Description
This cozy Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is packed with warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and golden-baked bread—perfect for a festive brunch or comforting holiday breakfast.
Ingredients
- Brioche Bread: 1 loaf (about 14 ounces), cubed – soft and buttery base that soaks up the custard beautifully
- Eggs: 6 large – help bind the casserole and create a creamy texture
- Whole Milk: 1 1/2 cups – adds richness and helps form the custard
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup – boosts the luxurious mouthfeel
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup – brings moisture and earthy sweetness
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup – enhances depth of sweetness with molasses notes
- Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup – infuses warm, caramelized flavor
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – balances and enriches the spices
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons – offers comforting warmth
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon – adds a hint of spice and nuttiness
- Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon – for that classic pumpkin pie zing
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – balances the sweetness
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted – greases the baking dish and enhances flavor
- Powdered Sugar: for garnish – adds a final touch of sweetness
- Chopped Pecans: 1/2 cup (optional) – gives crunch and nutty contrast
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add cubed brioche bread to the greased dish and pour pumpkin mixture evenly over the top.
- Assemble the Dish: Press bread down gently to soak fully. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set in the center.
- Finishing Touches: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with extra maple syrup or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a softer texture, cover with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking.
- Letting the mixture soak overnight intensifies flavor and saves time in the morning.
- Swap brioche with challah or French bread for different textures.