Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Just 15 minutes of prep to whip up this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole – topped with a seriously good praline topping that really just makes this breakfast treat special! Prep before bed, pop it in the oven when you wake up, and enjoy breakfast with practically no effort.

Is it even a cozy Fall morning if there isn’t pumpkin french toast casserole involved?

I might not have the energy to wake up and immediately whip up a whole fancy breakfast, but you know what I do have the energy for every single time?

Taking our pumpkin french toast casserole out of the fridge (the one I spent 15 minutes prepping before bed the night before) and sticking it in the oven.

Morning Me is so thankful for Last Night Me on days like this.

It’s literally just 15 minutes of prep before you go to bed and when I tell you that you will wake up feeing like the most ‘got it together’ mom on the planet…it’s a magical feeling.

Of course, we’re not just adding pumpkin to the usual french toast casserole. I’m sure that would be fine, but we’re going for something that makes us do a little happy dance with every bite. We add a praline topping.

It bakes up all cozy and pumpkin-spicy and moist with caramelized pecan goodness all over the top. Pure heaven.

3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Just 15 minutes of evening prep – Cube some bread, whisk together the custard, and you’re done. Your future self will thank you when you’re sipping coffee instead of scrambling around the kitchen.

Holiday-worthy without the chaos – This tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s really just French bread soaking up a pumpkin-spiced custard overnight. The praline topping makes it feel extra special.

Perfect for crowds or leftovers – Feed a bunch of house guests, or enjoy breakfast for the next few days. Either way, you win.

Ingredient Notes:

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

For the French toast:

French Bread – It’s French toast so we’re using French bread! You could use other types of bread here too such as brioche. If the bread is a little stale that’s okay too. It’ll soak up the pumpkin and egg mixture while it chills.

Pumpkin Puree – You’ll want to use a can of pure pumpkin puree for this. Avoid using canned pumpkin pie filling as it already contains spices and other liquids that you’ll be adding separately.

Pumpkin Pie Spice – Try my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe! You can adjust the spices to get it just the way you like. Or just use any mix from the store!

Other – You’ll also need some melted butter, milk, and eggs for mixing with the pumpkin and bread.

For the praline topping:

Chopped Pecans – You’ll need a cup of chopped pecans to add a little crunch to this mixture.

Sugar & Spices – We’re using brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg for the topping. The brown sugar gets caramelized in the oven and makes for a sweet, flavorful and crunchy topping!

Other – You’ll also need melted butter and light corn syrup for mixing with the other topping ingredients.

Step by Step:

Cut the French bread into 1/2 inch chunks and place in a 9×13 baking dish.

In a medium bowl beat together all the remaining French toast ingredients until they’re well combined and then pour them over the bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.

Combine the ingredients for the praline topping and the pour it evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Swaps & Tips

Halve the recipe: Cut everything in half and use an 8×8 dish instead. Perfect for smaller families or when you just want breakfast for a few days.

No pecans? This praline topping is seriously the star of the show – that buttery, caramelized goodness is what makes people ask for the recipe. But if you need to skip the nuts, you’ll still get that amazing brown sugar crust. Just use the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and spices.

Bread options: French bread is ideal, but thick-cut brioche or even slightly stale sourdough bread works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up all that custard.

Recipe FAQs:

• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole: This one starts with cinnamon rolls and it’s so dang good!
• Applesauce Muffins: I eat these all year, but they’re especially good in the fall!
• Low Carb Breakfast Casserole: Cutting sugar? I got you.
• Frittata Muffins: Another low carb favorite and these are perfect for making ahead! Serve warm or cold.
• Belgian Waffles: I’m not kidding when I say these are the best waffles ever and readers agree! Check the reviews!
• Air Fryer Jelly Donuts: The air fryer keeps fried donuts easy and mess free!