Cut the rolls into cubes (should equal roughly 8-9 cups). Spread the cubed bread into a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake bread cubes at 275˚F for 15-20 minutes to dry out/stale the bread. Bread will feel slightly crisp when touched.
FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE: Spray a 9x13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the toasted bread cubes inside the baking pan. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Pour evenly over the cubed bread in the prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight.
STREUSEL TOPPING: Combine the all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and cold butter in a bowl. Cut ingredients together with a pastry blender or fork, or rub together with your fingers until pea size crumbs form. Place streusel in the fridge until ready to bake.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the pumpkin French toast casserole from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap. Top evenly with the prepared streusel.
BAKE at 350˚F for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is no longer jiggly. If the crumb topping starts browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil and continue baking. Serve warm with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
STORING: Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Nuke leftovers for 45-60 seconds in the microwave to reheat.
FREEZING: You may freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months, dividing layers with parchment, if needed. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as desired.
MILK ALTERNATIVES: Whole milk and heavy cream are preferred for a rich tasting casserole, but you can substitute both liquids with a lower fat or non-dairy milk.
NUT ALTERNATIVES: You can use chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds in the streusel topping. If nuts are not your favorite, you can substitute the nuts with old-fashioned oats, or simply leave them out.