Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pumpkin French Toast is the ultimate autumn breakfast. The rich pumpkin flavor combined with the warmth of pumpkin pie spice makes every bite feel like a cozy fall morning. The bread soaks up the custard mixture, creating a soft, tender interior and a golden, crispy exterior. Serve it with maple syrup and butter for a classic, comforting finish. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a special treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Nonstick spray (like ghee or coconut oil) for griddle
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (100% pure)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ cup milk (of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 to 14 slices thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
For Serving:
- Salted butter
- Real maple syrup
- Powdered sugar (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Custard:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. - Dip the Bread:
Quickly dip both sides of each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl. - Cook the French Toast:
Preheat your griddle to 350°F (180°C) and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Place the dipped bread slices on the griddle, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes, or until deeply golden brown. - Keep Warm:
As you cook the toast in batches, place the finished French toast on a rimmed baking sheet and keep it warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven. - Serve:
Once all the French toast is cooked, serve immediately with salted butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings (3 pieces per serving).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the French toast before serving.
- Spiced Syrup: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the maple syrup for an extra burst of fall flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and flax eggs as a substitute for the eggs to make this dish vegan.
- Fruit Topping: Serve with fresh fruit like bananas, apples, or a berry compote for a refreshing twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the French toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes! While brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best for a soft and hearty French toast, you can use any thick, sturdy bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
Can I make the pumpkin custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pumpkin custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using it to dip the bread.
How can I make this French toast less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet French toast, reduce the amount of sugar or omit the powdered sugar topping. The pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice will still provide plenty of flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I freeze the French toast?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked French toast. Place the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.
How can I add more flavor to the batter?
Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for even more spiced flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of maple syrup directly to the batter for extra sweetness.
How can I ensure the French toast doesn’t get soggy?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to dip the bread quickly in the pumpkin custard mixture, allowing the excess to drip off before placing it on the griddle. This will keep the bread from absorbing too much liquid.
Conclusion
Pumpkin French Toast is the ultimate fall breakfast, combining all the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie with the crispy, golden goodness of French toast. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or enjoying it on a lazy weekend morning, this dish is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Serve it with maple syrup, butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect indulgence!
Pumpkin French Toast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (3 pieces per serving)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pumpkin French Toast is a cozy fall breakfast featuring thick slices of bread dipped in a pumpkin custard mixture and griddled to golden perfection. Topped with maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar, it’s a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for any autumn morning.
Ingredients
Nonstick spray (like ghee or coconut oil) for griddle
4 large eggs
½ cup pumpkin purée (100% pure)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
¾ cup milk (of your choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 to 14 slices thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
Salted butter
Real maple syrup
Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Quickly dip both sides of each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Preheat your griddle to 350°F (180°C) and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Cook each slice for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Place the finished French toast in a warm oven (200°F / 90°C) to keep it warm as you cook the rest.
- Serve immediately with salted butter, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar (optional).
Notes
Use any thick, sturdy bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat, if you don’t have brioche or challah.
To make it vegan, substitute dairy-free milk and flax eggs in place of the eggs.
For a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar topping or omit it entirely.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
