Looking for a cozy, autumn-inspired breakfast dish that’s sure to impress? This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is the perfect blend of seasonal flavors and comforting textures. Made with rich pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a delightful streusel topping, it’s an easy and delicious way to bring the taste of fall to your table.
Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Directions:
Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and place the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
Combine and Chill
Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Topping
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread mixture. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips:
Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the casserole just before serving for a decorative touch.
Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or a fruit compote on the side to complement the pumpkin flavors.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a luxurious finish to this dish, especially for a dessert variation.
Warm Syrup: Warm maple syrup or a cinnamon-infused syrup can be drizzled over individual servings for extra sweetness.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions of the casserole for longer storage. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for quick warming. For a crisper texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Freshness Tip: To maintain freshness, sprinkle a little cinnamon over reheated portions or serve with a fresh fruit compote to enhance flavors.
Related Recipes:
- Berry French Toast Casserole
- Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Yes, you can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread. However, French bread or brioche are preferred for their texture and ability to absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Ensure the bread is slightly stale for the best results.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the night before and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the flavors. In the morning, simply add the topping and bake.
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. For the topping, use a dairy-free butter substitute.
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree as a substitute. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Conclusion:
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is an easy, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for holiday mornings or any fall gathering. Its combination of pumpkin, spices, and streusel topping will make it a favorite at your breakfast table. Try it out and enjoy the flavors of the season in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a cozy and delicious fall breakfast dish, perfect for any occasion. Made with rich pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a delightful streusel topping, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Ideal for holiday mornings or weekend brunches, it’s a seasonal favorite that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie with the classic appeal of French toast.
Ingredients
1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and place the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread mixture.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Stale Bread: Using day-old French bread helps absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
Overnight Soak: For maximum flavor, let the bread soak in the egg mixture overnight.
Doneness Check: The casserole is ready when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 290 kcal
