If you’re looking for that ultimate cozy brunch treat that fills your home with warm aromas and tastes like a sweet autumnal dream, this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It takes classic French toast to a whole new level by baking it into a custardy, pumpkin-spiced casserole that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. The combination of pumpkin puree, rich spices, and maple flavors transforms ordinary bread into a comforting dish that’s both festive and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe begins with simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the pumpkin puree brings vibrant color and that signature fall taste, while spices like nutmeg and cloves boost warmth and depth. The sweeteners balance richness, and the bread soaks everything up to create that perfect custard-like texture you’ll crave.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds creamy texture and authentic pumpkin flavor that defines the dish.
- Half and half: Provides richness and moisture for a silky custard base.
- Brown sugar (packed): Sweetens naturally with a hint of molasses for depth.
- Large eggs (beaten): Bind everything together and give structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the spices.
- Pumpkin spice coffee creamer: A clever twist that layers in creaminess and spice notes.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- Pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and complements pumpkin perfectly.
- Ground cloves: Offers a subtle, slightly spicy kick.
- French bread (cut into bite-size pieces): The ideal bread for soaking—holds custard and bakes to tender perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Used to enrich and create that luscious topping sauce.
- Light brown sugar (packed): For the sauce, balancing butter’s richness.
- Maple extract: Concentrates maple flavor in the sauce.
- Water: Helps to dissolve sugar and creates the right sauce consistency.
- Sea salt: Enhances all sweet flavors and balances richness.
- Evaporated milk: Makes the sauce creamy and indulgent.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying your slow cooker baking dish generously with non-stick baking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures your pumpkin French toast casserole will slide right out when it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 2: Layer the Bread
Place the cubed French bread evenly into the slow cooker. This bread is the heart of the dish—its airy texture soaks up the pumpkin custard for luscious, soft bites.
Step 3: Whisk the Pumpkin Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, half and half, light brown sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, ground nutmeg, maple syrup, and ground cloves until smooth and fully combined. This mixture is where all your fall flavor magic happens.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard
Pour the pumpkin custard over the cubed French bread in the slow cooker. Stir gently but thoroughly so that every piece of bread is evenly coated and soaking in that delicious pumpkin flavor.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours. This step gives the bread plenty of time to absorb the custard, creating that delightful creamy texture you expect from a great Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
After soaking, cook on high for 2 hours and 30 minutes or low for 4 hours and 30 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible scent of warm spices and pumpkin as the casserole bakes to a beautiful golden brown.
Step 7: Make the Maple Butter Sauce
While the casserole is finishing up, prepare a luscious sauce by melting butter and mixing in light brown sugar, maple extract, water, sea salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. This sauce takes the dish over the top with a creamy, sweet glaze that perfectly complements the pumpkin flavors.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, drizzle the maple butter sauce generously over the casserole. The sauce adds moisture, shine, and that extra touch of indulgence that makes this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe an unforgettable crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans add delightful textures and flavors to your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe. These garnishes bring contrast—lightness and crunch—that perfectly highlights the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with crisp apple slices, a side of fresh berries, or a warm spiced chai tea. The freshness and acidity of fruit cut through the richness, while drinks with warm spices echo the cozy pumpkin profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick for stirring or create a pumpkin seed and oat crumble topping for a crunchy surprise. Presentation can elevate this already stunning Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheating brings back the creamy texture without drying it out.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly for the best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain that soft yet slightly crisp texture that makes this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I make this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can bake it in a greased casserole dish at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out and cover with foil if it browns too quickly.
What type of bread works best for this casserole?
French bread or a sturdy brioche loaf works best because they absorb the custard without turning mushy and hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Substitute half and half and evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk. Use dairy-free butter and adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I prepare the casserole entirely the day before serving?
Yes, prepping the night before is perfect because it allows the bread to absorb maximum flavor. Just keep it refrigerated until cooking time.
How do I make the maple butter sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce the liquid or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like gathering around the table to enjoy this cozy, comforting Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s simple enough to make ahead, yet impressive enough to make every breakfast or brunch feel like a special celebration. Give it a try and watch how this dish becomes a beloved favorite in your home just like it is in mine!
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Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (High) or 4 hours 30 minutes (Low)
- Total Time: Overnight soaking plus 2 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a cozy, autumn-inspired breakfast dish perfect for chilly mornings. It features cubed French bread soaked in a rich pumpkin and spice custard mixture, slow-cooked to creamy perfection, and served with a warm buttery maple sauce. This casserole combines the flavors of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and pure maple syrup for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 5 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup pumpkin spice coffee creamer
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 16 ounce loaf French bread (cut into bite-size pieces)
Sauce Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon maple extract
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the slow cooker baking dish with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking during the cooking process.
- Place the bread: Add the cubed French bread pieces into the prepared slow cooker, distributing them evenly.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, half and half, brown sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, ground nutmeg, pure maple syrup, and ground cloves until well combined.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Cook the casserole: Cook on the High setting for 2 hours and 30 minutes or on the Low setting for 4 hours and 30 minutes until the casserole is set and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce: While the casserole is cooking or after it is done, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan. Stir in the light brown sugar, maple extract, water, sea salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Serve: Spoon the warm maple sauce over individual servings of the pumpkin French toast casserole and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the bread to soak overnight in the custard mixture.
- If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check the casserole for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter option, but the custard may be less rich.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree rather than canned for a fresher taste, if available.
- This casserole can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the ‘Warm’ setting for up to 1 hour before serving.
