A Historical Overview of French Toast
French toast, known as “pain perdu” (lost bread) in France, dates back to ancient Rome, where stale bread was soaked in milk and eggs before frying. The dish evolved across Europe and became a breakfast favorite in America, often enjoyed with maple syrup or powdered sugar. With the rise of seasonal flavors, pumpkin spice has become a modern twist, transforming this classic dish into a cozy fall casserole—perfect for gatherings and holiday breakfasts.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is warm, spiced, and utterly comforting—perfect for autumn mornings, holiday brunches, or even dessert. Made with fluffy bread cubes, creamy pumpkin custard, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, it bakes into a golden casserole that tastes like fall in every bite. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup, and you’ve got a dish that’s festive, cozy, and completely irresistible.
Ingredients
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1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
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6 large eggs
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2 cups milk (or half & half for creamier texture)
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
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4 tbsp butter, melted
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Powdered sugar, for serving
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Maple syrup, optional
Instructions
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Grease a 9×13 baking dish and add cubed bread.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugars, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and salt.
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Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes, pressing lightly to soak.
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Drizzle melted butter on top. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.
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Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Add maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Best made with slightly stale bread for maximum soak.
Swap brioche for French bread or sourdough for a different texture.
Can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
Common Questions
1. Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when chilled overnight, as the bread absorbs all the pumpkin custard.
2. Can I freeze this French toast casserole?
Yes. Bake first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
3. What bread works best for this recipe?
Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal because they’re sturdy yet soft, allowing them to absorb the custard without falling apart.
