Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole

My Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole recipe is assembled the night before and bakes to perfection in a slow cooker!  Rich with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and egg and milk custard this Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect breakfast for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall morning.  Drizzle with maple syrup for an addictive recipe everyone will love.

Also try my Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole or Crock Pot Pumpkin Pie Steel Cut Oats. 

Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole

This Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole is the absolute BEST breakfast for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall morning.  It's made with simple French toast ingredients but the end result is a rich casserole that actually rests overnight in the fridge and is then quickly "baked" in a slow cooker in the morning!  The French toast flavors are all there but you don't have to slave all morning over a hot skillet or griddle.  The casserole lets the family wake up to an amazing pumpkin-smelling house and one super tasty breakfast everyone will rave about.

Perfect for a family breakfast, just cut a slice of the French Toast Casserole and drizzle it in your favorite maple syrup.  Don't expect any leftovers though because this baby tastes that good.  This cozy recipe tastes like a fall dream!

This Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole is Healthy!

This rich Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole might look indulgent but you can make it a bit healthier.  You can use whole wheat bread, coconut sugar and 2% milk instead of cream to lighten it up.  If a company is coming and you want to go all-out make it with Brioche bread, brown sugar, and cream!  Either way is delicious and can fit your diet.

Plus this Pumpkin French Toast is made with a healthy helping of pumpkin puree which not only tastes great but is loaded with fiber and vitamins.  It's low in calories (83 for a 1-cup serving!) but high in nutrition.  It has lots of vitamin A which is great for your eyes, vitamin C, and has iron.  Pumpkin is not just trendy but an actual superfood.

Ingredients:

• Loaf of Bread: You will need day-old bread for this casserole.  It needs to be a bit stale to have the right texture after cooking.  To prepare the bread dice it into 1-inch cubes.
• Milk: You can use whatever type of milk you have around.  I've tested with everything from almond milk to whole milk.
• Coconut Sugar: I like to swap out regular sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option.  You can use also use plain brown sugar if you have it.
• Eggs: You will need six eggs to form the custard.
• Pumpkin Puree: This recipe calls for 1 cup (not one can) pumpkin puree.  Make sure to find the plain pumpkin puree and not the pumpkin pie filling.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice:  You can buy store-bought Pumpkin Pie Spice or make your own with my Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe.  Pumpkin Pie Spice is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice.
• Cinnamon: I like to add a touch more cinnamon to my casserole than what is in the Pumpkin Pie Spice.
• Vanilla Extract: I love the taste of vanilla with a Crock Pot French Toast Casserole so I added it to the mix.
• Cooking Spray: This recipe does tend to stick to the slow cooker so it calls for a hefty dose of cooking spray to help.

What kind of bread do you use?

The star of this recipe is the bread, so I would use a nice bakery loaf for this recipe.  Don't use white sandwich bread or plain slices of bread.  My top pick best bread to make this is Challah bread but here are a few other options.  Many bakeries will sell you day-old bread at a reduced price.

• French Bread: French bread is a classic choice for a Crock Pot French Toast Casserole.  It's a bit tougher than the next two options, so you will need to soak it but it works great.  It's also easy to find and budget-friendly.  If you are trying to make this recipe a bit healthier you can pick whole-wheat French bread.
• Brioche Bread: Brioche is what classic French toast is made out of it.  It is made with lots of eggs and butter so it is not as healthy but really delicious.  If you are trying to make a rich casserole, have lots of bread choices at your store pick this one!
• Challah: Challah is another type of bread that works great for a casserole like this because it's a bit sweeter and softer.  It's also sometimes easier to find than brioche.
• Sourdough Bread: You can also use sourdough to make this because it is flavorful and study.

What type of crock pot do I use?

A nice large 6-quart crock pot will work perfectly for this recipe.  If you don't have one, try this one. (Amazon Link)

How to Make French Toast in the Crock Pot:

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make French toast in the crock pot.

1. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, milk, coconut sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla in a bowl.  Whisk together until well combined to make the custard or egg mixture.
2. Spray the crock pot with cooking spray.
3. Put the cubed bread inside the crock pot in an even layer.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread.  Cover the crock pot and allow it to sit for at least 4 hours but up to overnight.
5. When you are ready to make the casserole remove it from the fridge and cook for 4 hours on low.  If you are in a hurry you can do 2 hours on high.
6. Cut into pieces and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Variations & FAQ

• Make it Gluten Free: To make this casserole gluten free use your favorite gluten free bread.  It will need to be one with a similar texture to the options I listed above.
• Make it Dairy Free: You can easily make this dairy-free by using your favorite dairy free milk like almond milk or soy milk instead of cow's milk.
• Add Mix-Ins: You can mix in other yummy things like raisins, chopped apple, chocolate chips, cinnamon chips or nuts like pecans or walnuts.
• Add Toppings: A dollop of cream cheese, pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even pecans would be delicious.

Can I make this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole in the oven?

Yes! Put the Pumpkin French Toast Casserole in a baking dish or pan that you've sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake at 350 degrees until the custard sets and becomes firm.  That should be between 40-55 minutes.  YOu will know it's done with a toothpick that comes out of the middle clean.  If it starts browning too much on the top you can cover it with foil.

Can I freeze this?

You can freeze and leftover baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months.  When you want to eat it thaw it in the fridge and then microwave to warm it up or reheat in the oven.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

This Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole is Perfect for Thanksgiving!

Whether you make Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole for a fall brunch or Thanksgiving morning it's sure to be a hit.  The pumpkin flavors are on point and you can't beat a breakfast that you can make and forget!  That leaves lots of time for you to enjoy your family.  You are going to love this fun twist on French Toast Bakes.

More Crock Pot Breakfasts to Love:

• Vegetarian Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
• Crock Pot Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats

More Fall & Pumpkin Breakfast Ideas to Love:

• Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole <--- Oven Version
• Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal
• Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
• Healthier Apple Pie Pancakes
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Cups
• Healthy Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Bread

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!

Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole

Julie Wunder

My Pumpkin Crock Pot French Toast Casserole recipe is assembled the night before and bakes to perfection in a slow cooker!  Rich with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and egg and milk custard this Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect breakfast for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall morning.  Drizzle with maple syrup for an addictive recipe everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Crock Pot

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 293 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 loaf bread, cut in 1 inch cubes (about 6 cups)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray

Instructions

 

• Spray your crock pot well and then put the cubed bread in the crock pot.
  
• Mix the pumpkin, milk, coconut sugar, eggs and spices in a large bowl. Whisk together until well combined.
• Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours but up to overnight.
  
• When you are ready to cook the casserole, remove the slow cooker from the fridge and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2.
• Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.
  

Notes

Store any leftover in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Directions to Bake in the Oven: Put the Pumpkin French Toast Casserole in a baking dish or pan that you've sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake at 350 degrees until the custard sets and becomes firm.  That should be between 40-55 minutes.  You will know it's done with a toothpick that comes out of the middle clean.  If it starts browning too much on the top you can cover it with foil.

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 16gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 462mgPotassium: 490mgFiber: 6gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 6765IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 274mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Crock Pot French Toast Casserole, Crock Pot Pumpkin French Toast, Healthy Pumpkin French Toast, Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Tried this recipe?Mention @Julie_Wunder or tag #RunninginaSkirt!

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