If you love pumpkin spice flavors but don’t love standing at the stove flipping French toast slice by slice, this recipe is for you. Mornings—especially during fall holidays—should be cozy, not chaotic. This pumpkin spice French toast casserole recipe gives you all the warm, spiced flavor you crave in an easy, bake-and-serve dish.

I’ve made this casserole for weekend brunches, Thanksgiving mornings, and overnight guests more times than I can count. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is secretly very simple. You prep it once, bake it in one dish, and the house smells amazing while it cooks.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make pumpkin spice French toast casserole, plus tips for perfect texture, make-ahead options, variations, and FAQs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm pumpkin spice flavor in every bite
Perfect for holidays and brunch
Make-ahead friendly and stress-free
Soft inside with a lightly crisp top
Feeds a crowd easily

This casserole turns a classic breakfast into a cozy fall centerpiece.

Ingredients & Prep

Main Ingredients Prep

Bread – Brioche or challah works best. Cut into 1-inch cubes and let it dry slightly for better texture.
Pumpkin purée – Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Eggs – Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.

Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base

Milk or half-and-half – Creates a rich custard base.
Brown sugar – Adds warmth and depth.
Pumpkin spice – The star flavor (or use cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves).
Vanilla extract – Enhances the pumpkin flavor.
Cinnamon – Adds extra warmth.

Pantry Staples

Butter – For greasing the dish and adding richness.
Salt – Balances sweetness.
Maple syrup (optional) – For serving or mixing into the custard.
Pecans or walnuts (optional) – For crunch on top.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Preheat oven to 350°F.

Dry bread helps the casserole absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

Custard Mixing

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.

The mixture should be thick but pourable.

Assembly & Baking Method (Times & Temps)

Pour custard evenly over the bread.
Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the mixture.
Sprinkle nuts on top if using.
Let rest for 10 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight).
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

Doneness or Texture Check

The casserole is done when the center no longer jiggles and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.

Resting or Final Touches

Let the pumpkin spice French toast casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and slice cleanly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using fresh, soft bread – It can turn mushy.
Skipping the rest time – Custard needs time to soak in.
Overbaking – Dries out the casserole.

Recommended Tools

9×13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

No special equipment needed.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it moist.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Version

Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking

Healthy / Special Diet Option

Lighter: Use milk instead of half-and-half
Dairy-free: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free butter
Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar and rely on maple syrup when serving

Global Flavor Twist

Chai-spiced: Add cardamom and cloves
Pumpkin pecan: Add pecans and a drizzle of maple glaze
Vanilla bean: Use vanilla bean paste for extra depth

Serving Suggestions

Serve pumpkin spice French toast casserole with:

Maple syrup or powdered sugar
Fresh berries or sliced apples
Crispy bacon or sausage
Hot coffee, chai, or apple cider

It’s perfect for fall mornings and holiday brunch tables.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.

How do I fix common mistakes?

Too dry: Serve with warm syrup or add more milk next time.
Too wet: Bake a few extra minutes uncovered.
Bland flavor: Increase pumpkin spice and salt slightly.

Conclusion

This pumpkin spice French toast casserole recipe is everything you want in a fall breakfast—warm, comforting, and incredibly easy. With cozy spices, soft custardy bread, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe many readers come back to year after year.

If you enjoyed this dish, you might also love a baked apple oatmeal or a cinnamon roll casserole for another cozy breakfast option. Enjoy every bite!

Sarah

This pumpkin spice French toast casserole is a cozy, bake-and-serve breakfast packed with warm fall spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Made with brioche bread, pumpkin purée, and a creamy spiced custard, it’s soft and comforting on the inside with a lightly crisp top. Perfect for holidays, weekend brunch, or make-ahead mornings when you want something special without the stovetop work.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Ingredients

1 loaf brioche or challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée
6 large eggs room temperature
1½ cups milk or half-and-half
¾ cup brown sugar packed
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter melted (plus more for greasing)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Maple syrup for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and melted butter until smooth.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the mixture.
Sprinkle nuts on top if using.
Let rest for 10 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight).
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slightly stale or dried bread absorbs the custard best and prevents sogginess.
For an overnight version, assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Serve warm with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe