If you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast that tastes like fall wrapped in every bite, this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With thick-cut brioche soaked in a rich mixture of pumpkin puree, spices, and just the right amount of sweetness, each slice delivers a perfect balance of creamy, tender, and golden crunch. Whether it’s a weekend indulgence or a special holiday treat, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a celebration of cozy flavors that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to making a fantastic pumpkin French toast. Each one plays a crucial role: from the custardy base of eggs and milk to the pumpkin puree and spices that create that irresistible fall flavor and beautiful color.
- Thick-cut brioche or Texas toast (8 slices): Choose bread that’s thick and sturdy enough to soak up the pumpkin custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs (4): They create the creamy base that holds everything together and gives the French toast structure.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds richness and helps make the batter silky smooth.
- Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, it adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that gorgeous orangey color.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Imparts a deep caramel sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds a lovely fragrant note.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings seasonal warmth and depth.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the spice profile with a hint of sweetness and earthiness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the cozy flavors.
- Butter (2 tablespoons for cooking): Gives the toast that golden, crispy crust everyone loves.
- Maple syrup (for serving): The perfect finishing touch to drizzle over your warm French toast, adding natural sweetness and a luscious shine.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Custard
Start by combining your eggs, whole milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt in a large shallow bowl. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. This custard is where all those rich, comforting flavors marry together before soaking into your bread.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Melt Butter
Place a large skillet or griddle on medium heat and add a small pat of butter. Let it melt completely so the surface becomes hot and non-stick without burning. This step ensures your pumpkin French toast will cook to a perfect golden brown crust while staying tender inside.
Step 3: Dip the Bread in Pumpkin Mixture
Dunk each slice of your thick-cut brioche or Texas toast into the pumpkin custard, soaking both sides briefly but thoroughly. The key is to soak just long enough for the custard to seep in, creating that luscious, pumpkin-infused flavor inside every bite without the bread becoming soggy.
Step 4: Cook the Toast Until Golden
Place the soaked bread slices onto your hot skillet. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until beautifully golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Adjust the heat as needed and add more butter between batches to keep the surface sizzling and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Maple Syrup
Once all slices are cooked, serve immediately while warm. Drizzle generously with pure maple syrup for that classic sweet finish that pairs so well with the pumpkin and spice flavors.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, the possibilities are mouthwatering. Try a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans to add delightful textures and an extra layer of indulgence. Fresh berries can add a pop of color and brightness that perfectly balances the warm spices.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe with a side of crispy bacon or sausage to add savory contrast, or serve alongside fresh fruit salad for a refreshing balance. A warm cup of coffee or chai tea also makes an excellent beverage companion to round out your cozy breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, stack your French toast, alternating layers with cream cheese or mascarpone spread. You can also cut the toast into sticks, serve with a small bowl of syrup for dipping, and make it a fun brunch finger food. Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving creates a snowy, picture-perfect finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which may be hard to resist), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining most of their flavor and moisture. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, Pumpkin French Toast slices freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy your favorite fall breakfast anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated pumpkin French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven to retain crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to prevent sogginess. About 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) is usually perfect to warm the toast evenly and bring back that freshly cooked taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for the Pumpkin French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or Texas toast is ideal for its thickness and texture, you can also use challah, sourdough, or even sturdy country bread. Just make sure it’s sliced thick enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap butter for a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that the flavors might be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious.
Can I add extra spices or flavors?
Definitely! Pumpkin pie spice is the base, but feel free to experiment with a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to deepen the warmth. A splash of heavy cream instead of some milk adds extra richness if you want a more indulgent version.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Soaking each bread slice briefly ensures the custard seeps in without soaking too heavily. Using thick-cut bread helps maintain structure, and cooking on medium heat allows the inside to cook through while the outside crisps up perfectly.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pumpkin custard the night before and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick whisk before dipping bread. This makes morning prep even faster and lets the flavors meld wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe enough if you want to cozy up your mornings with irresistible fall flavors. It’s a wonderful way to elevate a simple breakfast into something truly special and comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try soon—you’ll be glad you did!
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
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin French Toast recipe. Thick-cut brioche slices are soaked in a creamy mixture of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and brown sugar, then cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Served with a drizzle of maple syrup, this dish is a comforting and festive breakfast that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or Texas toast
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter to coat the surface.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of thick-cut brioche or Texas toast into the pumpkin-egg mixture, ensuring both sides soak briefly but thoroughly to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the French Toast: Lay the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the inside is cooked through. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for each batch.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pumpkin French toast immediately while warm, drizzled generously with maple syrup for a sweet and spiced finish.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute a splash of heavy cream for some of the milk in the mixture.
- This French toast pairs beautifully with whipped cream or toasted pecans on top for added texture and indulgence.
