Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Every fall, my kitchen turns into a cozy little haven where cinnamon floats through the air and warm bakes fill the counter. But nothing signals the season more than a bubbling pumpkin french toast casserole fresh from the oven. I remember the first time I made it on a chilly October morning — my daughter tiptoed into the kitchen still in her fuzzy socks, eyes wide from the sweet smell alone. We sat by the window with steaming mugs and heaping plates, soaking up that slow, golden morning.

This recipe has become our little tradition — something we make not just for holidays, but on any weekend that begs for something extra special. The combination of creamy pumpkin custard, spiced brioche, and a buttery cinnamon drizzle is like fall wrapped in a casserole dish.

Pumpkin french toast casserole has a way of turning a regular morning into a memory.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pumpkin french toast casserole isn’t just cozy — it’s downright irresistible. The custard is rich with warm spices and pumpkin, soaking into thick slices of buttery brioche. It bakes up golden and custardy on the inside, with just the right toasty crisp on top.

It’s incredibly easy to make, too. You can assemble everything the night before, which makes this a stress-free star for holiday mornings or lazy brunches. Just pop it in the oven while the coffee brews.

With its sweet pumpkin flavor, it’s perfect for fall — yet crowd-pleasing enough to serve all year. Whether it’s Thanksgiving morning or a Sunday breakfast in pajamas, this dish brings warmth to any table.

Kids love it. Grown-ups ask for seconds. And thanks to the simple prep, you’ll love making it just as much as eating it.

Best of all? Pumpkin french toast casserole comes together with pantry basics and bakes in just about an hour.

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Ingredient Overview

This pumpkin french toast casserole blends the warmth of fall spices with soft, custardy bread. Each bite is creamy, lightly spiced, and just sweet enough to be comforting — not overwhelming. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Brioche bread: Thick, buttery slices soak up the pumpkin custard beautifully. Slightly stale bread works best.

• Pumpkin puree: Adds seasonal flavor and moisture. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

• Eggs: Essential for setting the custard and creating a rich, pudding-like texture.

• Milk: Balances the custard. Whole milk or 2% keeps it creamy.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the base without overpowering it.

• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

• Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and spices.

• Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: This spice trio brings that signature fall warmth to the dish.

• Confectioners’ sugar: A light dusting before serving adds visual charm and a touch of sweetness.

• Maple syrup: Serve warm over the top — it soaks in like liquid gold.

• Cinnamon maple butter (optional): A swirl of this melts into the casserole for a next-level brunch experience.

Food styling tip: A sprinkle of cinnamon right before baking creates a beautiful marbled look once it puffs up in the oven.

You’ll find this pumpkin french toast casserole looks as good on your brunch table as it tastes on your fork.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your pumpkin french toast casserole releases beautifully once baked — no scraping or crumbling.

Step 2: Arrange the Brioche

Layer slices of brioche slightly overlapping in the dish, edge to edge. A rustic tuck-and-layer method works well here. The structure of your pumpkin french toast casserole begins with how neatly you lay your bread.

Step 3: Whisk the Pumpkin Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup pumpkin puree, 8 eggs, 2½ cups milk, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and your spices — 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves. This custard is the flavor-packed heart of your pumpkin french toast casserole.

Step 4: Pour Custard Over Bread

Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread. Let it sink into every crevice. Lightly press down on the brioche to help it soak fully. Tip: Let it rest for 5 minutes after pouring to ensure it absorbs the goodness!

Step 5: Add Extra Cinnamon

Sprinkle additional cinnamon across the top. This adds a warm touch and gives your pumpkin french toast casserole a bakery-worthy finish.

Step 6: Cover and Chill Overnight

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the pumpkin custard, giving your pumpkin french toast casserole that rich, tender texture we love.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 60 minutes total: 30 minutes covered with foil, then 30 minutes uncovered until golden and set. The top of your pumpkin french toast casserole should be firm with just a hint of wobble in the center.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving. Slice generously and serve warm with cinnamon maple butter or real maple syrup drizzled over the top — the ultimate way to enjoy this pumpkin french toast casserole.

Pro Tips

One of my favorite ways to deepen the flavor of your pumpkin french toast casserole is to lightly toast the brioche before layering. Just five minutes in the oven at 300°F helps it hold its shape and adds subtle crunch.

Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The extra spices and sugar in pie filling can overpower your pumpkin french toast casserole, throwing off the balance of flavor.

Let your casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking before slicing. This helps it firm up without drying out — making every bite of your pumpkin french toast casserole silky and structured.

For an even cozier aroma, try adding a dash of cardamom or a swirl of brown butter to the custard base. Your kitchen will smell like a dream!

Want the top to stay golden and toasty? Don’t skip the second half of baking uncovered. That’s what gives your pumpkin french toast casserole that irresistible golden finish.

Craving more autumn flavors? You’ll love our Pumpkin Muffins Recipe with similar warm spices and cozy vibes.

Variations

You can turn your pumpkin french toast casserole into a pecan-topped wonder by adding a crunchy streusel layer before baking. Just mix brown sugar, flour, butter, and chopped pecans for a sweet, nutty twist.

Want to go dairy-free? Swap milk for almond or oat milk and use coconut sugar instead of granulated. This keeps your pumpkin french toast casserole creamy and flavorful without dairy.

Make it brunch-party ready by baking it in individual ramekins. Not only is it charming, but it helps with portion control — though seconds are hard to resist!

To give it more depth, fold in a handful of chopped apples or dried cranberries before soaking. It adds texture and pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice in your pumpkin french toast casserole.

And if fall baking’s your thing, you’ll love this Pumpkin Fluff Pie for dessert — light, creamy, and just as dreamy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This cozy pumpkin french toast casserole is the kind of dish that turns a regular morning into a memory. It’s heavenly served warm with whipped cinnamon maple butter and a drizzle of real maple syrup. For a beautiful brunch spread, pair it with a side of crisp bacon, fresh berries, and maybe a spiced chai latte. Whether it’s Thanksgiving morning or a sleepy Saturday, this casserole brings everyone to the table smiling. You can also serve it alongside other seasonal favorites like our Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Fall Dessert Recipes for a full-on autumn feast.

Conclusion

This pumpkin french toast casserole isn’t just a recipe — it’s a fall tradition in the making. From the warm spices to the buttery brioche and the tender pumpkin custard, every bite feels like a cozy hug. It’s simple to prep, fun to bake, and guaranteed to be the star of any breakfast or brunch. I truly believe the best meals are the ones shared, and this one has made our family mornings more memorable year after year.

Now it’s your turn to make this pumpkin french toast casserole part of your family’s story. Try it for your next gathering, and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing how it turned out! I’d love to see your delicious versions — tag me on social media so we can celebrate fall flavors together.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!