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.
Ingredients
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)
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