PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is perfect for prepping the night before and baking fresh in the morning. It serves a crowd, bursts with delightful pumpkin flavor, and is topped with a cinnamon streusel for a satisfying crunch.

INGREDIENTS

French Toast Casserole

  • 1 loaf (15–18 oz) stale white bread, such as challah, French bread, or brioche
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 5 large eggs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or use homemade, see notes)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Streusel Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ⅓ cup chopped pecans
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the French Toast Casserole

  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) glass baking dish.
  • Cut the bread into small cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces. Place in the prepared dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread. Gently stir, if needed, to coat the bread evenly.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chopped pecans.
  • Mix in the melted butter until crumbly.

If Baking Immediately

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the casserole.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

If Baking the Next Morning

  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
  • Store the streusel in a covered bowl in the fridge.
  • When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Sprinkle the streusel over the casserole.
  • Bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15–20 minutes.

NOTES

  • Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice: Combine 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
  • Storage Tips:
    • Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and reheat in the microwave.
    • To freeze, cut into portions, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Recipe can be halved and baked in an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan (ensure the sides are tall enough).

Enjoy this cozy, pumpkin-filled treat!

25 BEST CANDY NAIL DESIGNS FOR A PLAYFUL AND CHARMING LOOK

Craving a burst of color and a touch of whimsy? Look no further than candy-colored nail designs. These playful and charming manicures are perfect for adding a pop of sweetness to your style. Whether you’re a fan of classic pastels or bold neon hues, there’s a candy-inspired design to suit your taste.

Get ready to indulge in a sugary sweet nail art experience! In this post, we’ll showcase 25 of the most delightful candy-colored nail designs that will leave you craving more. From candy canes to gummy bears, we’ve got you covered with a variety of adorable and trendy ideas.

VALENTINE’S DAY CANDY NAIL SET

Celebrate love with this Valentine’s Day nail set! Whether you’re enjoying the day with someone special or indulging yourself, these nails are a beautiful way to express your affection.

CANDY CANE WAVES

For a holiday party-worthy manicure that shines, opt for fine glitter nail polishes that catch the light beautifully. The white outline beneath the French tips and between the wavy candy cane lines adds extra definition, highlighting the starry details and making your nails truly stand out.

WONKA CANDY FUN HAND-PAINTED DESIGNS 

These nails showcase whimsical designs inspired by the enchanting world of Willy Wonka. Add some swirly lollipops for an extra sprinkle of magic. We’ll never get enough of hand-painted designs like this!

BEYOND THE BASICS

Not a fan of bright colors? Celebrate the more subtle burgundy and evergreen variations of candy canes instead.

CANDY CORN HALLOWEEN NAIL ART

These nails showcase the classic candy corn colors of orange, yellow, and white, making them perfect for Halloween. Whether you’re trick-or-treating or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, these Halloween nails are a fun way to join in the celebration.

POSTCARD PRETTY

Like an illustrated stamp on a postcard to Santa, these candy cane-outlined nails are a true work of art. Hand-painted mistletoe sprigs and delicate pressed gold leaf provide the perfect finishing touches.

SWEET SPARKLES

Bejeweled nails are a major trend right now, and the sparkling allure of crystals is especially fitting for Christmas. Adorn all your nails with gems arranged in a candy cane shape, or just add this sweet treat to a few accent nails for a festive touch.

PEPPERMINT SWIRLS

Coquette Christmas is a major trend on TikTok, with many videos focusing on decorating trees in soft baby pink and mint. However, we can’t resist the idea of extending this charming aesthetic to nails as well, as shown above.

SMARTIES CANDY RAINBOW NAILS

These nails showcase a vibrant rainbow of colors reminiscent of your favorite Smarties candies. Perfect for summer or anytime you need a boost of brightness!

CANDY CANE REVERSE FRENCH

Think of the reverse French as the trendier sister of the classic style. It’s a fun and easy at-home way to refresh your look, especially when you customize it for the holidays.

NERDS CANDY PRESS ON NAILS

Bright, colorful, and incredibly fun, these nails add a playful touch to your fingertips. These press-on nails are easy to apply and showcase vibrant designs inspired by Nerds candy.

CLASSIC CANDY CANE

Extend the classic candy cane French tip down one side of your nail to complete the curved stick, helping you stand out from the candy cane crowd. The addition of a pistachio mint base adds a fun twist to this festive look.

REESE’S 3D CANDY-THEMED NAIL ART

If you love chocolate and peanut butter, these nails are perfect for you! Featuring the playful letters “Reese’s” in bold orange and brown, they create a fun and unique look. Add some gel polish to keep your designs looking fresh and vibrant.

GLAMMED GOLD

Gold nail art is a timeless staple for any holiday or season. Just look at this luxurious combination of peppermint swirls and snowflakes for proof!

90’S CANDY ACRYLIC NAILS

Feeling nostalgic for the ‘90s and early 2000s? These nails are perfect for anyone who loves retro vibes and ‘90s-inspired treats. All that’s left is to add some body glitter for an extra touch of sparkle!

WRAPPING PAPER

This adorable winter greenery and candy cane art is so charming that it looks like it should be printed on wrapping paper. The greens add an earthy touch, softening the boldness of the red for a beautifully balanced look.

PERFECTLY PINK

Don’t get it twisted—pink polish isn’t just for Valentine’s Day! This rosy hue serves as the perfect backdrop for snowy whites and vibrant reds.

DUMDUMS CANDY LONG NAILS

Take a trip down memory lane with these nails that embody the essence of your favorite lollipop, featuring bold colors and playful designs. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a nostalgic twist!

CHRISTMAS COLLAGE

You don’t need a steady hand to achieve this detailed look! Just grab some nail decals—our favorite is Olive & June’s Christmas Stickers—and use tweezers to apply them in a fun, collage-like fashion.

COLORFUL CANDY COFFIN NAILS

Bold, bright, and beautiful—these nails are designed to make a statement! Featuring long, tapered French tips in a rainbow of candy-inspired colors, they’re undoubtedly one of the hottest beauty trends of the summer.

RED RIBBONS

For an abstract twist on candy canes, draw inspiration from the bow trend by painting free-form ribbons over a classic French tip. The result? A look that’s so chic!

PEPPERMINT PARADISE

Elevate the peppermint theme with candy apple and mint-swirled accent nails, paired with a subtler, thick French tip. This simpler look is super easy to recreate at home—just use a toothpick or mini brush to swoop red polish over a pastel green base.

MISMATCHED MANI

This playful, eclectic look evokes the charm of vintage Christmas tree ornaments. To ensure a cohesive design, stick to a color palette—such as the classic reds and whites of a candy cane.

ICED BLUE

Once Christmas arrives, other colors often get overlooked. However, this icy glitter blue and matte lavender look inspires us to incorporate some winter nail art before scheduling our holiday manicure session.

PASTEL CANDY GEL NAILS

Who says candy isn’t just for kids? These nails embrace a trend that blends sophistication with a playful touch.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the world of candy nail designs offers a delightful and playful way to express your unique style. From sweet and colorful hues to intricate candy-inspired patterns, there’s a design to suit every personality. Whether you’re a fan of classic candy or embrace modern trends, these 25 designs provide a wealth of inspiration for creating a charming and eye-catching manicure. So, indulge your sweet tooth and let your nails do the talking with a fun and fabulous candy-themed design.