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Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Enjoy a warm, cozy dish with layers of brioche bread soaked in a custard infused with pumpkin puree and spices, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 loaf brioche bread Cut into 1-inch cubes, can be toasted if not stale.
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Divided for custard and streusel topping.
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold butter Cut into pieces.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Optional, for crunch.
For the Maple Glaze
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the brioche into 1-inch bite-size cubes and optionally toast in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes if not stale.
  2. Grease the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish with melted butter.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Arrange the bread cubes in the casserole dish, then pour the custard mixture over them, pressing down gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Making the Topping and Cooking
  1. Mix flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl; cut in the cold butter until crumbly, then refrigerate.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the streusel and pecans on top of the casserole before baking.
  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set, covering with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
Making the Maple Glaze
  1. Mix all glaze ingredients in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
Serving
  1. Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving with the maple glaze drizzled on top.

Notes

To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard. Chill overnight for better results and serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream.