Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake is the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch for fall mornings. Made with rich brioche or challah bread, soaked in a creamy pumpkin custard, and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal morning effort. It’s warm, sweet, spiced just right, and fills the entire house with the wonderful aroma of fall.

I love how this dish combines the flavors of classic pumpkin pie with the comfort of French toast. It’s an easy overnight recipe that I can prep ahead and just pop into the oven the next day. The streusel topping adds a crisp contrast to the soft, custardy center, and the warm spices make my whole kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a lazy Sunday treat, this recipe always delivers.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread (about 14–16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes

• 8 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1½ tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + ¼ tsp cloves)

• Pinch of salt

For the Streusel Topping

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed

• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For Garnish

• Maple syrup

• Whipped cream or Cool Whip

• Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prep the Bread
Lightly grease or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the cubed bread evenly into the dish. Slightly stale bread works best for this recipe, so if you’re using fresh bread, toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F for 7–10 minutes to dry them out a little.

2. Make the Pumpkin Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread gets soaked in the custard. Cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight, or at least for 2 hours, to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

3. Make the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it in with a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts if you like. Store the streusel topping in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

4. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If you want a softer, more custardy texture, bake for a shorter time. For a crispier top, bake it a little longer.

5. Serve
Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip, and a light dusting of powdered sugar or additional pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave it until warm.

Variations

• You can swap brioche for cinnamon swirl bread for an extra burst of flavor.

• For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut cream in place of the whole milk and heavy cream.

• If you want to try something different, substitute mashed sweet potatoes for the pumpkin puree.

• Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the casserole for an added twist.

• For a gluten-free version, choose your favorite gluten-free bread.

FAQs

How Far In Advance Can I Make This Recipe?
I usually prep it the night before, but it can also be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.

Can I Freeze The French Toast Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Do I Have To Use Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin puree gives this dish its signature flavor, but you can also use mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash in place of the pumpkin.

What’s The Best Bread To Use?
I recommend slightly stale brioche or challah for this recipe, as they are rich and soak up the custard beautifully without getting soggy. French bread is another great option.

Can I Make This Without The Streusel Topping?
Yes, you can skip the streusel topping, but it adds a lovely crunch. If you omit it, try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar on top for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake is one of my favorite fall breakfast recipes. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with cozy flavors that always impress. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on a lazy morning at home, this recipe is a fall favorite that never disappoints.