The Ultimate Comfort Food You’ve Been Craving
Ever dreamed of waking up to the sweet aroma of Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole wafting through your kitchen? This glorious dish wraps you in cozy warmth, making mornings feel like a special occasion. What sets it apart? It’s super easy, creamy, and a total one-pan wonder — perfect for lazy weekends or holiday brunches!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should this casserole grace your breakfast table? Here are a few reasons that will have you reaching for that baking dish:
- Minimal Cleanup: Less time scrubbing dishes means more time savoring those delicious bites.
- Family-Friendly: Who doesn’t love a warm, sweet breakfast that feels like a hug in food form? Even picky eaters can’t resist this!
- Budget-Friendly: A lovely treat doesn’t have to break the bank, right? This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Directions
Ready to whip this up? Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Add the cubed French bread to the mixture, stirring to coat all pieces.
- Pour this delicious mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down gently to pack the bread.
- Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or even better, overnight in the refrigerator.
- Bake in the preheated oven, covered with foil, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole (Overview)
Getting this casserole ready is a piece of cake (or toast, in this case!).
- Prep Time: Just mix up some eggs, milk, and pumpkin.
- Bread It Up: Toss in your French bread cubes and coat them well.
- Let It Chill: Make sure to let it sit; this helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Bake & Enjoy: A quick bake, and you’re ready to eat!
Pro tip: Don’t skip letting it sit! It makes a huge difference in the texture.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
When it comes to serving this delight, think cozy brunch vibes!
- Classic Touch: Serve it warm, drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Berry Good: Add a handful of fresh berries on top for an extra pop of color and sweetness.
- Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch!
Imagine biting into that golden-brown crust while the warm spices envelop you in comfort. Heaven, right? 😍
How to Store Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Got leftovers? This casserole is a champ!
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 3 months! Just thaw and reheat.
For reheating, pop it back in the oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Here are a few insider tricks:
- Use Day-Old Bread: It absorbs the egg mixture better, giving you that perfect custardy texture.
- Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add extra cinnamon or nutmeg for a flavor twist.
- Sweet Swap: Try brown sugar instead of regular sugar for a richer taste.
- Make it Ahead: As mentioned, prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Check the Cook: Use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out clean when done!
Variation
Looking to switch things up?
- Try Chocolate: Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore!
- Go Vegan: Use plant-based milk, flax eggs, and maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Add Seasonal Fruits: Toss in sliced bananas or apples for a fruity flair.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep it the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3 months.
3. Can I use a different type of bread?
Definitely! Brioche or challah would add an amazing richness. Just be sure it’s day-old for the best soak.
Grab your baking dish and treat yourself to this delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Add the cubed French bread to the mixture, stirring to coat all pieces.
- Pour this delicious mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down gently to pack the bread.
- Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Bake in the preheated oven, covered with foil, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!