • 2 TBS Milk
    • ¼ tsp Vanilla Extract
    • Pinch of Kosher Salt
    • Whisk everything together in a small bowl. Drizzle over French toast casserole.
  8. Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
     
  9. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
  10. Recipe yields 8-10 servings. 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcal    Carbohydrates: 31g    Protein: 10g    Fat: 25g    Saturated Fat: 5g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g    Monounsaturated Fat: 12g    Trans Fat: 0.01g    Cholesterol: 152mg    Sodium: 312mg    Potassium: 366mg    Fiber: 3g    Sugar: 26g    Vitamin A: 5139IU    Vitamin C: 2mg    Calcium: 163mg    Iron: 2mg
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American

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