A make-ahead breakfast casserole perfect for fall holidays, featuring a rich pumpkin custard and a crunchy pecan streusel topping.
Author:kate
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:50 min
Total Time:6 hours 10 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 loaf (1 pound) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Arrange bread cubes in a single layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Press down gently.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup pecans, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the streusel topping.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the French toast bake.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a cream cheese stuffed version, spread 4 ounces of softened cream cheese over the bread cubes before pouring the custard.
Serve warm with maple syrup and whipped cream.
This bake is best made with challah or brioche bread for a rich, custardy texture.
To prevent a soggy center, ensure the bread is stale or lightly toasted before assembling.