Pumpkin French toast has a way of making even the most ordinary morning feel special, especially when that crisp autumn air starts to settle in. I remember the first time I tried making it from scratch; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, a scent that instantly transports me back to cozy family breakfasts. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to embrace the season, this Pumpkin spice French toast recipe is for you. It’s so straightforward, making it an easy pumpkin French toast that anyone can master. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast
This Pumpkin French toast is a breakfast game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Unforgettable Flavor: It’s packed with warm, comforting spices and a delicious hint of pumpkin that tastes like autumn in every bite.
- Quick Prep Time: With only about 10 minutes of prep, you can whip up this delightful breakfast even on busy mornings.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this sweet and spiced treat, making it perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples, this homemade pumpkin French toast is an affordable way to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite bread and toppings, it’s a truly customizable and homemade pumpkin French toast experience.
- Healthy-ish Treat: Packed with protein from the eggs and milk, and fiber from the pumpkin and bread, it’s a satisfying start to your day.
- Cozy & Comforting: The warm spices and soft, fluffy texture make this the ultimate comfort food for any fall morning.
Ingredients for Pumpkin French Toast
Gather these ingredients for a truly delicious breakfast experience. We’ll be using French toast with pumpkin puree as our base, which gives it that signature autumn flavor and beautiful color. You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling! This is key for that authentic pumpkin flavor.
- 4 large eggs – these bind everything together and create a rich custard.
- 3/4 cup milk – whole milk or your favorite plant-based milk works beautifully here.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – just a touch of sweetness to enhance the spices.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that classic comforting aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – the heart of our warm spice blend.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger – for a subtle kick.
- Pinch of salt – balances all the flavors.
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah recommended) – brioche or challah are perfect because their richness and slight sweetness hold up well to the custard.
- Butter or oil for cooking – for that perfect golden-brown crust.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Whipping up this Pumpkin French toast is a breeze, and the aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like autumn central. Get ready for a truly delicious breakfast!
- Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of our flavorful, spiced pumpkin French toast.
- Step 2: Soak the Bread. Pour the pumpkin custard mixture into a shallow dish or pie plate. This makes it easy to dip the bread. Take each of your 8 slices thick bread and place them into the custard, letting them soak for about 10–15 seconds on each side. You want the bread to absorb the delicious mixture without getting too soggy. Thicker or slightly stale bread slices are perfect for this, as they can handle a bit more soaking time.
- Step 3: Cook the French Toast to Golden Perfection. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a knob of butter or a drizzle of oil to coat the surface. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and that lovely, slightly crisp exterior. The scent of cinnamon and pumpkin will fill your kitchen – a sure sign your spiced pumpkin French toast is ready!
- Step 4: Serve and Enjoy! Once cooked, remove the French toast from the skillet and plate it immediately. Top your warm Pumpkin French toast with your favorite toppings. A drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or some crunchy chopped pecans all make this breakfast extra special. For a fun twist, you can even cut the bread into strips before soaking and cooking to make Pumpkin French toast sticks!
Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin French Toast
Want to elevate your breakfast game? Here are my top tips for making truly amazing Pumpkin French Toast:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Fresh bread can get too mushy, so plan ahead!
- Don’t Over-Soak: For that perfect texture, aim for 10-15 seconds per side. You want it moist, not swimming.
- Medium Heat is Key: Cooking on medium heat allows the inside to cook through while the outside gets perfectly golden brown and crisp.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the cooked slices sit for just a minute after cooking helps them set up and prevents them from becoming soggy on the plate.
- Add a Pinch of Allspice: If you love a deeper spice flavor, a tiny pinch of allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg really enhances the seasonal taste.
What’s the secret to perfect Pumpkin French Toast?
The real secret to achieving that wonderfully fluffy pumpkin French toast is using thick-cut, slightly stale bread and not overcrowding the pan when cooking. This allows each slice to get equally golden and crisp.
