Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

When the leaves start to turn, pumpkin reigns supreme in the kitchen. This sweet, decadent Pumpkin French Toast Casserole from Emily Dingmann at My Everyday Table is a fantastic way to incorporate the beloved fall flavor into your morning meal.




We all love the signs of fall—the crisp mornings, crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and, of course, pumpkin spice everything! I wanted French toast to get the pumpkin treatment and this baked casserole combines all of the warm and cozy pumpkin spice flavors we love this time of year with classic French toast, for a fall breakfast that’s sure to impress.


This crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you need a special breakfast. It’s sweet, loaded with pumpkin flavor and cozy spices, and has a delicious crunchy streusel topping. And the best part? No need to wake up early to prep; it can all be done the night before. Just assemble, refrigerate, and then bake in the morning for a no-stress breakfast.


Look for the L&B Sourdough Artisan bread in the bakery; it’s perfect for this. I found that a heartier artisan bread is ideal, and the slightly sour flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet pumpkin custard and streusel topping. Serve with extra maple syrup if desired, though I think it’s just the right sweetness as is.

SERVINGS

8

PREP TIME

20 min

+ 3 hr rest time (or overnight)

COOK TIME

45 min

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

  • 3/4
    loaf L&B Sourdough Artisan Bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 9 cups)
  • Cooking spray, for greasing
  • 5
    large eggs
  • 1 ½
    cups whole milk
  • ¾
    cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼
    cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼
    cup L&B Pure Maple Syrup
  • 1
    teaspoon L&B Pumpkin Spice
  • 2
    teaspoons L&B Organic Pure Vanilla Extract

For the Streusel Topping:

  • ½
    cup all-purpose flour
  • ½
    cup packed brown sugar
  • 1
    teaspoon L&B Pumpkin Spice
  • 1
    teaspoon L&B Ground Cinnamon
  • teaspoon sea salt
  • ½
    cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into tablespoons
  • cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds (optional)

Directions

  1. 1

    Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and let sit out overnight to dry out. (Alternatively, bake the bread in the oven at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly toasted.)

  2. 2

    Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla.

  4. 4

    Add the bread cubes to the pumpkin mixture and stir to coat. Transfer to the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight.

  5. 5

    Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and heat the oven to 375 F.

  6. 6

    To make the streusel topping: In a small mixing bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and sea salt. Using a pastry cutter or the tines of a fork, cut the butter into the mixture until crumbly and pea-sized. Sprinkle over the casserole. Sprinkle the nuts over the streusel, if using.

  7. 7

    Bake until golden brown, 40 to 50 minutes. Serve with extra maple syrup, if desired.

Note: You can prepare the streusel the night before. Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator so the butter stays cool.