As the autumn sun peeks over the horizon, there’s no better way to greet the day than with a warm, comforting breakfast that screams fall.
We’re talking about the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole – a cozy twist on a classic favorite that’ll make your mornings fluffier and more flavorful.
If you’re ready to elevate your breakfast game and embrace the essence of fall, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Let’s dive into the world of indulgent brunching!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole:
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into cubes (about 8 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Bread Cubes
- Start by cutting your day-old French bread into cubes. If your bread is too fresh, you can leave the cubes out overnight to let them dry slightly. Stale bread works best for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
2. Assemble the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, canned pumpkin puree, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This is your flavorful pumpkin spice custard.
- Add the cubed bread to the bowl and gently fold it into the custard mixture, ensuring all the bread cubes are coated. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the pumpkin spice goodness.
3. Create the Streusel Topping
- While the bread is soaking, prepare the streusel topping. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cubed cold butter, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients until you have a crumbly streusel topping.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the bread mixture.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and set in the center.
6. Serve and Savor
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- You can garnish your slices with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream if you desire.
Embrace the Season, One Bite at a Time
There you have it, Cosmo queens! Your very own Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, a glorious blend of tender, custard-soaked bread with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. Each bite is like a warm hug from fall itself.
This casserole is perfect for those lazy weekend brunches, special occasions, or whenever you need a little extra indulgence in your life. So, grab your favorite brunch crew, and embrace the season one fluffy, flavorful bite at a time. Get ready to savor the essence of fall, because breakfast just got a whole lot cozier!
