Description
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a cozy and delicious breakfast dish perfect for fall. Featuring tender cubes of French bread soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, it bakes to golden perfection and serves as a comforting treat for family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then evenly spread the cubed French bread in the dish to create an even layer.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well coated and soaking through.
- Refrigerate to set: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard flavors thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven: Before baking, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to reach the ideal baking temperature.
- Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture in the baking dish to create a sweet, crunchy layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the custard center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving so it slices neatly and the flavors develop.
Notes
- For best results, use French bread that is a day or two old to better absorb the custard.
- Refrigeration overnight enhances the flavor and texture as the bread soaks thoroughly.
- Ensure the butter for the topping is very cold to get a crumbly texture.
- Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked in the morning for an easy holiday breakfast.
