It all started one chilly October morning when my oldest asked if I could make something special with pumpkin for breakfast. That’s how this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole became a regular in our kitchen. The kids’ eyes lit up when I served it, and honestly, it brought us all closer around the table. This dish has a warm, cozy feeling—like a hug on a plate—which is exactly what makes this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole so magical.
I remember the first few times I tried making this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, I stumbled over getting the spices just right and making sure the custard soaked in perfectly. But after a few tries, I learned that the key is letting the bread soak in the spiced custard overnight. That gives the flavors time to meld and makes the casserole rich and tender. Now, I make this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole confidently, knowing it will turn out delicious every time.
What I love most about this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is how it fits into so many family moments. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a lazy holiday morning, or a comforting breakfast after a busy weeknight, it never disappoints. It’s both simple enough to throw together ahead of time and special enough to make everyone feel like it’s a treat.
If you’re looking for a fall French toast recipe that brings everyone to the table, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is the one to try. You’ll find it’s more than just food—it’s about making memories with your family. And speaking of memories, here’s a perfect spot to share this recipe with your loved ones.
Plus, if you like this pumpkin spice breakfast casserole, you might also enjoy other crowd-pleasers like this easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole or the comforting Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the ingredient list I rely on for my Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. Trust me, it keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 1 loaf of day-old challah or brioche bread (about 12 ounces), cubed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving

For the best Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, I recommend using fresh pumpkin puree for that authentic flavor. You’ll find everything for this recipe at your regular grocery store, usually near the canned veggies or baking aisle.
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is forgiving if you need to swap. For milk, you can use almond or oat milk if you prefer dairy-free. If you don’t have challah or brioche, thick-cut white sandwich bread works too. Just make sure the bread is a day or two old so it soaks up the custard well without getting mushy.
Here’s a Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole secret that makes all the difference: let the bread cubes dry out on a baking sheet overnight before mixing. It helps the bread hold texture after baking.
My family prefers when I add chopped nuts in the topping layer for a little crunch—it balances the creamy pumpkin custard perfectly. Feel free to skip them if you have nut allergies or prefer it simpler.
How to Make It
Making this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is easier than you might think. Here’s how I do it to nail that cozy spiced flavor every time.
- Prep your bread by cutting it into roughly 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit overnight to dry out a bit.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt until smooth. This mixture is your spiced custard casserole base that brings the pumpkin flavor to life.
- Toss the dried bread cubes into the custard, making sure each piece is well coated. I like to let this sit for about 10 minutes to soak up extra liquid before assembling.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Pour half the soaked bread mixture into the dish, then sprinkle half of your chopped nuts if you’re using them.
- Layer the remaining bread mixture over the top and finish with the rest of the nuts. This layering technique adds texture and flavor depth to the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This overnight French toast bake step is critical for the custard to soak fully, making your casserole tender and flavorful.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is ready when the top is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole cooks—like autumn in every corner. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to let it set up nicely.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole: baking it covered or not letting the bread dry properly. Both lead to a soggy final dish. Now I always follow the drying and layering steps closely.
While your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is cooking, you’ll have time to set the table or get coffee ready. The aroma alone will get everyone excited. For extra tips and another pumpkin twist, check out this make-ahead pumpkin French toast casserole from Bowl of Delicious.
Serving Ideas
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole comes out with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of warm maple syrup. It’s such a comforting, cozy start to any morning.
My family loves this casserole paired with crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast, but it also shines on its own for an easy brunch. On holiday mornings, I dress it up by adding fresh orange slices and a dollop of whipped cream for a special touch.
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole fits perfectly into slow, relaxed weekends or festive family gatherings. It’s also one of my go-to dishes for breakfast guests because it feeds a crowd effortlessly and can be made ahead.
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven for up to 3 days. I like reheating single portions with a little extra maple syrup on top. No one complains about leftover pumpkin spice breakfast casserole in my house!
For a twist, I’ve tried swapping pumpkin pie spice for a cinnamon and clove blend or adding chocolate chips for a sweeter version. Each variation has gotten thumbs up from my family. You can find some inspiration and feedback on different takes on this spiced custard casserole in this Facebook group.
If your family loves this, they might also enjoy something like the Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole for another easy crowd-pleaser on your brunch table.

Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get about making Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole that might help you feel more confident in your kitchen.
Can I make this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, letting the casserole soak overnight is key to its tender texture. Just pop it in the fridge covered until you’re ready to bake it.What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can make a simple blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. It’s easy to keep on hand and still makes your pumpkin spice breakfast casserole taste spot on.Can I use gluten-free bread for this casserole?
Yes, gluten-free bread works fine, just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread still gives the best texture.How do I store leftover Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole?
Keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat a slice in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and drizzle with maple syrup.Can I freeze this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole?
You can freeze assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! I add chopped pecans sometimes for crunch, but you could also mix in raisins or chocolate chips. Just fold them into the bread and custard mixture before assembling.What’s a good side dish with this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole?
Savory sides like bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit work beautifully. Plus, serving it alongside a warm drink like coffee or spiced cider makes the meal feel extra cozy.
If you want to see how others make their pumpkin spice breakfast casserole, you might enjoy this Facebook post from Justine Kameron Kitchen where home cooks share tips and love for this recipe.
The Final Word
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole earns a spot in my recipe collection because it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that smells like autumn and tastes like family togetherness. It’s become a favorite for both busy mornings needing an easy overnight French toast bake and special holiday breakfasts that feel cozy and indulgent.
My Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Tips:
- Always use day-old bread and let it dry out overnight so it soaks custard just right without turning soggy.
- Don’t skip the overnight soak step—it’s what deepens the flavors and makes your casserole tender.
- Toast nuts lightly before adding to bring out their flavor and give your casserole extra texture.
I’ve tried a few variations with success including a chocolate chip pumpkin spice French toast casserole, a pecan crunch version, and a dairy-free pumpkin spice breakfast casserole with almond milk and coconut cream. My kids love the chocolate chip one, while my husband prefers the crunchy nut topping.
Remember, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is meant to be easy, tasty, and part of your family’s breakfast rotation. Customize it to your tastes and enjoy the moments it brings to your table.
I hope your family loves this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole as much as mine does. Give it a try and watch those mornings turn into meal wins full of warmth and smiles. Don’t forget, if you like this recipe, you might want to check out other tasty casseroles like Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole or the hearty Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole to keep your family table happy all year round.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Warm and comforting, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin and autumn spices in a delicious baked breakfast treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a special morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old French bread, cubed
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Add cubed bread to the mixture and gently toss until all bread is soaked. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly on top, if using.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup if desired.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or oat milk and coconut cream. Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the autumn flavors.

