Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
If breakfast had a cozy sweater-weather twist, Pumpkin French Toast would undoubtedly be it. This seasonal spin on a brunch staple brings together thick slices of golden bread soaked in a luscious pumpkin custard, warmly spiced and slightly sweet. Each bite is pure comfort, perfect for chilly mornings, autumn gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a little taste of fall magic. Whether you serve it as a weekend treat for family or a showstopping holiday brunch, Pumpkin French Toast is a recipe that turns ordinary mornings into something a little more special (and a lot more delicious).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pumpkin French Toast recipe lies in its easy-to-find, everyday ingredients, each carefully chosen for its role in flavor and texture. It’s a short list, but every item matters—the right bread for a perfectly custardy center, classic pumpkin pie spices for that irresistible aroma, and pumpkin puree to celebrate the heart of the season.
- Eggs: Create the rich, custardy base that soaks deliciously into the bread for tender slices.
- Milk: Adds creaminess—feel free to swap in your favorite dairy-free milk for a lighter version.
- Pumpkin puree: The key to that signature Pumpkin French Toast flavor and vibrant color.
- Brown sugar: Gives a touch of caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall warmth and brings out those cozy autumn notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The essential spice for any pumpkin-inspired treat, delivering warmth in every bite.
- Ground nutmeg: A dash for depth, rounding out the spice blend just right.
- Ground cloves: Just a hint adds complexity and elevates the whole dish.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Thick-cut bread (such as brioche or Texas toast): Sturdy slices soak up the custard without getting soggy—essential!
- Butter or oil: For greasing your skillet and getting that crave-worthy golden exterior.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Step 1: Mix Up the Pumpkin Custard
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and just a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is totally smooth and the pumpkin is fully incorporated. This is where that irresistible Pumpkin French Toast flavor comes to life—don’t rush it!
Step 2: Preheat Your Skillet or Griddle
Set a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, and let it warm up as you finish prepping. Lightly grease it with butter or your preferred cooking oil. You want that surface hot and ready so your bread slices cook evenly and get crispy, golden edges.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Slices
Dip each piece of your thick-cut bread into the pumpkin custard, giving it a few seconds on each side to absorb just the right amount. Let any excess mixture drip off before you head to the skillet. This leisurely soak is what guarantees every bite of Pumpkin French Toast will be tender and flavorful—but not soggy.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Delicious
Carefully lay each custard-soaked slice onto your preheated skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until both come up perfectly golden brown and the inside is cooked through. As you work through the slices, don’t forget to add a little more butter or oil to the skillet as needed for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Step 5: Serve Warm with All the Fixings
Transfer your finished Pumpkin French Toast to plates and serve straight away while they’re warm, soft, and slightly crisp around the edges. Don’t be shy with the toppings—classic maple syrup, fluffy whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar all take this breakfast over the top.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast
Garnishes
When it comes to finishing touches, Pumpkin French Toast loves a little extra flair. Try a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup—it soaks right in and enhances the pumpkin spices. For a bakery-worthy look, dust with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream for cloud-like luxury. Toasted pecans, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of cinnamon are all stellar finishing touches that add crunch, color, and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cozy breakfast deserves some delicious accompaniments. Pair your Pumpkin French Toast with salty breakfast staples like crispy bacon or savory sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit—think orange slices, pomegranate seeds, or a tangy berry medley—brightens up the plate and adds a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of creamy Greek yogurt or a pumpkin spice latte will turn the meal into a true fall feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Pumpkin French Toast into brunch showstoppers: stack thick slices high and slice into triangles for a playful tower, or layer with cream cheese between slices for a French toast “sandwich.” For a friendsgiving brunch, arrange the slices on a platter, top with autumn fruit, and dust with cinnamon sugar for crowd-pleasing style. The warm color alone makes this dish an autumnal centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pumpkin French Toast (lucky you!), let the slices cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To avoid sogginess, place parchment paper between slices and reheat only what you plan to eat.
Freezing
Pumpkin French Toast freezes beautifully! Once cooled, lay the slices out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll be ready for quick breakfasts for up to two months—just reheat straight from frozen for busy-morning magic.
Reheating
To bring your Pumpkin French Toast back to its just-cooked best, warm slices in a skillet over medium-low heat, or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but for the crispiest texture, the oven is your friend. If reheating from frozen, just add a few minutes to the bake time until warmed through.
FAQs
What kind of bread works best for Pumpkin French Toast?
Thick-cut bread like brioche or Texas toast is ideal because it absorbs the pumpkin custard without falling apart. Day-old bread is especially good for this recipe, holding up to the soak and delivering that coveted custardy, tender center.
Can I make Pumpkin French Toast dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite dairy-free milk (like almond, soy, or oat) and swap in plant-based butter or oil for greasing the skillet. The result is just as creamy, cozy, and satisfying.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
Yes, you can whisk together the pumpkin custard the evening before—just cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, give it a quick stir before soaking your bread and cooking as usual. This is a real time-saver for early brunches or holiday mornings!
How do I prevent the Pumpkin French Toast from getting soggy?
A quick soak is key: dip each slice just long enough for the custard to absorb without completely saturating the bread. Using day-old or slightly stale bread also helps prevent sogginess and results in a texture that’s perfect every time.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Pumpkin French Toast is party-perfect. Simply scale up the ingredients as needed, cook in batches, and keep finished slices warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) until you’re ready to serve everyone.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin French Toast is surely one of those recipes that bring comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try and watch even the sleepiest breakfast crowd light up with smiles—one bite in, and you’ll be convinced: this autumn classic deserves a spot in your morning routine every year.
Print
Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin French Toast. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard mixture and cooked to golden perfection. Perfect for a seasonal breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- pinch of salt
Other:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.
- Cook the French Toast: Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Repeat with remaining slices, greasing the pan as needed. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best for soaking up the pumpkin custard.
- You can use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
