One of my favorite ways to welcome fall in the kitchen is with a Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. I first encountered this dish on a crisp weekend morning while visiting a friend’s house surrounded by colorful leaves. The warmth of the pumpkin spice mixed with maple syrup and cinnamon filled the entire house—there was something so comforting and festive about that experience. From that moment, this pumpkin French toast bake became a staple in my seasonal breakfast lineup.
What I love about this fall breakfast casserole is how it fits effortlessly into busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. It’s the kind of recipe you can prepare the night before, which is a lifesaver on hectic weekdays or when hosting friends. This pumpkin spice overnight French toast rests in the fridge, soaking up all those cozy flavors so when you wake up, breakfast is practically ready. It feels special without being complicated—a sweet balance of ease and deliciousness.
If you’re hunting for an easy pumpkin French toast casserole recipe that’s reliable and a sure crowd-pleaser, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving that pumpkin spice baked French toast magic for yourself, this recipe has your back. Plus, it uses simple pantry ingredients that most home cooks already have, so no stress there. I’m excited to share everything you need to nail this dish and add a new favorite to your fall cooking rotation. Let’s dive into what makes this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole so memorable. If you love dishes that bring people together with real flavor and no fuss, this one’s going to become a go-to.
For more ideas with a festive spin, you might also enjoy checking out my Christmas breakfast casserole recipe on Duma Foods. It’s perfect for when the holiday comes around and you want something just as comforting.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of thick-cut bread (about 10 cups cubed) – I like to use challah or brioche for extra richness, but any sturdy bread will do.
- 2 cups whole milk – No worry if you want a dairy alternative; almond or oat milk works great in this pumpkin French toast bake.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Canned pumpkin works wonderfully and is readily available in most grocery stores.
- 4 large eggs – These bind the casserole and add richness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds a deep sweetness; packed not too tight.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup – I always recommend pure maple syrup, but you can swap in honey if that’s what you’ve got.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice – You’ll find this in the regular spice aisle. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself for a fresh blend.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A little vanilla always brightens this dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances all the flavors.
- Butter for greasing the baking dish – Don’t skip this; it keeps the crust crisp and golden.
Optional Topping:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch.
- Whipped cream or powdered sugar for serving.
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is affordable because it uses basic baking staples mixed with pumpkin, which you can grab straight off the shelf in fall. My secret is adding just a bit extra pumpkin pie spice than the recipe calls for—this gives it that punch of cozy fall flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds.
If you need to prep quickly, cube your bread the night before and leave it out to get slightly stale—that helps soak up the custard perfectly. Leftovers store well covered in the fridge for a few days or can be frozen in portions.
Check out some alternative takes on pumpkin French toast casserole from trusted home cooks like Little Spice Jar and Life, Love, and Sugar for more inspiration. They each add nice twists that are easy to try.
Let’s Cook It Together!
- Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This ensures your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole won’t stick and will crisp up nicely around the edges.
- Cube your bread into roughly 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the baking dish. Using day-old bread here helps your casserole soak up the custard without turning soggy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. This blend is what turns your pumpkin French toast bake into a flavorful, custardy dream.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down lightly with the back of a spoon to help the bread absorb the custard.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours—or better yet, overnight. This is your pumpkin spice overnight French toast moment, where all those flavors get to mingle and deepen.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and bake the casserole for 45 to 55 minutes until it’s puffed up and golden brown.
- If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them on about 15 minutes before baking finishes so they toast lightly on top.
- Once out of the oven, allow your pumpkin spice baked French toast to cool just a bit. Your kitchen will smell incredible by now—warm spices and pumpkin make this hard to resist.
- Serve warm, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Don’t forget a spoonful of whipped cream if you want to make it extra indulgent.
From start to finish, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole takes about 15 minutes prep plus soaking overnight, then under an hour to bake. While it’s baking, you can clean up or prepare coffee for your guests.
If your casserole looks too wet in the middle straight from the fridge, don’t worry. Give it a little extra time in the oven; the custard will set perfectly once heated through.
I’ve learned patience here makes all the difference—rushing the soaking step makes it less creamy and more bread-y. Trust the process, and you’ll get a crowd-pleasing fall breakfast casserole every time.
While this is baking, check out another easy pumpkin French toast casserole recipe from Inspired by Charm to see their approach to the classic.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole really shines when paired with simple sides that complement its richness. I often serve it with fresh fruit—like sliced apples or berries—which add a bright contrast to the warm spices.
Crispy bacon or sausage links are my go-to savory additions; the salty meat balances the sweetness perfectly. For a vegetarian twist, roasted nuts or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side are lovely.
I find this casserole works well for lazy weekend brunches or holiday mornings when people want a hearty, homey meal. Its pumpkin spice baked French toast goodness feels like a treat without needing hours in the kitchen, which everyone appreciates.
For a simple presentation upgrade, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. It makes the dish feel a little more special without extra fuss.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, and I’ve even turned cold slices into quick French toast sticks for busy mornings.
This fall breakfast casserole is always a hit with friends and family. Their surprised smiles and “You made this?” reactions remind me why this recipe stays in my rotation every year.
If your group loves this, they might also enjoy a Christmas breakfast casserole from my site—you can find it here.
Your Questions Answered
- Can I make this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it soak overnight is part of what makes it so good. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you’re hosting. - What’s the best substitute for whole milk in this recipe?
You can swap in almond milk, oat milk, or any milk alternative. Just keep in mind it might slightly change the creaminess but still turns out delicious. - Can I use different bread types?
Yes! Challah or brioche give the best texture, but sturdy sandwich bread or even croissants can work if you cube them and toast lightly first. - How do I adjust this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole for more servings?
Double the recipe and use a larger baking dish or two smaller dishes. Adjust baking time slightly, and keep an eye on the casserole’s color. - Can I add nuts or fruit inside the casserole?
Yes, chopped nuts mixed into the custard or fresh berries scattered through the bread cubes add texture and bursts of flavor. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Pumpkin spice baked French toast freezes well. Wrap portions tightly and thaw overnight before reheating. - What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
Mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. This homemade blend gives fresh flavor, and you can tweak it to your liking.
If you want to see how other home cooks approach pumpkin French toast bake, take a peek at the recipes by Little Spice Jar and Life, Love, and Sugar for great swaps and tips.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole has earned its place in my recipe books because it’s a perfect blend of comforting flavors and straightforward prep. Its pumpkin warmth, combined with custardy bread and cozy spices, makes it a real crowd-pleaser all season long.
My Best Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Tips:
- Give the casserole plenty of soaking time—it always rewards your patience.
- Use sturdy bread to keep texture balanced.
- Don’t skip the buttered pan for that irresistible crust.
I’ve tested versions with pecans, swapping maple syrup for honey, and even adding chocolate chips. The classic pumpkin pie spice blend version is still the favorite and most requested among my friends and family.
This is a recipe you can tweak for your own taste, but it will always bring warm smiles and full bellies around the table. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this pumpkin spice overnight French toast as I do.
Confidently grab your ingredients and start your own fall tradition with this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole—you won’t regret it.
For extra inspiration, check out these trusted takes on pumpkin French toast casseroles from Little Spice Jar, Life, Love, and Sugar, and Inspired by Charm to see how this recipe can become your own.
Happy cooking, fellow home cooks!
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon for a cozy, comforting breakfast that’s perfect for fall mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Butter or cooking spray, for greasing the dish
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Place the cubed French bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure bread is soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Remove from fridge and sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if using.
- Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with warm maple syrup.
Notes
For extra crunch, toast the pecans before sprinkling on top. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for added indulgence.