Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Enjoy a warm, comforting Pumpkin French Toast Casserole filled with the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and pecans. Perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread and Custard Base
- 1 loaf brioche bread (day old for best results) Day-old bread soaks up the custard mixture better.
- 1.5 cups whole milk Dairy-free options available.
- 6 large eggs
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin purée Ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling.
- 0.5 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon cloves
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
Streusel Topping
- 0.5 cup flour
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for the topping)
- 0.5 cup cold, unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 0.75 cup pecans (halved or chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cube the bread: Slice the brioche into 1 ½ inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Once combined, add in the pumpkin purée and stir until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread and toss gently to ensure each piece is coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the streusel: In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon. Add the cubed butter and mix until it resembles small crumbles. Fold in the pecans.
- Top the casserole: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the bread mixture, ensuring the pecans are mostly covered.
Baking
- Bake: Place in the oven for 45-55 minutes, until the casserole is golden and puffy.
- Cool and serve: Allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Top with maple syrup or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
This casserole is best served warm, fresh out of the oven, with toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. Consider adding chocolate chips or experimenting with different nuts for personal touches.