If you love the cozy flavors of fall, you are going to fall head over heels for this Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe. Imagine thick, custardy French toast infused with pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree, then finished with a warm, luscious pumpkin syrup made from real maple syrup and pumpkin goodness. This recipe captures everything wonderful about pumpkin pie in a breakfast form that feels like a special treat any day of the week. It’s comfort food elevated and perfect for those crisp mornings when you want something both indulgent and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create this unforgettable dish, each one playing an important role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible autumn color. From eggs that give richness to pumpkin puree that brings moisture and spice, every item is essential for the perfect Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe.
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread: Soft, airy bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- 4 large eggs: The base for the custard, providing protein and structure to the French toast.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth batter—substitute half-and-half for extra richness.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Infuses the custard and syrup with authentic pumpkin flavor and moisture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Offers caramel notes that balance the spices and pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm, sweet aroma that makes the flavors pop.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The signature spice blend that captures fall’s essence perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a hint of warmth and depth to the custard.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Butter for greasing the skillet: Ensures a golden crust and adds richness while cooking.
- 1 cup maple syrup: The base for the homemade pumpkin syrup, naturally sweet and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for syrup): Adds another layer of flavor to the pumpkin syrup.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Egg Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and velvety, making sure all the spices are well incorporated. This is the magic custard that will soak into your bread, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 2: Dip and Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Dip each thick slice of brioche or challah into the pumpkin egg mixture, letting the excess drip off gently. Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color and a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. Repeat this process with the remaining slices, adding more butter as needed to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Make the Homemade Pumpkin Syrup
While your French toast cooks, combine maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until the syrup is heated through and has thickened slightly. This syrup is what transforms ordinary French toast into a spectacular fall breakfast that tastes like pumpkin pie drizzled over every bite.
Step 4: Serve It Up Warm
Serve the Pumpkin Pie French Toast hot, generously drizzled with the homemade pumpkin syrup. The warmth will coax out all those comforting spices and pumpkin flavors, delivering a breakfast experience that feels tailor-made for cozy mornings and festive gatherings.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can take your Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe from delicious to truly decadent. Think whipped cream dollops for creaminess, toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that snowy touch. Fresh sliced apples or a few plump cranberries also bring refreshing contrasts to the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This French toast pairs beautifully with crisp bacon or sausage if you want to add a savory element to the meal. For a lighter side, a fresh fruit salad packed with seasonal fruits like pears and pomegranate seeds complements the spices wonderfully while adding vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, stack the French toast slices layered with a little homemade pumpkin syrup between each piece, then drizzle extra syrup on top. Serve on rustic wooden boards or elegant white plates with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a cinnamon stick for that autumn charm. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or making a weekend breakfast feel festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any French toast left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pumpkin syrup in a separate jar or container so you can reheat and drizzle it fresh when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked French toast by laying the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing them for about 1 hour. Then transfer the slices into a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen French toast lasts up to 2 months and is perfect for quick breakfasts. Just remember to thaw before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, gently reheat pumpkin pie French toast in a toaster oven or on a griddle over medium-low heat. Microwave reheating works too, but it can sometimes make the bread soggy. Warm the pumpkin syrup in a small saucepan or microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah work wonderfully because of their texture and ability to soak up the custard, you can also use thick slices of sourdough, French bread, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the pumpkin mixture without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking as well. The pumpkin pie flavor will still shine beautifully.
Can I prepare the pumpkin syrup ahead of time?
Definitely. The homemade pumpkin syrup can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat it gently before serving to enjoy that warm, comforting drizzle.
What is the best way to measure pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have it pre-made, blend cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to create your own pumpkin pie spice. Fresh spices always give the best flavor, but store-bought blends work perfectly for ease and consistency.
How do I keep the French toast from becoming soggy?
Using thick slices of sturdy bread and making sure not to soak them too long in the custard helps prevent sogginess. Cooking on medium heat until golden brown also ensures a nice crust forms, keeping each bite pleasantly textured.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe when you want to bring the spirit of fall right to your breakfast table. It’s a comforting, vibrant, and delicious way to start any morning, whether for a weekend treat or a holiday gathering. So grab your pumpkin puree and spices and dive into this cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe—it might just become your new seasonal favorite!
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Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and delicious fall breakfast featuring thick-cut brioche soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a warm homemade pumpkin maple syrup.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing the skillet
Pumpkin Syrup
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter to prevent sticking.
- Dip the bread slices: Dip each slice of brioche into the pumpkin egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off to avoid sogginess, then immediately transfer to the hot skillet.
- Cook the French toast: Cook each slice for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully. Add more butter as needed between batches.
- Make the pumpkin syrup: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low heat while stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until the syrup is warmed and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Plate the cooked French toast slices and generously drizzle with the warm homemade pumpkin syrup. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for the whole milk in the custard mixture.
- This French toast pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or chopped pecans as garnish.
