Name: Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread (450g or 1 lb); 2 cups milk; 1½ cups pumpkin puree (not pie filling); 4 large eggs; ¾ cup maple syrup (or granulated sugar); 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups rolled oats; ½ cup flour (all purpose or whole wheat); ½ cup brown sugar (lightly packed); ½ cup cold butter (cubed); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons milk or maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 24 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe with you—it’s honestly become one of my favorite ways to celebrate cozy autumn mornings. It’s that perfect balance of warm pumpkin spice, custardy bread, and a buttery oat streusel topping that just melts in your mouth. Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead, which means less stress and more time enjoying your morning coffee or brunch with friends.

What makes this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe stand out is how adaptable it is—and how thoughtfully it layers flavors without being overwhelming. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch or treating yourself on a quiet weekend, it hits all the right notes: sweet, spiced, and totally comforting. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it your go-to fall breakfast.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture Balance: The combination of sturdy bread and custard soaking makes every bite creamy without getting soggy.
Flavor Harmony: Pumpkin puree, warm spices, and maple sweetness blend harmoniously for that nostalgic fall flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this casserole up to two days in advance, making busy mornings stress-free.
Versatile Sweet Finish: The optional glaze allows you to customize sweetness and presentation to your liking.

A close-up of a square piece of baked dessert being lifted by a black spatula, showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is soft and light beige, the middle layer is thick with chunks of orange and brown baked fruit, and the top layer is a crumbly oat streusel with a light drizzle of white icing. The dessert sits on a white plate on a white marbled texture surface, with a slightly blurred background including a woman’s hand holding the spatula. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients list might look long, but each part plays a clear role in building your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe’s flavor and texture. Picking quality staples and fresh spices really boosts the final dish, and the streusel topping adds that irresistible crunch.

French bread: I love using a sturdy French bread since its thick crust holds up well soaking the custard without turning mushy.
Milk: Whole milk is my favorite for a rich custard, but feel free to swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin—not pie filling—to control sweetness and spice levels precisely.
Eggs: These bind everything and create that silky texture we all crave in custardy casseroles.
Maple syrup: I opt for maple syrup because it adds depth beyond regular sugar—but brown sugar or honey works well too.
Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: These warm spices are essential for that authentic fall flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle layer of sweetness and aroma that rounds out the flavors.
Rolled oats: For the streusel topping—they bring great texture and wholesome flavor.
Flour: Helps the streusel bind together nicely when combined with butter and sugar.
Brown sugar: Adds molasses richness to the streusel without overpowering it.
Cold butter: Cubed butter is key to creating that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth streusel topping.
Powdered sugar and milk/maple syrup (optional glaze): To drizzle on top if you want extra sweetness and a glossy finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love mixing things up depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for crunch, or swap maple syrup for honey if I want a slightly different sweetness profile. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Gluten-free variation: I’ve swapped regular flour for a gluten-free blend and it worked perfectly in the streusel.
Vegan adaptation: Use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer and coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tasty vegan option.
Extra spice level: When I want a little kick, I add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the custard mix.
Fruit add-ins: Diced apples or pears tucked into the casserole add a fresh contrast and extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Start by slicing your loaf of French bread into 1-inch cubes. If it’s a fresh loaf, I like to let the cubes sit out for an hour or two; that drying time helps them soak up the custard without falling apart while baking. Spread them out in your prepared baking dish and get ready for the next step.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth. This mixture is what gives the casserole its rich and spicy custardy flavor. Pour it evenly over the bread cubes, pressing them gently underneath so they soak well.

Step 3: Refrigerate and Let It Marinate

Cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, but this step can be done up to two days ahead. The longer it rests, the better those flavors meld and the bread soaks up that luscious custard.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar in a bowl. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it’s crumbly but sticky—almost like cookie dough. Sprinkle this generously over the soaked bread, giving each bite that crispy, buttery contrast.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until the center looks set—not jiggly or wet—and the top is golden brown and crisp. I find that letting it rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps it firm up and makes serving easier.

Step 6: Optional Glaze Drizzle

Mix powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk or maple syrup to a smooth consistency. Drizzle this over the cooled casserole for an extra touch of sweetness and beautiful presentation. I usually leave this optional because the casserole is amazing either way!

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe

Dry Your Bread Cubes: Letting bread cubes sit out before soaking helps keep the casserole’s texture just right—not soggy or mushy.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: The overnight soak in the fridge really makes the custard soak deeply for maximum flavor.
Cold Butter in Streusel: Use cold cubed butter for the topping to create a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Watch the Bake Time: Test the center doneness visually—avoid underbaking which leaves jiggly custard, or overbaking which dries it out.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually top my slices with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a few fresh cranberries for color and a little tartness. A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side also pairs beautifully with the warm spices and provides a creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is quite rich and filling, I love to keep sides simple: fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad, or even savory breakfast sausages make perfect companions without competing with the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—everyone feels like they get a personal treat! Adding a dusting of cinnamon sugar or drizzling extra glaze right before serving makes the presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that careful covering keeps the casserole moist but prevents the streusel topping from getting too soggy overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this casserole successfully by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat—it’s almost like freshly baked!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices into a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to revive crispness on top while warming through. Microwaving works if you’re in a rush, but I prefer oven reheating for maintaining texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread is ideal because of its sturdy crust, you can use brioche, sourdough, or even a dense sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s thick sliced and not too soft to avoid a mushy casserole.
How far ahead can I prepare the casserole?

You can prepare the casserole up to two days in advance by soaking the bread in the custard and refrigerating it before baking. This gives you a convenient make-ahead option for busy mornings or special gatherings.
Is the glaze necessary for the recipe?

The glaze is optional and adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine, but the casserole is delicious on its own. It’s a personal preference depending on how sweet you want to go.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by substituting flax or chia eggs and using plant-based milk and vegan butter, you can create a vegan version. The texture and flavor will still be delightful, perfect for special diets.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole with Streusel and Optional Glaze Recipe has become a staple in my house whenever pumpkin season rolls around. It’s cozy, inviting, and feels like the ultimate comfort food that’s still fancy enough for guests. I really hope you give it a try and enjoy those layers of fall flavor with your loved ones—it’s one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out.