If you’re looking to cozy up your breakfast routine, this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, perfectly folded into thick slices of brioche or challah that soak up the rich custard bath. Imagine golden, slightly crisp edges with a tender, flavorful center that tastes like fall in every bite. This dish isn’t just a breakfast; it’s a celebratory hug plated for your morning, turning an ordinary day into something wonderfully special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe shine. Each item plays an essential role in building layered flavors and the perfect texture—from the creamy pumpkin puree that adds moisture and sweetness, to the spices that bring warmth and aroma.
- 15 slices of bread (challah, brioche, or any thick-cut bread): Choose thick, sturdy bread to soak up the pumpkin custard without falling apart.
- ½ cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that provides a natural sweetness and moist texture.
- 4 large eggs: They bind the mixture together, creating that rich and velvety custard base.
- ⅔ cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps thin out the batter for easy dipping.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Infuses a caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the batter so it clings perfectly to the bread.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely, sweet aroma.
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that gives this dish its signature fall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of warming spice.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle nutty and sweet spiciness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl or shallow dish until smooth. This custard mixture is where all the magic happens, combining creamy texture with the perfect warm spices.
Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Set a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease it with oil or nonstick cooking spray to ensure that the French toast doesn’t stick, allowing you to get a beautiful golden crust.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
One by one, soak each slice of your thick-cut bread in the pumpkin custard mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. Don’t be shy here—let the bread absorb as much of that luscious pumpkin batter as it can. Give each slice a gentle shake to discard any excess custard to avoid sogginess.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the dipped bread slices evenly on the hot griddle. Cook each slice for about 2 to 4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You’re looking for that crisp outside edge with a custardy, tender inside that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe right away with your favorite toppings. Whether it’s a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, a fluffy cloud of whipped cream, or just a simple dusting of powdered sugar, these additions will elevate this already incredible dish.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can take your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe to another level. Picture a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dash of cinnamon powder on top to add texture and aroma. Fresh berries or a few banana slices can also provide a refreshing contrast to the warm spices and richness.
Side Dishes
To round out your breakfast or brunch spread, pair the Pumpkin French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a sweet-and-savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie also works perfectly, bringing a bright note to this indulgent dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or treat yourself, try stacking the pumpkin French toast slices like a towering cake and drizzle warm caramel sauce over the whole stack. You can also cut the slices into cubes and serve them as French toast bites, perfect for dipping into maple syrup or cream cheese frosting as a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
To enjoy this treat later, freeze leftover slices individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen Pumpkin French Toast can last for up to 2 months, making it super convenient for a quick breakfast solution.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture gummy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe and offers consistent flavor and texture. Just be sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra sugar and spices.
What is the best bread to use for Pumpkin French Toast Recipe?
Thick, sturdy breads like challah, brioche, or Texas toast are ideal because they soak up the pumpkin custard without falling apart, ensuring a perfect, tender center and crisp exterior.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the eggs with a flax or chia seed egg replacer, and use your favorite plant-based milk. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it’s still a delicious treat.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Don’t let the bread soak too long in the batter; just enough to coat well. Also, ensure your cooking surface is properly heated before placing the bread down to help set the crust quickly.
Can I add other spices or flavors to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a more complex spice profile, or a splash of orange zest for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite beats the feeling of making a comforting breakfast that feels like a seasonal celebration, and this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe does just that effortlessly. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to impress friends and family on a lazy weekend morning. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to welcome autumn any time of year!
Print
Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 slices
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin French Toast recipe brings a delicious twist to a breakfast classic, combining warm pumpkin flavors and aromatic spices with rich, custardy bread slices. Perfect for fall mornings, it uses a blend of pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar for a flavorful soak that crisps up nicely on a griddle or skillet.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Batter
- 15 slices of bread (challah, brioche, or any thick-cut bread)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Batter: In a medium bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the surface with oil or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Gently shake off any excess batter to avoid soggy toast.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle or skillet. Cook each slice for 2–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the pumpkin French toast immediately while warm, and add your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bread like challah or brioche for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Adjust the pumpkin pie spice according to your preference for more or less spice intensity.
- Ensure the griddle temperature stays consistent to prevent burning or undercooking.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a suitable egg replacement.
- Leftover French toast can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster or oven for best texture.
