There’s nothing quite like the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn morning. This Overnight Pumpkin Spice Baked French Toast Casserole has become a beloved tradition in my household, especially when the leaves start to turn and the air carries that first hint of chill. I vividly remember the first time I made this dish; it was for a cozy brunch gathering with friends. We had spent the previous day visiting a local pumpkin patch, our arms filled with fresh pumpkins and gourds of every shape and size. It was one of those perfect fall days that you wish could last forever.
The night before our brunch, as I prepared this casserole, the kitchen was filled with the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. I knew then that this dish would be a hit. The combination of rich pumpkin puree and the sweet, crunchy streusel topping made it an instant favorite. Plus, the ease of preparing it the night before made the morning so much more relaxed and enjoyable.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped pecans to the streusel topping for a bit of extra crunch, or I’ll mix in some raisins or dried cranberries with the bread. And if you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream on top can take it to the next level.
Whether you’re planning a special weekend breakfast or simply want to treat your family to something delicious, this Overnight Pumpkin Spice Baked French Toast Casserole is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s the perfect way to savor the flavors of fall and create lasting memories around the table.
Making Overnight Pumpkin Spice Baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough or French bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Directions
Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish with butter.
Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
Cover the casserole and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
For the streusel topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Add the butter and cut it into the dry mixture until it forms a crumble. Refrigerate this mixture overnight if desired.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole, covering as much surface as possible.
Bake for 45 minutes if you prefer a softer texture or up to an hour for a firmer texture.
Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, pecans, or fresh fruit.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of bread for the Overnight Pumpkin Spice Baked French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can use a different type of bread, such as brioche or challah. However, it’s important to choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the custard mixture. In contrast, softer breads might become too mushy after soaking overnight.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk. Additionally, replace the butter in the streusel topping with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a richer and more cohesive dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can let it soak for at least 2-3 hours instead. Nonetheless, the overnight refrigeration enhances the flavor and texture.
What can I serve with the Pumpkin Spice Baked French Toast Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides. You can serve it with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or chopped nuts like pecans. Furthermore, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an extra touch of indulgence.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or place the entire casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. As a result, the casserole will maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
Overnight Pumpkin Spice Baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough or French bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar loosely packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish with butter.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is soaked.
- Cover the casserole and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- To make the streusel topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, spices, and salt. Add the butter and cut it into the dry mixture until it forms a crumble. You can refrigerate this mixture overnight if you’d like.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 45 minutes for a softer texture or an hour for a firmer texture.
- Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, pecans, or fresh fruit.
