Pumpkin French Toast

It started with a chill in the air and a leftover loaf of brioche on the counter. That first October morning when the leaves crunched beneath my slippers, I decided to make something a little extra cozy. I whisked together eggs and pumpkin french toast magic — with a touch of vanilla and a whole lot of cinnamon warmth — and popped it in the oven before the kids were even awake. The scent alone brought them running. Golden, custardy, and crowned with a nutty pecan streusel, it was our first taste of fall that year, and it’s been a tradition ever since.

Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, hosting guests, or just craving comfort, pumpkin french toast casserole is one of those recipes that turns a quiet morning into a celebration.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pumpkin french toast casserole wraps everything you adore about autumn into one irresistibly cozy bake. It’s the kind of dish that makes a weekend brunch feel like a holiday morning — rich with fall spices and just sweet enough to satisfy.

You’ll love how easy it is. No flipping slices over a stovetop here — just prep, bake, and serve. Even better, you can make it ahead the night before and enjoy a slow start while your kitchen fills with warm pumpkin spice.

The texture is pure heaven: pillowy soft bread soaked in creamy pumpkin custard, baked until golden and crowned with a buttery pecan crumble. Whether you drizzle it with maple syrup or serve it solo, it’s pure comfort in a pan.

It’s a hit with kids and grownups alike, and easily adaptable. Halve it for a smaller gathering, or make the full pan and freeze leftovers — if you have any.

Best of all? This pumpkin french toast is ready with just 15 minutes of prep and a little oven time — no stress, all delicious.

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Ingredient Overview

Cozy, custardy, and full of fall flavor, this pumpkin french toast casserole is layered with warming spice, tender bread, and a sweet crunch from the pecan streusel. Here’s what brings it all together:

• Stale Bread (Challah, Brioche, or French): Absorbs the pumpkin custard like a sponge while holding its shape. Day-old bread is best!

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds rich texture and earthy sweetness. Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

• Eggs: Bind the custard and give the dish structure and richness.

• Milk: Helps create a silky smooth custard. Whole milk gives the best results.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A classic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves — fall in a spoonful.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds that bakery-style aroma and round sweetness.

• White & Brown Sugar: A mix gives balance — caramel warmth from brown and sweetness from white.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used in the streusel to give it that crumbly, golden crunch.

• Chopped Pecans: Add a toasty, nutty bite to every forkful.

• Unsalted Butter: Melted and mixed into the topping for rich flavor and crisp texture.

Styling tip: Sprinkle extra pecans and a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for that brunch table wow factor.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Bread

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Then cube your stale bread into bite-sized pieces. For the best pumpkin french toast, use soft, rich bread like brioche or challah — it soaks up the custard beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups milk, 1 cup pure pumpkin puree, 5 large eggs, ¼ cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. This creamy spiced blend is the heart of your pumpkin french toast casserole.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over your bread cubes in the pan. Gently press down so every piece gets coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb fully — or cover and chill overnight for an easy make-ahead breakfast.

Step 4: Mix the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, stir together ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons white sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and ⅓ cup chopped pecans. Stir in ⅓ cup melted butter until crumbly.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the streusel generously over the soaked bread. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Tip: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it slice nicely while still warm and custardy.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Scoop generous portions onto plates and drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar. Whether you serve it for brunch or a sweet supper side, this pumpkin french toast casserole is always the star.

Pro Tips

For the fluffiest pumpkin french toast texture, use day-old brioche or challah. Their soft crumb soaks up the custard without getting soggy.

Always whisk the custard until completely smooth — any unmixed egg streaks will cook unevenly and affect the final dish. For extra creamy results, warm the milk slightly before mixing.

To make the streusel topping extra crunchy, toast your pecans in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes before adding them. It adds a rich, nutty depth that perfectly complements the pumpkin french toast base.

If prepping overnight, press plastic wrap directly on top of the casserole to help the bread absorb evenly and prevent drying.

Let it rest after baking. Just 10 minutes out of the oven allows the casserole to set perfectly and slice without falling apart — ideal for serving to guests.

Want clean-cut portions? Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it between slices. This makes your pumpkin french toast casserole look bakery-perfect on the brunch table.

Related comfort bake: Pair with these easy pumpkin muffins for a full fall spread.

Variations

Add a swirl of cream cheese between the bread layers for a tangy contrast. Just drop small dollops randomly as you layer the bread.

For a festive upgrade, stir a splash of bourbon or rum extract into the custard. It elevates the flavors and makes the pumpkin french toast feel downright decadent.

Making it kid-friendly? Skip the nuts and top with mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra fun.

Turn this into a dessert by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and maple drizzle. It transforms humble pumpkin french toast into a showstopping sweet dish.

Want a gluten-free option? Swap in your favorite gluten-free loaf — just be sure it’s slightly stale and hearty enough to hold up.

You can also enjoy it alongside pumpkin cold foam coffee for a dreamy fall breakfast combo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This cozy pumpkin french toast casserole pairs beautifully with crisp bacon, maple sausage, or a creamy latte. It’s a fall brunch favorite that steals the spotlight at Thanksgiving morning or weekend family breakfasts. For a vibrant pop on your plate, serve it alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. A dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla yogurt makes it feel even more indulgent. If you’re going full pumpkin feast, consider pairing it with our crowd-pleasing pumpkin cinnamon rolls or chocolate chip pumpkin bread for a table full of fall flavors.

Conclusion

Baking this pumpkin french toast is more than just a breakfast win — it’s a cozy ritual, a celebration of changing leaves, and a reason to linger a little longer around the table. Whether you’re sipping coffee with loved ones or savoring leftovers on a quiet Tuesday, this casserole brings warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavor. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making year after year, each time with just as much love.

I’d love for you to try this pumpkin french toast recipe and make it your own! Whether you tweak the topping, add your favorite mix-ins, or keep it classic, it’s all about finding joy in your kitchen. Leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, or share your version on Instagram and tag us — I can’t wait to see your cozy fall creations.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!