The Ultimate Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

November 25, 2025 by Alexa

Is there anything better than the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn morning? For me, it’s a scent that instantly brings back memories of cozy family breakfasts and the excitement of the holidays just around the corner.

That’s why I’m so excited to share my Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole recipe with you! It’s the perfect dish for a relaxed weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or anytime you want to add a touch of fall magic to your day. Best of all, it only takes about an hour from start to finish.

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Prep ahead for easy mornings: Assemble it the night before, and bake it fresh when you’re ready.
The perfect balance of pumpkin spice and sweet custard: It’s a delightful blend of warm spices and creamy goodness.
Feeds a crowd: This casserole is ideal for holiday gatherings or brunch with friends.
Comfort food at its finest: Every bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day.

What is Pumpkin Spice?

Pumpkin spice is more than just a flavor; it’s a feeling. The blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, creating a warm and inviting aroma and taste. Its popularity stems from its association with fall baking and cozy traditions.

The combination of these spices beautifully complements the pumpkin puree and sweet custard in my Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, enhancing the overall depth and complexity of the dish.

Best Bread to Use for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

The bread you choose can really impact the final result of your casserole. I’ve found that a variety of breads work beautifully:

French bread: A classic choice, it soaks up the custard nicely and holds its shape well.
Brioche: Adds a touch of richness and a slightly sweet flavor.
Sourdough: Offers a tangy twist that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin spice.
Challah: Soft and slightly sweet, challah creates a wonderfully tender casserole.
Hawaiian bread: A sweeter option that pairs nicely with the pumpkin spice.

Slightly stale bread is actually ideal for this recipe. It absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy. Simply leave your bread out uncovered for a few hours or even a day to dry out slightly.

Can I Use Sourdough Bread?

Yes, you can definitely use sourdough bread! The tangy flavor provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin spice. However, be mindful that sourdough can be a bit chewier than other breads. You might want to cut the crusts off for a more tender casserole.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole:

1 (12–14-ounce) loaf French bread, brioche, sourdough bread, or challah*
1 cup (226g) pumpkin puree
3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
2 and 1/2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice*
6 large eggs
2 and 1/3 cups (560ml) whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup (69g) packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 Tablespoons (85g) vegetable shortening, cold and cubed
3/4 cup (100g) roughly chopped pecans*
for serving: pure maple syrup

Detailed Ingredient Information

Let’s dive a little deeper into each ingredient:

Pumpkin Puree: You can use either homemade or store-bought pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought blend, or make your own. I like to adjust the ratios to suit my taste. If you are making your own, you can add a dash of allspice as well.
Milk: I recommend whole milk for the richest flavor, but you can substitute with other types of milk if needed.

Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling

It’s crucial to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree is simply cooked and pureed pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the balance of flavors in this recipe. Always double-check the label!

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some easy swaps to accommodate dietary needs or preferences:

Ingredient	Substitution Options	Notes
All-purpose flour	Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend	Ensure the blend is a 1:1 replacement.
Whole Milk	Almond milk, oat milk, or other plant-based milk	May slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Vegetable Shortening	Vegan butter, cold and cubed	Ensure the butter is cold for best crumble texture.

For added flavor, try mixing in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or different types of nuts.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole:

Slice and cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Let the cubed bread sit out uncovered for a few hours or up to 1 day. (If you don’t have enough time, see Bread note below.)
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or any 3.5-4 quart baking dish) or spray with nonstick spray. Spread cubes of bread in the dish.
Whisk pumpkin, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl. Pour evenly over bread.
Cover the pan tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and up to 1 day. This gives the bread a chance to soak up the pumpkin custard and is a key step in this recipe.
Mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together. Add the cold vegetable shortening and using a pastry cutter or fork, cut vegetable shortening into the brown sugar mixture until pea-size crumbles form. You can also use your hands to mix it together. Stir in the pecans. Cover and refrigerate (separately, do not add to soaking casserole) until ready to use in step 7. Can be refrigerated for just 15 minutes or up to 1 day. The colder it is, the less likely it will sink down and get lost in the casserole.
Remove casserole from the refrigerator and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over casserole and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, and then cover with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes or until center appears set and is no longer runny. The total time this casserole takes is 45-55 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving. Casserole deflates slightly as it cools. Feel free to drizzle maple syrup on top of entire casserole or on individual servings.
Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Crumb Topping Instructions

The crumb topping is what truly elevates this casserole. For the perfect crumble texture, make sure your vegetable shortening is cold. Cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until pea-sized crumbles form.

Variations on Crumb Topping

Oatmeal Crumb Topping: Add 1/4 cup rolled oats to the existing crumb topping recipe.
Spice Crumb Topping: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the crumb topping.
Nut-Free Crumb Topping: Substitute the pecans with an equal amount of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the refrigeration time. Allowing the bread to soak in the custard is key to a moist and delicious casserole.
Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil.

Troubleshooting Soggy Casserole

If your casserole turns out soggy, it could be due to a few reasons. First, ensure you’re using slightly stale bread. Also, avoid over-soaking the casserole; stick to the recommended refrigeration time. Finally, make sure your oven temperature is accurate. Signs of over-soaking include bread that is falling apart before baking, and a custard mixture that pools around the edges instead of being absorbed.

Altitude Adjustments

At higher altitudes, you might need to slightly increase the baking time or reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Keep a close eye on the casserole and adjust as needed.

Baking Time & Temperature

Bake the casserole at 350°F (177°C) for 45-55 minutes. It’s done when the center is set, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle with pure maple syrup for a classic touch. Other delicious toppings include whipped cream, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair with a warm pumpkin spice latte or apple cider for the ultimate fall experience!

You might also like to try this The Ultimate Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe for another fall treat.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Add the crumb topping just before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Equipment

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish (or any 3.5-4 quart baking dish), a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a pastry cutter or fork for the crumb topping.

I personally love using Pyrex baking dishes for their durability and even heat distribution.

Healthier Options

To reduce the sugar content, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. You can also reduce the amount of vegetable shortening in the crumb topping or use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the pumpkin puree.

One-half cup of pureed pumpkin contains about 100% of your daily vitamin A, 10% of your daily iron, and 3 grams of fiber, all for around 45 calories. If you are looking for another similar dish, check out these breakfast and brunch ideas.

FAQs about Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

How Do I Know When It’s Done Baking?

The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer runny. The top should be golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can! Layer the bread cubes and custard mixture in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the casserole is set. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Conclusion

My Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warm memories and enjoy the flavors of fall. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite fall breakfast traditions? Do you have any special variations you’d like to try with this recipe? Leave a comment below and let’s share our love for all things pumpkin spice! And if you try my recipe, be sure to tag me on social media, I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

Alexa