If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate cozy breakfast, look no further than Pumpkin French Toast. A thick slice of brioche, bathed in a warmly spiced pumpkin custard, sizzled to golden perfection, and finished with a cloud of whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup — this is autumn comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a lazy weekend brunch, this recipe brings out the best of pumpkin season with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of making Pumpkin French Toast is how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each component adds a special note — from the richness of eggs and pumpkin, to the warming embrace of spices and the pillowy bread that soaks it all in.
- 4 large eggs: The base for that classic custardy texture, giving your French toast its structure and richness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps create a silky custard that soaks beautifully into each slice of bread.
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée: The star ingredient for flavor and that gorgeous orange hue.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness that balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the overall aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature pumpkin spice warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way for a nutty, autumnal note.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that brightens the flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make every flavor pop.
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or Texas toast): Thick, sturdy bread keeps its shape and soaks up all the custard goodness.
- Butter or oil for cooking: For that crisp, golden finish on the outside of every slice.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Up the Pumpkin Custard
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and a trusty whisk. Crack in the eggs, pour in the milk, and add the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and the pumpkin is fully incorporated. This is where all the flavor comes together, so take a moment to appreciate the aroma!
Step 2: Prep Your Griddle or Skillet
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil, swirling it around to coat the surface evenly. The right temperature ensures your Pumpkin French Toast cooks through without burning, giving you a lovely golden crust every time.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Bread
Take each slice of your thick bread and dip it into the pumpkin custard. Make sure both sides are well coated, but don’t let it soak too long — about 5 seconds per side is just right. You want the bread to absorb the lovely flavors without becoming soggy or falling apart.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Lay the coated bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until each slice turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. Work in batches if necessary, transferring finished slices to a plate and keeping them warm as you go.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once all your Pumpkin French Toast is ready, stack it high and serve immediately. The aroma will have everyone gathering at the table before you even call them — it’s truly irresistible!
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. A generous pour of maple syrup is classic, but try topping your Pumpkin French Toast with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even toasted pecans for extra crunch. A little cinnamon or nutmeg dusted on top adds a final flourish and makes every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pumpkin French Toast with crisp bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread. If you want to keep things light, a tangy Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey is a fantastic complement to the sweet and spiced flavors of the toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your plating! Try cutting the French toast into sticks for dunking, layering slices with a whipped cream “frosting” for a breakfast stack, or arranging them on a platter with seasonal berries and a dusting of cinnamon sugar — perfect for a festive brunch buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pumpkin French Toast (lucky you!), let the slices cool to room temperature. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a fantastic quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked and cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. The slices will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months and are perfect for reheating whenever a pumpkin craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the slices in a toaster, toaster oven, or on a skillet over low heat until heated through and crispy on the edges. For larger batches, you can bake them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps revive that fresh-off-the-griddle texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin until it’s completely smooth. You may need to adjust the thickness of the custard with a splash more milk, depending on the water content of your homemade puree.
What’s the best bread for Pumpkin French Toast?
Brioche and Texas toast are both excellent because they’re thick and sturdy enough to soak up the pumpkin custard without falling apart. Challah or even day-old French bread are great alternatives if you want a slightly different texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and use oil or dairy-free butter for cooking. The result will still be delightfully rich and flavorful, with all the cozy pumpkin spice vibes.
Is it okay to prepare the custard the night before?
Definitely. Whisk up the custard mixture, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Give it a quick stir before dipping your bread in the morning. This makes Pumpkin French Toast even easier for busy mornings or brunch parties.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Of course! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just make sure you have a large enough bowl for the custard and a big enough griddle or skillet to cook multiple slices at once. Keeping finished slices warm in a low oven until serving is a great trick for feeding a group.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin French Toast is the breakfast you’ll want to make on repeat all season long. Warm, spiced, and endlessly comforting, it’s a simple way to bring some autumn magic to your table. Give it a try — I promise, your mornings will never be the same!
Print
Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin French Toast recipe offers a deliciously cozy twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining creamy pumpkin purée with warm spices for a perfect fall morning treat. Perfectly golden and fluffy, this dish is easy to prepare and makes for a comforting, seasonal start to the day.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
For the Toast
- 8 slices thick bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Dip the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, making sure to coat both sides well. Avoid soaking the bread for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the Toast: Place the coated bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the toast is cooked through.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Transfer cooked slices to a plate and keep warm while cooking the remaining bread. Serve the pumpkin French toast hot, topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly dry bread for the best texture and to prevent sogginess.
- For convenience, you can substitute the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with pumpkin pie spice.
- This recipe is easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
