If you’re dreaming of a cozy fall breakfast with all the pumpkin spice flavors but want something a little more special than your usual stack, this Pumpkin French Toast is a true breakfast delight. Imagine golden, custardy slices of bread soaked in pumpkin and warm spices, crisped up in butter and topped with sticky maple syrup—each bite is a sweet embrace of autumn. Whether you’re feeding family on a lazy Sunday or treating yourself to an autumnal pick-me-up, Pumpkin French Toast brings all the seasonal magic right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Pumpkin French Toast is simple and likely already on your pantry shelf or in your fridge, but each ingredient truly matters. They combine to create the creamy, warmly-spiced custard and buttery, crisp crust that make this recipe unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, with tips for getting the best results:
- Eggs: The backbone of your custard base, eggs give structure and richness to every slice.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps everything meld together for a silky batter.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Use pure, unsweetened pumpkin for that unmistakable fall flair.
- Brown Sugar: Lends depth and a touch of caramel sweetness that’s classic for French toast.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out all the warm, spicy notes.
- Ground Cinnamon: You can’t have pumpkin spice without cinnamon—it brings that signature warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a bit adds complexity and highlights the pumpkin flavor.
- Ground Cloves: A pinch goes a long way; it provides a deep, comforting hit of spice.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Thick-Cut Bread (Brioche or Challah): Thick slices soak up the custard like a dream and crisp beautifully on the griddle.
- Butter: For cooking—imparts flavor and a gorgeous golden color to your Pumpkin French Toast.
- Maple Syrup and Powdered Sugar: Classic toppings for a dash of sweetness and sparkle.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Step 1: Build the Pumpkin French Toast Batter
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl. Crack in the eggs and pour in the milk, then add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk, whisk, whisk—give it some muscle! You want this batter to be smooth and uniform, without any streaks of egg or pumpkin. This flavor-packed custard is where all that Pumpkin French Toast magic starts to happen.
Step 2: Prep the Skillet
Place a nonstick skillet or griddle on your stovetop and turn the heat to medium. Let it warm up while you get your bread ready—temperature is key for that perfect golden crust. Add a pat of butter and swirl it around so the surface is evenly coated and ready for soaking up the custard goodness.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Now for the fun part! Take each slice of your thick-cut bread and dip it into the pumpkin batter, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side. Don’t rush—let the bread really absorb that luscious custard, but don’t leave it so long that it falls apart. Let the excess drip off before you pop it into the hot skillet.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Carefully place each slice on the prepared skillet or griddle. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and slightly puffed up. The scent of warm cinnamon and pumpkin will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to wait! Repeat for all slices, adding more butter as needed for each batch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once all your Pumpkin French Toast is cooked, serve it up while it’s still warm. Stack those slices high, pour over the maple syrup, and finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Every bite is absolute fall bliss!
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast
Garnishes
Top your Pumpkin French Toast with a flourish! Try a sprinkle of powdered sugar for instant elegance, a drizzle of rich maple syrup for classic sweetness, or a handful of toasted pecans for irresistible crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt is delightful if you want to go a little over the top (as you should!).
Side Dishes
Pair your Pumpkin French Toast with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory counterpoint, or serve alongside lightly scrambled eggs for some extra protein. Fresh berries or sliced apples make a lovely, refreshing side that cuts through the richness and brings a pop of color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Pumpkin French Toast into sticks for dunking—perfect for kids or brunch crowds! Try layering slices with spiced whipped cream and caramel sauce for a show-stopping French toast “stack.” You can even prepare it as a bake, arranging the soaked bread in a casserole dish and baking it for an easy make-ahead crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin French Toast keeps nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just let it cool first, then layer the slices in an airtight container, separating them with parchment paper if needed to prevent sticking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange completely cooled Pumpkin French Toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or storage container, and you’ll have a stash ready for busy mornings. Just separate slices with waxed or parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Reheating
Reheat Pumpkin French Toast either in a toaster oven, regular oven at 350°F, or even on the stovetop for a few minutes per side. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread soggy—crisping it up again brings back that freshly-made texture.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin French Toast dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the whole milk for your favorite non-dairy milk (almond or oat are both lovely), and use a plant-based butter for cooking. The final result is just as delicious and cozy.
What kind of bread is best for Pumpkin French Toast?
Thick-cut, sturdy breads like brioche or challah work beautifully because they soak up the custard without turning into mush. Day-old bread is especially great, as it holds its shape better during soaking and cooking.
Can I prepare the pumpkin custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the custard up to a day in advance—just give it a good whisk before dipping your bread. This can save precious morning minutes, especially if you’re serving a hungry crowd.
How do I keep Pumpkin French Toast warm for a group?
After cooking the slices, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in a 200°F oven (about 95°C) until ready to serve. This prevents sogginess and keeps the toast perfectly warm for your brunch guests.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! Just roast and mash your pumpkin well so it’s smooth, and measure it out to use in place of the canned puree. Homemade puree may have a bit more water content, so you might want to pat it dry with paper towels first.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that first taste of fall or just need a comforting brunch go-to, this Pumpkin French Toast is sure to make your kitchen the coziest place on the block. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new autumn tradition!
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 delicious Pumpkin French Toast recipe. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, this dish is a delightful combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and buttery brioche slices soaked in a pumpkin-infused custard. Top it off with maple syrup and powdered sugar for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg mixture. Combine eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.
- Heat a skillet or griddle and melt butter. Dip bread slices into the pumpkin mixture, allowing it to soak, then cook on the skillet until golden.
- Cook the French toast. Repeat with remaining slices, adding butter as needed. Serve warm with syrup and powdered sugar.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard.
- For an extra treat, add chopped pecans or whipped cream.
- To make it dairy-free, use almond milk and a vegan butter substitute.
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