Cozy mornings call for a breakfast that’s both comforting and a bit decadent, and Pumpkin French Toast is exactly that kind of treat. Imagine soft slices of brioche or challah, soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, then cooked until golden—each bite brimming with the unmistakable flavors of autumn. The warmly spiced, slightly sweet pumpkin mixture transforms traditional French toast into a festive breakfast you’re bound to crave all season. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself, Pumpkin French Toast is a spectacular way to usher in fall vibes at your table.

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin French Toast recipe has a role to play, working together to build layers of flavor and the perfect texture. The best part? These are all pantry staples, but the magic happens with how they’re combined to create a breakfast that’s incredibly special.

Eggs: The backbone of the custard, adding rich texture and helping the bread get that classic creamy interior.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Thins out the custard just enough for an even soak and cooks up creamy and tender.
Canned pumpkin purée: Delivers that signature autumn flavor and a gorgeous orange hue.
Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps with browning.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices and adds aromatic warmth.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice for pumpkin French toast, infusing every bite with cozy notes.
Ground nutmeg: A pinch brings deeper warmth and classic holiday flavor.
Ground ginger: Offers a subtle kick and amplifies the other spices.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and let the flavors pop.
Thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast): Ideal for soaking up custard without falling apart—day-old is best!
Butter or oil for the pan: Creates that crave-worthy golden crust on each slice.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Whisk the Custard

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth—this ensures an even flavor and texture, so every slice of your Pumpkin French Toast tastes like fall perfection.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Set a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and add a generous pat of butter or a drizzle of oil. Let it heat up until the butter is melted and bubbling (but not browning), which helps guarantee those irresistibly crisp edges when you add the bread.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

One by one, dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly but not letting them soak too long—just a few seconds per side will do. You want the bread to be saturated but not so soggy that it falls apart.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Carefully lay the coated bread slices onto the hot, greased griddle. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once they’re beautifully golden. The goal is a crisp exterior and a tender, custardy middle, with the aromas of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re done, stack your Pumpkin French Toast high while still warm and serve right away. Top with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dreamy dollop of whipped cream—then dig in and savor every cozy bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

All your favorite fall toppings are welcome here! Drizzle liberally with real maple syrup for classic sweetness, or go more decadent with a scoop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For crunch, try toasted pecans or walnuts. A dusting of powdered sugar always works its magic on Pumpkin French Toast too.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun. For a complete brunch, serve with salty, crisp bacon or breakfast sausage, alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears to balance the richness. If you want something lighter, a simple yogurt parfait adds brightness and a creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Pumpkin French Toast slices into a tower, layer them with whipped cream and pecans for a show-stopping brunch presentation, or cut into sticks for kid-friendly dunkers. Mini French toast bites on skewers make for an adorable party platter that will win over any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Pumpkin French Toast, store the cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days and reheat well for busy mornings or snack attacks.

Freezing

Pumpkin French Toast is freezer-friendly! Once the slices are cool, lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Perfect for meal prepping ahead of busy weeks or holiday guests.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Pumpkin French Toast in a toaster or toaster oven, which brings back the crispy edges. An air fryer also works wonders. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread rubbery rather than delightfully crisp and tender.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best for Pumpkin French Toast?

Brioche, challah, and Texas toast are all wonderful choices because they’re sturdy and tender. Day-old bread soaks up the pumpkin custard without becoming mushy, which is key to getting the texture just right.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! Just make sure your fresh pumpkin purée is smooth and well-drained. Homemade pumpkin adds a lovely natural sweetness, though canned offers reliable consistency and ease.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a plant-based butter or a neutral oil for greasing the pan. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic!

Is it possible to make the custard mix in advance?

Absolutely. You can mix up the pumpkin custard the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Whisk it again in the morning before dipping your bread for an even quicker breakfast.

What other spices pair well with Pumpkin French Toast?

Pumpkin spice blends, ground cloves, or star anise are all delicious additions for extra flavor oomph. Just adjust to taste for that ideal autumn spice profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to turn any morning into a celebration of fall, Pumpkin French Toast is the kind of dish that begs to be shared. It’s easy enough for a weekend treat and special enough for any brunch table. I hope you love making—and devouring—this seasonal favorite as much as I do!

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin French Toast recipe. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch, this dish combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the comforting familiarity of French toast.

Ingredients

Scale

Egg Mixture:

4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt

Additional:

8 slices thick bread (such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
butter or oil for the pan

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Instructions

Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
Cook the French Toast: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, coating both sides evenly but not soaking too long. Place the coated slices on the hot griddle and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.