Can I make Pumpkin French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the pumpkin custard mixture and soak the bread slices up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Just cook them as usual when you’re ready for breakfast.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Pumpkin French Toast?
The most common pitfalls are using bread that’s too fresh (it gets mushy!) and cooking on heat that’s too high (it burns before cooking through). Also, be careful not to over-soak the bread, which can make it fall apart.
Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin French Toast
This Pumpkin French toast is a star on its own, but a few simple additions can make it truly spectacular. For a classic fall brunch, pair it with some crispy bacon or sausage and a side of fresh fruit salad. It’s also wonderful served with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of decadence. If you’re planning a larger gathering, consider these Pumpkin French toast brunch ideas: offer a yogurt parfait bar or some savory mini quiches alongside the French toast for a varied and satisfying spread that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin French Toast
Here are the approximate nutritional details for a serving of this delicious Pumpkin French toast:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin French Toast
Leftover Pumpkin French toast is a treat you can enjoy later, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooked, let the slices cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent steam from making them soggy. After cooling, store your seasonal pumpkin French toast in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the French toast for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few easy options. For a quick breakfast, pop a slice or two in the toaster on a low setting. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warm and slightly crisp. This ensures your delicious pumpkin French toast is just as enjoyable as when it was freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin French Toast
What is pumpkin French toast?
Pumpkin French toast is a delightful breakfast dish made by soaking thick slices of bread in a custard mixture that includes pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and warm autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s then cooked until golden brown and served with classic toppings. It’s essentially a spiced-up, seasonal twist on traditional French toast.
Why is pumpkin French toast popular?
It’s so popular because it perfectly captures the cozy, comforting flavors of fall. The addition of pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a warm, inviting aroma and taste that many people associate with autumn gatherings and holidays. It’s an easy way to bring seasonal cheer to your breakfast table.
Can I use regular bread for Pumpkin French toast?
While brioche or challah are recommended for their richness and ability to hold up well, you can use other thick-cut breads. Sourdough or even a sturdy white bread can work, but be mindful of soaking time, as they might absorb the custard faster or become too soft if soaked too long.
How do I get my Pumpkin French toast crispy?
For the best crispy exterior, make sure to cook on a medium-hot griddle or skillet with a little butter or oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and lead to softer French toast. Letting the cooked slices rest for a minute before serving also helps maintain crispness.
Variations of Pumpkin French Toast You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Pumpkin French toast! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Pumpkin Bread French Toast: Instead of regular bread, use slices of leftover pumpkin bread! This variation takes the pumpkin flavor to the next level and gives you a wonderfully dense, cake-like French toast.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by using your favorite plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy work great) and cooking with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole: For a hands-off approach, layer soaked slices of bread in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
- Extra Cinnamon Kick: If you adore that warm, cozy spice, amp up the flavor by adding a bit more cinnamon or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice to the custard for an intensely cinnamon pumpkin French toast experience.
Amazing Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin French Toast recipe is warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced for fall mornings. It features pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thick brioche or challah bread for a crisp, golden breakfast infused with autumn flavors. Ideal for a festive fall brunch or a comforting holiday breakfast, serve it with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped pecans.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- Butter or oil for cooking
- For topping: Maple syrup, Powdered sugar, Whipped cream, Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Make the pumpkin custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the pumpkin mixture into a shallow dish. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, soaking for 10–15 seconds per side. Thicker or slightly stale bread may benefit from a longer soak.
- Cook the French toast: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease the surface with butter or oil. Cook the soaked bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the warm Pumpkin French Toast and top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chopped nuts as desired. For Pumpkin French Toast Sticks, cut the bread into strips before soaking and cooking.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread may become soggy.
- Avoid over-soaking the bread; 10–15 seconds per side is ideal for this Pumpkin French Toast.
- Let the cooked French toast slices rest for 1 minute after cooking to allow the texture to set.
- For a baked version, layer soaked slices in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.
- Make ahead: Cooked Pumpkin French Toast slices can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated in a toaster or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
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