Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

If you love cozy breakfast flavors with a seasonal twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Pumpkin French Toast recipe. Imagine thick slices of brioche soaked in a luscious blend of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and vanilla, then griddled to a perfectly golden brown. The pumpkin adds that irresistible autumnal touch, giving traditional French toast a rich, velvety texture and deep flavor that feels like a hug on a chilly morning. Whether you’re aiming to impress weekend guests or treat yourself to a comforting start, Pumpkin French Toast is a delightful way to celebrate the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pumpkin French Toast lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and spice. These pantry staples come together to transform humble bread into a breakfast masterpiece with minimal effort.

• 3 large eggs: The foundation that binds and provides richness to the custard batter.
• 3/4 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps thin out the egg mixture for an even soak.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): Brings natural sweetness and earthy depth without too much sugar.
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar: A subtle sweetener that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma that enhances every bite.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that delivers warmth and comfort.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend that elevates the autumn vibe with nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
• Butter (for griddle or pan): Essential for a golden crust and rich flavor.
• 10 slices brioche bread (or your favorite bread): Thick, soft, and slightly sweet bread that absorbs the custard perfectly.
• Maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar (for serving): Classic toppings that add another layer of sweetness and elegance.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl or a 9×13 pan, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and fully incorporated. Using a shallow pan like a 9×13 makes dipping the bread both easier and less messy, letting each slice soak evenly in the flavorful custard.

Step 2: Heat the Cooking Surface

Preheat your electric griddle to medium heat and generously butter the surface. If you don’t have a griddle, a non-stick skillet works perfectly when heated over medium. The butter creates a beautiful, slightly crisp exterior on the pumpkin-soaked bread.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of brioche into the pumpkin custard mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for a few seconds to fully absorb the flavors but avoid oversaturation, which can make the toast too soggy and difficult to handle on the griddle.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Place the soaked bread slices carefully onto the heated buttered griddle. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip gently to ensure that both sides develop a perfect crust while keeping the inside tender and custardy.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your Pumpkin French Toast immediately for the best experience. Top with maple syrup, pats of butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar if you like. The warm spices and pumpkin flavor shine brightest when the toast is fresh from the griddle.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can elevate your Pumpkin French Toast from wonderful to unforgettable. Fresh whipped cream, toasted pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon complement the warm spices beautifully. A drizzle of real maple syrup provides that classic sweetness everyone loves.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pumpkin French Toast with crisp bacon or flavorful sausage for a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette also works well to add freshness and texture to your breakfast plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stacking slices of Pumpkin French Toast and layering between each with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese blended with a bit of honey and cinnamon. You can also cut the toast into bite-sized cubes, skewer them with fruit and bacon for a playful breakfast kabob, or even make a decadent bread pudding using the same pumpkin custard mixture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crispness, avoid stacking slices directly on top of each other by using parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

Pumpkin French Toast freezes wonderfully. Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy the seasonal goodness any time without prepping again from scratch.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated Pumpkin French Toast in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave. For the best texture, toasting gently will bring back that crispy outside and warm the custardy inside without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use regular pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which can alter the intended taste and texture of your Pumpkin French Toast.

What type of bread works best for Pumpkin French Toast?

Rich, thick breads like brioche or challah are ideal because they soak up the custard without falling apart and give a tender, fluffy bite that complements the warm pumpkin flavors perfectly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or any plant-based milk you prefer, and use a dairy-free butter or oil for cooking. The spices and pumpkin puree will still shine through beautifully.

Is it better to use an electric griddle or a skillet?

Both work well, but an electric griddle allows you to cook multiple slices evenly at once, which is handy if you’re feeding a crowd. A non-stick skillet works just fine for smaller batches.

How do I prevent the French toast from being soggy?

Make sure not to soak the bread for too long. A quick dip to coat each side evenly is sufficient. Also, cooking over medium heat allows the custard to set properly without turning mushy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully comforting about Pumpkin French Toast that makes it a must-try during pumpkin season or whenever you want a special treat. Its blend of warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and the satisfying crispness of golden bread will quickly make it a favorite in your breakfast rotation. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this delicious, cozy morning indulgence—you won’t regret it!

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