Recipe

How to Up Your Breakfast Game with This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

By Ashley Kim at University of Texas

Have you ever wondered how else you could enjoy pumpkin beyond the craze with fall drinks and grocery store shelves? I love my typical PSL from Starbucks on crisp fall mornings, but this question always comes to mind when I feel the season coming around. I love fall and winter because I get to go back home and see my family — one of my favorite things to do back home is to cook brunch for my family with some of my favorite holiday recipes. So I asked myself, "How can I bring the warmth of fall spices and flavors onto our kitchen table?" I have a good feeling that this pumpkin French toast might be the thing to try this year.

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Servings: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 French bread diced
  • 2 cups milks or 15 oz. full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or non-dairy milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin spice
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold salted butter diced
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Ashley Kim

Step 1

Spray or butter a 9x13" pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Place the diced bread into the pan and set aside.

Ashley Kim

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, pumpkin, vanilla, and pie spice.

Ashley Kim

Step 3

Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Slowly pour the prepared custard over the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Ashley Kim

Step 4

For the streusel: Combine the light brown sugar, butter, all purpose flour, and pumpkin spice in a small bowl. Add optional toppings like 1/3 cup chopped pecans or 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Ashley Kim

Step 5

Use a fork or hands to mix together until the butter breaks down into smaller pieces. Spread the streusel mixture over the casserole.

Ashley Kim

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 350°F. When ready to bake, place the casserole on the center rack and bake for 45-55 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. If the streusel starts to brown too much at any point, lightly cover the pan with foil. Once cooked, take the pan out and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ashley Kim

Step 7

Top with powdered sugar (if desired).

Ashley Kim

Step 8

Serve with maple syrup, butter, chocolate syrup, or as is. Eat as desired!

Ashley Kim