If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug, this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is just what you need. It’s the perfect blend of seasonal pumpkin spice and rich custardy bread, turning an ordinary morning into a festive celebration. Thick slices of brioche or challah absorb a luscious pumpkin-infused egg mixture, delivering textures and flavors that dance on your palate while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special holiday brunch, this recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin French Toast Recipe requires a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays a unique role: pumpkin puree adds moisture and that iconic fall flavor, warm spices make the dish sing, and the thick bread creates the perfect base for soaking up all those rich flavors.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, lending sweetness, moisture, and that lovely orange hue.
- Milk: Creates a creamy custard base to soak the bread for ultimate softness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and help form that golden crust when cooked.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its fragrant warmth.
- Cinnamon: A key spice that gives this dish its classic fall character.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a delicate, nutty aroma that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
- Ground ginger: Gives a gentle kick and deepens the spice profile.
- Brioche or challah bread: Thick slices soak up the pumpkin custard without falling apart.
- Butter: For frying, delivering a perfectly crispy, golden exterior.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk until smooth and well blended. This fragrant custard is the magic that transforms everyday bread into a luscious, spiced treat.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a little butter. The butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a rich flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust on your French toast.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture, letting it absorb the mixture for a few seconds on each side. Don’t rush this step—letting the bread soak just long enough ensures a moist center while keeping the slice sturdy enough for cooking.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Place the soaked bread slices carefully onto your hot skillet. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and slightly crispy. Add butter to the pan as needed to maintain that perfect sear without burning the custard.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the Pumpkin French Toast immediately while warm. The combination of that crispy edge and creamy inside will keep you coming back for more, trust me!
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is how easily you can dress it up. Drizzle with pure maple syrup for sweetness that complements the spices or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. For some decadence, whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add delightful texture and richness.
Side Dishes
Think beyond just your toast—pair it with fresh fruit like sliced apples, berries, or orange segments to brighten the plate. Crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage add a perfect counterpoint to the sweet and spicy flavors, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Pumpkin French Toast slices tall for a stunning centerpiece or cut them into smaller cubes for a brunch-friendly French toast casserole. You can even serve individual slices in bowls with warm spiced apples or a dollop of yogurt for a creative twist on presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this fall favorite all week long without any hassle.
Freezing
Want to keep your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe ready to go for busy mornings? Freeze cooked slices by placing parchment paper between each one in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, saving you valuable prep time down the road.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that crispy exterior. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the crust, so use this method if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe and is actually the most common choice, ensuring consistent texture and flavor.
What type of bread works best?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche or challah soak up the pumpkin custard beautifully without falling apart, creating a fluffy yet firm texture that holds up during cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter or oil for frying to make it friendly for dairy-free diets.
How spicy is this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe?
The spices are warm and balanced, but not overly spicy. You can adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger according to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! You can prepare the pumpkin custard ahead of time and refrigerate it, or make the entire French toast batch and freeze slices for quick breakfasts during the week.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is a wonderful way to bring cozy fall flavors into your kitchen any morning you want a little extra comfort and sweetness. It’s easy to make, full of character, and feels like a special occasion every time you serve it. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your brunch lineup!
Print
Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin French Toast recipe combines the creamy richness of pumpkin puree with classic French toast for a delicious and cozy breakfast treat. Infused with warm spices and served golden brown, it’s perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a comforting seasonal twist.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For Cooking
- 8 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- Butter, for frying
For Serving (optional)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Additional cinnamon
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined, ensuring an even flavor base for the French toast.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of the thick bread into the pumpkin mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side so the bread absorbs enough custard without becoming soggy. Let excess batter drip off before cooking.
- Cook the French Toast: Arrange the soaked bread slices on the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until each is golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully to maintain shape. Add more butter to the pan as needed when cooking multiple batches.
- Serve: Serve the Pumpkin French Toast while warm. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a sprinkle of additional cinnamon. Optionally, add whipped cream or chopped nuts for an extra indulgent finish.
Notes
- Use thick slices of bread like brioche or challah to soak up the pumpkin custard well without falling apart.
- Adjust the spices to your preference or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper warm flavor.
- For a richer taste, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of regular milk.
- The French toast can be kept warm in a low oven (about 200°F/90°C) while finishing the remaining slices.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster or oven for best texture.
