Description
This cozy Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is the perfect stress-free breakfast for chilly autumn mornings. Cubed bread is soaked overnight in a rich, pumpkin-spice custard, resulting in a soft, flavorful interior. Topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan crumble, it provides a delightful texture contrast that satisfies like a slice of pumpkin pie. Prepare it the night before to wake up to a delicious house-filling aroma and a show-stopping breakfast that feeds a hungry crowd with ease.
Ingredients
1 loaf (12-14 ounces) French bread, brioche, sourdough, or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup pumpkin puree (pure, not pie filling)
3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar (packed)
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
6 large eggs
2 1/3 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed) (topping)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (topping)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (topping)
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed (topping)
3/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (topping)
Instructions
Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all bread is soaked.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F.
To make the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter in a small bowl, rubbing with your fingers until crumbly.
Stir in the pecans and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown and the custard is set.
Notes
Using stale or slightly dried-out bread produces the best results as it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy. You can use gluten-free bread as a substitute. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 145mg