Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake is that dreamy, fall-inspired comfort dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. If you’re anything like me, fall mornings beg for a cozy brunch, and this bake delivers everything you crave—rich pumpkin flavor, soft custardy bread, a buttery crumble topping, and that warm spice scent filling the kitchen. It’s easy to prep ahead, feeds a crowd, and makes the holidays feel a little more special.
In this article, we’ll cover how to make this fall brunch hero, tips for avoiding soggy bakes, how to tell it’s done baking, and more. I’ll also walk you through storage and serving ideas so you can enjoy leftovers. Let’s dig in!
Table of Contents
My Story & Why This Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake Is A Must
A fall tradition that stuck
Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake wasn’t a recipe I grew up with. In fact, it started out of sheer desperation one Thanksgiving weekend. I had leftover canned pumpkin, a half-loaf of Hawaiian bread, and family still lingering around for breakfast. I didn’t want plain toast and eggs—I wanted something indulgent, nostalgic, and warm. This dish was born from that craving.
It was a hit. The pumpkin-spice aroma pulled everyone into the kitchen, and by the time I poured the maple syrup on top, it was already halfway gone. Since then, I’ve made it part of every fall brunch spread. It’s become a reader favorite on my blog too, right up there with Pumpkin Dump Cake and Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls.
The perfect brunch crowd-pleaser
There’s something about a baked breakfast that brings people together. This dish feels indulgent without being fussy. You just cube bread, whisk a simple custard with pumpkin puree, and let it soak. The crunchy topping of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional pecans takes it to the next level. Best of all, you can prep it the night before and just bake in the morning.
Unlike traditional French toast that requires you to stand at the stove flipping slices, this pumpkin pie French toast bake frees you up to sip coffee and relax. It’s become my go-to for everything from cozy Saturdays to festive brunches. If you’ve loved recipes like Pumpkin Protein Cheesecake or Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, this one’s going to be right up your alley.
Print
5-Star Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake People Rave About
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast perfect for fall mornings or holiday brunch. Made with canned pumpkin, Hawaiian bread, and a buttery crumble topping, it’s easy to prepare and even better the next day.
Ingredients
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup milk
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1–16 oz. round loaf Hawaiian Bread
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. Cut Hawaiian bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, milk, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Gently stir bread cubes into the pumpkin mixture until evenly coated.
5. Pour mixture into the pan and spread evenly.
6. In a small bowl, mix butter, sugars, flour, and cinnamon until crumbly. Add pecans if using.
7. Sprinkle topping evenly over the bread mixture.
8. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
9. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best texture, use day-old bread or lightly toast cubes before soaking. Can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: pumpkin pie french toast bake, fall brunch, pumpkin french toast
How to Make the Best Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake
Key ingredients that make this bake special
The heart of this Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake is a custard made with canned pumpkin, milk, eggs, vanilla, and a blend of warm pumpkin pie spices. It’s rich and creamy, with just the right hint of fall sweetness. The bread soaks up this mixture beautifully, especially if you use a soft, rich loaf like Hawaiian bread.
Hawaiian bread is slightly sweet and pillowy, which means it bakes up tender but never dry. It balances the pumpkin well and helps this bake taste like dessert for breakfast. You’ll also need cold butter, brown sugar, flour, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans (if you like a nutty crunch) for the crumble topping.
If you’re into fall breakfast ideas, you’ll love how this dish complements recipes like Pumpkin Magic Cake or Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin. They’re perfect additions to a seasonal brunch table.
Easy steps for prep and baking
Start by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes and setting it aside. In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin, milk, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Then gently fold in the bread cubes until every piece is soaked. Pour everything into a greased 13″ x 9″ pan and spread evenly.
The topping is just as simple—combine cold cubed butter with cinnamon, brown sugar, flour, white sugar, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or your fingers to mix it until it looks like crumbly wet sand. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of your bread mixture.
Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes. It should be golden brown on top and set in the middle. The topping gets crisp while the bottom stays soft and custardy—kind of like a cross between pie and bread pudding. If you love Pumpkin Overnight Oats for their comforting texture, this dish delivers the same feeling, just warm and baked.
Texture, Doneness & Solving Common Mistakes
How to avoid a soggy pumpkin pie French toast bake
One of the most common issues with any baked French toast is sogginess. To avoid it, make sure your bread isn’t too fresh. Day-old bread or lightly toasted cubes hold up better to the pumpkin custard without breaking down. Hawaiian bread is soft, so a quick toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes before soaking helps it keep shape.
Also, don’t overmix the bread and custard. Stir just until coated—if the bread sits too long before baking, it can absorb too much liquid and collapse. For a crisp top and creamy center, bake uncovered and place the dish in the center of the oven.
If you’ve made soft breakfast bakes like Baked Oats Oatmeal Cake or Pumpkin Cereal, this trick works the same way: balance moisture and structure.
How to know it’s perfectly baked Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake
Wondering if your Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake is done? Look for three clear signs: the top should be golden brown, the edges should pull slightly from the sides, and a knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean—not wet.
You can gently press the center with a spoon to check firmness. It should feel springy, not liquid. Don’t worry if it’s a bit custardy underneath—that’s what makes it French toast and not dry bread pudding.
If you’re new to baked breakfasts, think of it like baking a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin—you want a set structure with a moist middle. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. That short wait allows the custard to settle and the slices to hold their shape.
Serving, Storing & Enjoying Every Bite
How to serve pumpkin pie French toast bake
This Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake is best served warm, straight from the oven. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm maple syrup takes it over the top. For special mornings or holiday brunches, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a steaming mug of spiced coffee.
Want to dress it up even more? Crumble some candied pecans over the top or swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese before baking for a cheesecake-like touch—similar to the rich flavor in Pumpkin Protein Cheesecake.
You can also serve it cold like a chilled bread pudding, but warming it briefly in the oven or microwave revives the texture and makes the pumpkin spice more aromatic.
Storage tips of Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake and next-day breakfast magic
Leftovers? Lucky you. Let the bake cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for about 15–20 minutes. The texture holds up really well, making it a practical make-ahead breakfast, especially when prepping multiple dishes like Pumpkin Gnocchi or Pumpkin Spice Pickles for seasonal meals.
This bake actually tastes better the next day as the spices deepen overnight. It’s like reliving the best parts of brunch—without the mess.
Conclusion: Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake
Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake isn’t just a cozy breakfast—it’s a fall ritual that brings warmth and flavor to your mornings. With creamy pumpkin custard, soft cubes of bread, and a buttery cinnamon topping, this bake hits every nostalgic note of the season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want to treat your family to something special, this dish delivers on flavor, ease, and that unmistakable scent of autumn.
From prepping ahead to perfect doneness and storage tips, now you’ve got everything you need to bake it right the first time. So grab that can of pumpkin and some fluffy bread—you’re just one dish away from turning your kitchen into the coziest spot in the house.
And if you’re still in the pumpkin mood, try baking up a batch of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins or a quick Pumpkin Dump Cake next.
For more recipes follow me in page Facebook and Pinterest.
FAQ: Your Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake Questions Answered
How long do you have to wait to eat pumpkin pie after baking?
You should let a pumpkin pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set properly. This rule applies to custard-like bakes too, including this French toast version—wait 10–15 minutes before serving.
How to know if baked French toast is done?
Check that the top is golden, the center feels firm when pressed lightly, and a knife comes out mostly clean. Avoid underbaking—it should be moist but not wet.
How to not make soggy French toast?
Use day-old or lightly toasted bread. Don’t soak it too long, and bake uncovered so steam can escape. Hawaiian bread works beautifully if you prep it right.
How to know if a pumpkin pie is done baking?
Like this French toast bake, look for a gentle jiggle in the center (not a liquid wobble), a clean knife test, and a browned top. Slight puffing is also a good sign.