Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping Recipe

Oh, you’re going to fall in love with this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping Recipe – I absolutely love how it blends that cozy autumn flavor with a touch of crisp sweetness on top. Whenever pumpkin season rolls around, this casserole has become my go-to for lazy weekend mornings or holiday breakfasts that make everyone go “wow!” It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I bet you’ll find that same comforting vibe as soon as it’s out of the oven.

What makes this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping Recipe extra special is how simple it is to prep ahead and how it transforms leftover or day-old bread into something spectacular. You’ll appreciate how the pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle spice while the streusel topping delivers that perfect crumble with a nutty crunch. Trust me, whether for a family brunch or a festive gathering, this recipe is a winner that you’ll want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that perfect custardy base with warm pumpkin flavor, topped off with a crunchy streusel that tastes like fall in every bite. Picking quality bread and fresh spices really makes a difference here.

• French bread (or brioche/challah): Day-old bread works best to soak up the custard without getting mushy.
• Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but options like coconut milk work well too.
• Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps the custard set.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the pumpkin.
• Pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for fresh flavor and control over sweetness.
• Large eggs: These bind everything and give that custardy texture we all crave.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The soul of the dish, it infuses that cozy fall aroma.
• Light brown sugar: For that caramel-y note in the streusel topping.
• All-purpose flour: Helps build the crumble texture of the streusel.
• Cold salted butter: Cuts into the flour and sugar creating the perfect crumbly topping.
• Chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor to the streusel.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping Recipe is—you can tweak it to your taste or dietary needs without losing any of that cozy goodness. I often experiment, and it’s fun to customize!

• Dairy-Free Version: I swapped out milk and cream for canned coconut milk and almond milk once, and it turned out just as creamy with a subtle coconut undertone.
• Nut-Free Option: Just leave out the pecans and replace with extra brown sugar and oats in the streusel – still deliciously crunchy.
• Mini Casseroles: Sometimes I make individual portions in muffin tins. They bake faster and are perfect for serving a crowd.
• Spice Boost: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg alongside pumpkin pie spice gives it a little extra kick that I adore.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Custard

Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this prevents sticking and helps the casserole release easily. Dice your day-old French bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing lightly to help the bread soak it all up. Cover with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor and custardy texture.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

While your casserole soaks, mix together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, pumpkin pie spice, and cold diced salted butter in a small bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly but with some small butter chunks still visible—that’s the magic for a crispy, tender topping. Set this aside until you’re ready to bake.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350ºF and position the rack in the center. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread and slide the dish into the oven. Bake for about 48-55 minutes, until the casserole is set around the edges and no longer jiggly in the center. If you notice the topping browning too fast around 30-40 minutes in, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning – I usually keep an eye on it but haven’t needed to tent it myself. Let the casserole cool a few minutes before slicing; this helps it hold together better when you serve.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar—it adds a gentle sweetness and makes it look inviting. A pat of butter that melts on warm slices and a drizzle of real maple syrup is my personal fave for maximum indulgence. If you want a touch of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top adds a beautiful crunch, too.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy pairing this with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pear, which balances the richness perfectly. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage adds savory contrast that everyone loves. For a heartier brunch, I sometimes throw together a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette—it cuts through the richness and makes it feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday breakfasts, I like to bake the casserole in smaller ramekins or muffin tins and top each mini portion with a pecan half and a swirl of whipped cream. It feels festive and lets guests serve themselves without a mess. Another favorite is layering the casserole in a clear glass baking dish so the custardy pumpkin-soaked bread and streusel layers show through, making it a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating in small portions works best, and having it chilled really helps it keep its shape when heated again.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I cut it into individual squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze them in an airtight container. When you want a quick breakfast, just thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat.

Reheating

To keep that delightful crisp streusel, I reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325ºF for about 10-15 minutes until warm through. Microwave works in a pinch but sometimes makes it a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping Recipe truly feels like sharing a little autumn magic with loved ones — it’s cozy, easy, and packed with flavor that warms the heart. I can’t recommend it enough for holidays, weekend mornings, or any time you need a simple but special breakfast that brings smiles all around. So go ahead, give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen like it has in mine!

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