Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

This Pumpkin French Toast transforms an ordinary breakfast into a fall celebration on a plate. The warm pumpkin spices meld perfectly with the custardy bread for a comforting, seasonal twist that’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a few pantry staples and about 15 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy breakfast that’ll have everyone at your table asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Eggs: The foundation of any French toast, providing structure and richness to the custard mixture.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the batter – the fat content helps create that perfect custardy texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that transforms regular French toast into a seasonal delight. Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Brown Sugar: Offers a deeper, more complex sweetness than white sugar, complementing the pumpkin perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors while adding aromatic warmth.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The shortcut to fall flavor perfection – a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that makes everything taste like autumn.
• Thick Bread: Brioche, challah or French bread provide the perfect texture – their slight sweetness and sturdy structure absorb the custard without falling apart.

Variations

Love making this recipe your own? Try these delicious twists:

• Cream Cheese Stuffed: Spread softened cream cheese between two thinner slices before dipping and cooking for a decadent stuffed version.
• Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter breakfast treat that kids especially love.
• Chai Spiced: Replace pumpkin pie spice with chai spice blend for a different warm flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk – coconut milk works too and adds a subtle tropical note.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice in a shallow dish until completely smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable, with a beautiful orange hue.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. The bread should absorb some of the mixture but still maintain its structure – don’t let it get too soggy!

Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and let it melt, coating the surface. Place the soaked bread slices on the hot surface and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Step 4: Keep Warm

If cooking multiple batches, keep the finished French toast warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Transform your Pumpkin French Toast into an unforgettable meal with these serving suggestions:

Classic Fall Breakfast

Serve warm with a pat of butter that melts into all the nooks and crannies, then drizzle with pure maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar. A dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon creates a picture-perfect presentation.

Autumn Brunch Spread

Pair with savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears complements the fall flavors perfectly.

Dessert-for-Breakfast

Top with candied pecans or walnuts, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent weekend treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover French toast to cool completely, then store in an airtight container separating layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between slices. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a toaster or toaster oven for the best texture. For frozen slices, place directly in the toaster or reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crisp again, about 8-10 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin French Toast brings the heart of fall right to your breakfast table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to use up that partial can of pumpkin puree or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special on an ordinary morning. The combination of warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and golden-crisp bread creates a breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate. Give it a try this weekend – your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you!

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