Delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole for Cozy Mornings

I still remember the first time I made Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole and how it completely changed my view on cozy fall breakfasts. I was tucked away in my little kitchen on a crisp October morning, wanting to make something warm and comforting that didn’t require a lot of fuss but still felt special. The idea of combining the warm spices of pumpkin with the classic French toast flavors sounded like a dream. What surprised me most was how this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole could taste so indulgent but still be nourishing and balanced for my everyday eating.

For me, this dish fits beautifully into my real-life approach to eating — no complicated steps, no guilt, just real ingredients that bring comfort and joy. I found that embracing this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole meant I didn’t have to sacrifice flavor for health or convenience for satisfaction. It feels sustainable because it works for quick weeknight breakfasts or relaxed weekend brunches, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser when friends come over.

If you’re someone juggling busy mornings, picky eaters, or just want to treat yourself without the overwhelm, you’ll find this pumpkin spice breakfast casserole really ticks all the boxes. I’ve learned it’s less about perfection and more about making nourishing food that fits your life—and I’m excited to share everything I’ve gathered about this recipe to make your kitchen adventures fun and simple. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, I hope this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole becomes a happy staple in your home too.

Plus, if you want to peek at some other comforting recipes, I love swapping ideas and have shared a few favorites like French Butter Cake for more cozy vibes.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, including pumpkin puree, bread cubes, eggs, and spices
What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. I keep it simple because good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

  • 6 cups of day-old bread cubes (I use whole wheat or sourdough for texture)
  • 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (You can find this in the regular produce section or canned aisles; pumpkin is budget-friendly and perfect for fall breakfast recipes)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ¾ cups milk (Use any kind you prefer—dairy or plant-based works great)
  • ½ cup maple syrup (I love the natural sweetness it adds, but honey or agave are easy swaps)
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (No stress if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice—I often use cinnamon and nutmeg instead in my Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Optional topping: chopped pecans or walnuts (I love adding extra crunch here)

A quick kitchen tip: If you’re short on time, there’s no need to toast the bread ahead; sturdy bread like sourdough holds up well soaked in the custard. For even faster prep, I sometimes use pre-cubed bread from the bakery section.

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole also stores wonderfully. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. Because the ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, the cost stays low, which I appreciate when cooking for a crowd.

Let’s Make It Together!

Ready? This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is easier than you think, and I’ll guide you step by step—like cooking side-by-side.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I usually start here so it’s warm by the time the casserole is ready to bake.
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I find a little butter or non-stick spray works great to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. This pumpkin french toast bake mixture gives you all those warm fall flavors in one go.
  4. Add the bread cubes to the bowl and gently toss to coat. Make sure every piece is nicely soaked but not falling apart.
  5. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. I like to sprinkle chopped nuts on top here for that extra touch.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and let it sit in the fridge overnight, or if you’re short on time, pop it right into the oven. The overnight soak helps the bread absorb the custard perfectly, but this pumpkin spice breakfast casserole is also great baked right after mixing.
  7. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
  8. Your kitchen should smell amazing, like a cozy fall morning. If you’re wondering about the perfect doneness, the casserole should be set in the middle but still slightly soft—think creamy but firm.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole pairs beautifully with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt for some balance.

If you have leftovers, feel free to reheat them gently. I often slice a piece and warm it in the microwave—perfect time to set the table or prep a simple side while it heats.

How I Love to Serve This!

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole feels like a warm embrace on a plate. For me, it becomes a complete meal when I add a side of fresh fruit, like apple slices or berries, which bring brightness and balance.

I’ve made this easy pumpkin casserole for everything from weekday breakfasts to holiday brunch casseroles, where it shines as a centerpiece. It’s super versatile—you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. For a special touch, sprinkling a little powdered sugar or cinnamon on top adds a festive look that friends and family notice.

One of my favorite seasonal variations is to add a handful of dried cranberries or swap pecans for toasted almonds. Friends usually ask for seconds because the pumpkin french toast bake hits that sweet spot between indulgent and nourishing.

If you want to try a version with a little less sweetness, I sometimes cut back the maple syrup and add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking—it’s a subtle twist that makes the flavors pop.

In case you love other comforting dishes, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a great partner to this French Butter Cake for a well-balanced brunch table.

Common Questions Answered

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making a day ahead. The overnight soak helps the bread absorb the flavors deeply. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake the next morning.

What if I don’t have pumpkin puree on hand?
No worries! You can substitute with sweet potato puree or even mashed banana for a different twist. I shared a similar pumpkin french toast casserole version over at Little Spice Jar that uses sweet potato—you might enjoy that too.

How can I adjust the flavor of this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole?
Feel free to tweak the spices—add more cinnamon or a pinch of cloves if you want a stronger fall flavor. Some home cooks I know add a splash of orange zest for a fresh note.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, swap the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk and butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine. The pumpkin spice breakfast casserole still turns out cozy and delicious.

What bread works best?
Day-old sturdy bread is key. Whole wheat, sourdough, or even challah if you have it. Avoid very soft or fresh bread, or it might get mushy.

Is this suitable for feeding a crowd?
Definitely! It’s easy to double or triple and always impresses at holiday brunch casseroles or family gatherings.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep it creamy.

I love chatting more about these questions on my Facebook page, where fellow home cooks share their takes: Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole love.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole has become a cozy staple in my kitchen routine because it blends simplicity with satisfying flavors. It’s a dish I return to when I want a nourishing breakfast or a relaxed holiday brunch casserole.

My Favorite Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Tips:
– Use day-old bread for the best texture—fresh bread can get soggy.
– Let the casserole soak overnight if you can; it deepens the flavors.
– Don’t skip the pumpkin pie spice or your favorite blend of cinnamon and nutmeg—they make the dish sing.

For simple variations, I’ve tried adding:
– A handful of toasted pecans for crunch.
– Mixing in dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet surprise.
– Swapping milk for oat milk to keep it dairy-free and creamy.

The version I make most often keeps it classic with pure maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top. It feels like the perfect balance of sweet and spice, cozy but light enough to enjoy on busy mornings.

I hope this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole inspires you to make it your own and creates warm memories around your table. Remember, cooking is about joy, not perfection—so have fun with it and savor every bite. If you want more cozy ideas or comforting sweet treats, I invite you to check out my French Butter Cake recipe next—it pairs beautifully with this pumpkin french toast bake.

Finished Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, golden and ready to serve

For anyone curious, you can also check out trusted takes on pumpkin french toast casseroles from Life, Love, and Sugar, which I’ve found inspiring too!

Print

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast perfect for fall mornings, featuring spiced pumpkin and custardy baked French toast.

  • Author: Zaya Dawson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 5 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish evenly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to soak the bread.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top, if using, and drizzle melted butter over the casserole.
  6. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
  7. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup as desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, add a streusel topping before baking, and serve warm with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

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