Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
If you’re searching for a breakfast that tastes like a cozy autumn morning, Pumpkin French Toast is your golden ticket. Imagine slices of pillowy brioche soaked in a pumpkin-spiced custard, then griddled to perfection and topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a sprinkle of pecans. This recipe takes the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie and tucks them into a beloved breakfast classic, making it perfect for chilly weekends, festive brunches, or anytime you need a little seasonal pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is all about simple, satisfying ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Each component brings its own magic, from creamy pumpkin purée adding richness to aromatic spices and a sturdy, indulgent bread that soaks up all that flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters!
- Brioche or Challah Bread (6 thick slices): Choose rich, slightly stale bread for best results—it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs (3 large): Act as the binder, giving your French toast structure and that signature custardy interior.
- Milk (3/4 cup): Lightens up the custard and helps the flavors blend; whole milk makes it extra creamy, but any kind works!
- Pumpkin Puree (1/2 cup): Infuses each bite with classic pumpkin flavor and silky texture.
- Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds gentle sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and rounds out the pumpkin spice profile.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Essential for that unmistakable autumn aroma and taste.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a dash of complexity and warmth to the mixture.
- Ground Cloves (1/8 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a deep, robust spice kick—use sparingly!
- Pinch of Salt: Highlights all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, for cooking): Creates golden, crisp edges and rich flavor.
- Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Chopped Pecans (for serving): The finishing touches that add gooey sweetness, a snowy look, and delightful crunch.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Step 1: Whip Up the Pumpkin Custard
Grab a large mixing bowl and crack in your eggs, then add the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves if you’re feeling daring, and just a pinch of salt. Whisk everything enthusiastically until the mixture is completely smooth and those pumpkin spices are beautifully blended. You want your custard to be uniform, creamy, and vividly fragrant—this sets the stage for ultimate Pumpkin French Toast flavor!
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Now comes the fun part: Take those thick slices of brioche or challah and dip them into the pumpkin custard. Let each side bathe for about 15 to 20 seconds. The goal is for the bread to get thoroughly soaked but not to the point of falling apart. If you’re using slightly stale bread, you’ll notice it holds up wonderfully, absorbing all the delicious flavors without turning mushy.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter—watch as it sizzles and foams, coating the pan. Gently lay in your pumpkin-soaked bread and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. The best Pumpkin French Toast will be deeply golden and slightly crisp at the edges, but tender in the middle. Cook in batches, adding a little more butter as needed, and keep the finished slices warm while you prepare the rest.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Once all your slices are cooked, it’s time to serve! Stack them on warm plates and finish with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of snowy powdered sugar, and a scattering of chopped pecans. Savor each bite—this is autumn on a plate!
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast
Garnishes
Garnishes are where you can really make your Pumpkin French Toast shine. Try a flourish of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, a hearty pour of maple syrup for that classic breakfast magic, and a handful of chopped pecans for nutty crunch. If you’re feeling extra festive, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top will take things up another notch.
Side Dishes
This French toast pairs beautifully with savory sides that balance its sweetness. Crispy bacon or sausage links add a salty counterpoint. For a lighter touch, fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or berries keep things bright and colorful. You could also offer a simple yogurt parfait for a hint of tang and extra creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your brunch crowd, try slicing your Pumpkin French Toast into sticks and serving them with a maple syrup dipper. For a decadent brunch board, arrange the slices alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and a ramekin of whipped cream. Or assemble a towering stack, drizzling syrup between layers and garnishing the whole thing with a shower of pecans and powdered sugar for serious brunch envy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Pumpkin French Toast (lucky you!), let the slices cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They make a fantastic quick breakfast or snack the next day—just as flavorful as when freshly made!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked French toast. Lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep well for up to a month and reheat beautifully for those mornings you need a little autumn comfort in a flash.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until heated through and edges are crisp—about 8 to 10 minutes. For microwave reheating, use short bursts so the toast stays fluffy and doesn’t get rubbery. A quick pan sear with a dab of butter also restores that fresh-off-the-skillet taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche or challah?
While you can use sturdier sandwich bread in a pinch, brioche or challah really delivers the rich, custardy texture that makes Pumpkin French Toast a standout. Regular sandwich bread may absorb too much custard and fall apart, especially if it’s very soft.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk, and use your favorite dairy-free butter. The flavor and texture will still be delightful, so everyone at the table can dig in.
Can I make Pumpkin French Toast ahead of time for a brunch party?
Yes! You can prepare and cook the French toast in advance, then store it in the fridge. Reheat the slices just before serving, and finish with all your favorite toppings. It’s a fantastic way to serve a crowd without being stuck at the stove during brunch.
What if I don’t like cloves?
No worries at all—cloves are optional! Leave them out if you prefer a milder pumpkin spice flavor. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg still brings plenty of warmth and classic autumn aroma to each bite.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe doubles and even triples beautifully. You can also keep batches warm on a baking sheet in a 250°F oven as you cook, so all your Pumpkin French Toast is ready to serve at once.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a perfect brunch treat or simply a way to add more cozy vibes to your morning, this Pumpkin French Toast is pure comfort in every bite. It’s easy, festive, and oh-so-satisfying—try it soon and share the warmth with everyone at your table!
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Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin French Toast recipe. Made with brioche or challah bread and a blend of warm spices, it’s the perfect cozy breakfast or brunch dish for the autumn season.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 6 thick slices brioche or challah bread
Egg Mixture:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- pinch of salt
For Cooking and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each bread slice into the mixture, allowing it to soak for 15–20 seconds per side.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. Cook the soaked bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and chopped pecans if desired.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best to prevent sogginess.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and dairy-free butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
