Have your breakfast the night before and wake up to a room filled with the smell of pumpkin spice and everything is beautiful. Breakfast ready and waiting to eat! This recipe is packed with pumpkin puree and that warm pumpkin pie spice. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup. It's the perfect way to enjoy a special breakfast without the hassle.
Try ours for more french toast options Sourdough French Toast Or another slow cooker option with us White Chocolate French Toast Casserole.
Why our recipe?
- Make your breakfast the night before and wake up to the smell of Pumpkin French Toast Casserole.
- Use pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a delicious little seasonal breakfast.
- Overnight benefits are the perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings or holidays.
All set up the night before! Throw it all in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you sleep. Whether it's a busy morning or a special holiday, this make-ahead breakfast will get everyone excited for breakfast!
Material notes
- french bread: Using day-old or slightly stale bread works great for this recipe. Just make sure it's cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes.
- half and half: If you need an alternative, you can use equal parts whole milk and heavy cream.
- Pumpkin puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices. You'll find it in the baking aisle.
- spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are key to giving this dish a warm, seasonal flavor.
- Crumble Topping: The buttery brown sugar crumble adds some sweetness and texture to the casserole. For nut lovers, add some chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar: Technically they're optional, but what's a French toast casserole without a little syrup?
Bread Substitutes
You want to use a studded loaf that can soak up the custard without turning it to mush. Definitely don't use sandwich bread. french bread A classic choice, but you can use either Challa or Broach. They are both quite robust and will result in a dense, sweet casserole. Crescents Also an option.
Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal for turning into casseroles. It absorbs liquid. Make sure the bread you choose is cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes for bite-sized deliciousness.
Slow cooker liners
You can use a slow cooker liner to clean breakfast! These are heat-resistant, disposable bags designed to fit inside your slow cooker and prevent food from sticking to the sides. Most grocery stores find them in the same aisle as aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
Parchment paper is a great option if you don't want to use a liner. Simply cut a large sheet to fit the bottom and sides of your slow cooker, pressing it down to hold it in place. Both options make it easier to remove the casserole when it's done and reduce the amount of scrubbing needed later!
Slow cooker hot spot
Every slow cooker heats a little differently. Most of the time, the heating element is located at the back. It can sometimes burn touching that part of the casserole. To prevent this, you can make a simple barrier with aluminum foil.
Fold a piece of aluminum foil into a long strip about 2 to 3 inches wide and place it on the side or back of the slow cooker where the heating element is. This will act as a slight shield to distribute the heat more evenly and prevent a hot spot from burning.
Storage and reheating instructions
Keep in fridge Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container or tightly covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
Reheat in microwave Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second increments, until warm.
