Pumpkin French Toast Casserole: The Cozy Fall Breakfast You’ll Crave All Season

There’s something magical about a crisp fall morning—the kind where you wrap your hands around a warm mug of coffee, pull on that favorite sweater, and think, What’s for breakfast? That’s exactly where Pumpkin French Toast Casserole steps in. It’s everything you love about French toast, but baked into one creamy, spiced, make-ahead dish that makes your kitchen smell like pure autumn joy.

This is the kind of recipe that saves you time on busy mornings, yet still makes you feel like you’re serving up something special. Whether you’ve got overnight guests, a family brunch, or just want to treat yourself (yes, you deserve it), this baked casserole hits all the right notes. Soft brioche bread, rich pumpkin spice custard, and the irresistible drizzle of maple syrup—it’s a cozy fall breakfast dream come true.

And here’s the best part: you can prep it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and let the oven do all the hard work while you sip coffee and pretend you’ve been up since dawn whisking magic into the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

• Perfect for gatherings – feeds a crowd with ease.

• Make-ahead convenience – no morning stress required.

• Fall flavors in every bite – pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

• Luxurious texture – brioche keeps it soft, rich, and buttery.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf sliced brioche bread (about 1 lb)

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (240 g)

• 8 large eggs

• 2 ½ cups milk (600 ml)

• 1 cup sugar (200 g)

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15 ml)

• ½ tsp kosher salt (3 g)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish, 2.5 g)

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (1 g)

• ¼ tsp ground cloves (0.5 g)

• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (30 g, for garnish)

• Cinnamon maple butter (for serving)

• Pure maple syrup (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the pan – Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer in the brioche slices, overlapping slightly.

2. Make the custard – In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth.

3. Soak the bread – Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the brioche. Press the bread down gently so it soaks up the custard. Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon.

4. Chill overnight – Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

5. Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 30 minutes until golden and set.

6. Serve – Cool slightly, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and serve warm with maple butter and syrup.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Fall Breakfast

A few little tricks can make your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole absolutely swoon-worthy:

• Stale bread is best. Fresh brioche is delicious, but day-old bread soaks up the custard better without getting mushy.

• Don’t skimp on the chill. Overnight rest isn’t just convenient—it allows the pumpkin spice custard to fully mingle with the bread.

• Foil matters. Keeping it covered for the first half of baking keeps it moist, while uncovering later gives it that golden-brown top we all love.

• Maple is magic. Skip pancake syrup and go for real maple syrup—you’ll taste the difference instantly.

• Want crunch? Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans before baking for a nutty twist.

A Personal Note from My Kitchen

The very first time I made this dish, it was on a Saturday morning when the kids had invited friends over after a late-night movie marathon. I knew pancakes would have me standing at the stove all morning (and let’s be honest, I needed that coffee more than a spatula workout). So, I whipped up this casserole the night before, tucked it into the fridge, and by morning—voilà! A warm, pumpkin-spiced wonder that filled the house with the smell of fall. The kids devoured it, the adults asked for seconds, and I got to actually sit down and enjoy breakfast too.

Since then, it’s become my go-to dish whenever I want to impress without fuss. I love how it transforms a simple loaf of brioche into something that feels like a hug on a plate.

What to Serve with Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

This baked casserole is already rich and flavorful, but pairing it thoughtfully can elevate the whole experience:

• Savory sides: A platter of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage balances the sweetness perfectly.

• Fresh fruit: Think apple slices, pears, or even a tangy fruit salad to lighten things up.

• Warm beverages: Coffee, chai lattes, or hot apple cider make the flavors sing.

• Whipped cream topping: For a little extra indulgence, dollop lightly sweetened whipped cream on top.

If you’re hosting brunch, this dish pairs beautifully with a frittata or a simple quiche to round things out.

How to Store Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Pop single portions in the microwave for about 45 seconds, or warm larger portions in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

• Freeze: Cut into squares, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 325°F until warm.

Pro tip: Leftover slices are fantastic reheated in a skillet with a little butter for crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I substitute another bread for brioche?

Yes! Challah or even sturdy French bread works well. Just avoid very soft sandwich bread—it tends to get too mushy.

Do I have to use pumpkin puree?

Pumpkin is the star here, but you could use sweet potato puree for a slightly different twist.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free bread—something hearty enough to hold up to the custard.

What if I don’t have overnight to chill it?

At minimum, give it 2 hours in the fridge. But the overnight rest really deepens the flavor, so try not to skip it if you can.

Is it too sweet for breakfast?

Not at all—it’s sweet but balanced, especially when paired with savory sides. Think of it like having pumpkin pancakes, only easier.

The Sweet Finish

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to slow down, savor the season, and bring a little extra joy to your table. With its pumpkin spice goodness, buttery brioche, and maple-syrup drizzle, it’s a dish that makes ordinary mornings feel special.

So the next time you’re craving a fall breakfast that’s as comforting as it is easy, remember: this casserole is waiting to wrap you in its cinnamon-spiced embrace.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 80 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a cozy, make-ahead fall breakfast that combines buttery brioche bread with a pumpkin spice custard, baked until golden and served with maple syrup. It’s easy to prep the night before, making it perfect for brunch, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings. With its rich pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and custardy texture, it’s a dish that feels like autumn in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf sliced brioche bread (about 1 lb)

• 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin purée

• 8 large eggs

• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) milk

• 1 cup (200 g) sugar

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract

• ½ tsp (3 g) kosher salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ cup (30 g) confectioners’ sugar (for garnish)

• Cinnamon maple butter (for serving)

• Pure maple syrup (for serving)

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Instructions

• Prep the pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer in brioche slices, slightly overlapping.

• Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth.

• Soak the bread: Pour mixture evenly over brioche, pressing gently so bread absorbs custard. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon.

• Chill overnight: Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate at least 6 hours (preferably overnight).

• Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 30 minutes until golden and set.

• Serve: Cool slightly, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and serve warm with maple butter and syrup.

Notes

Stale or day-old bread works best to prevent sogginess.

Overnight chilling enhances flavor and texture.

For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 2 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ overnight chilling)
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast / Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American