Cozy mornings just beg for comfort food, and this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is the epitome of fall brunch perfection. Imagine thick slices of golden-brown bread soaked in a luscious pumpkin custard, kissed with a medley of warming spices, then griddled to crispy-edged perfection. Served with a drizzle of maple syrup and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, every bite is a delightful celebration of the season’s best flavors. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself to something special, this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite ways to start the day!

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe lies in its simple, purposeful ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to add richness, structure, or that undeniable autumn warmth to your morning table.

Thick bread (like brioche or Texas toast): Thick, slightly stale slices soak up the custard beautifully without going mushy—brioche adds a touch of richness!
Large eggs: They’re the foundation for the custard, ensuring your toast is fluffy and tender inside.
Milk: This adds creaminess to the mixture and helps thin the pumpkin just enough for soaking.
Canned pumpkin puree: The heart of this recipe, pure pumpkin adds gorgeous color and unmistakable fall flavor.
Brown sugar: Just a touch brings out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully in the pan.
Vanilla extract: For a soft, fragrant background note that makes everything taste homemade.
Pumpkin pie spice: This signature spice blend is what gives the French toast its classic autumn aroma.
Ground cinnamon: An extra pinch enhances warmth and depth in every bite.
Pinch of salt: Essential to balance the sweetness and amplify all those cozy flavors.
Butter or oil for cooking: Butter adds flavor and beautiful browning, while oil keeps things from sticking.
Maple syrup and powdered sugar (optional): Your finishing touch! These sweeten and make the dish look downright irresistible.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Pumpkin Custard

Grab a wide, shallow bowl or baking dish; this will make it easy to dredge your bread later. Break in the eggs, pour in the milk, add your luscious pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and that essential pinch of salt. Whisk it all together till perfectly smooth—you’re looking for an even, creamy mixture that smells like a dream!

Step 2: Preheat and Grease Your Skillet

Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and let it warm up for a minute or two. Lightly grease the surface with a little butter or oil; you want just enough to keep things from sticking and to give your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe that golden, crispy edge.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Take each slice of bread and gently lay it into the pumpkin custard. Let it soak for a few seconds on each side—no rushing here, we want the bread to soak up all that fall flavor, but not fall apart. Thick, slightly stale bread works best for the perfect texture!

Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crisp

Place the soaked bread onto the hot, greased skillet. Cook each slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. You’re aiming for a crisp, caramelized exterior with a soft, pumpkiny center. Flip carefully, and watch as each piece sizzles and turns beautiful shades of amber and gold.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Transfer the finished French toast to plates (or a warm oven if you’re cooking for a crowd). Now comes the best part! Serve your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe warm, topped with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkling of powdered sugar, or your favorite fall-inspired garnishes.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish takes your French toast from delicious to show-stopping. Try a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and maybe a handful of toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair. These little touches are what make your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe look as dreamy as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe with sides that complement its rich, autumnal flavors. Crispy bacon, sausage links, or fresh fruit salad add balance to your plate. A steaming cup of coffee or a spicy chai latte rounds out the perfect cozy breakfast spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with the presentation! Stack your French toast high and top with cascading syrup and nuts for a stunning brunch centerpiece. Or, cut slices into triangles, fan them out on a platter, and offer a build-your-own topping bar so everyone can customize their breakfast masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pumpkin French Toast Recipe slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool to room temperature first for the best texture, and separate layers with parchment if needed to prevent sticking.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange completely cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date, and your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe will stay fresh for up to two months, ready for that next breakfast craving!

Reheating

For the best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and slightly crisped at the edges. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, though the exterior won’t be as crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While brioche and Texas toast are ideal for their thickness and flavor, challah or even sturdy sourdough also work beautifully in this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe. Just aim for slices that are at least 3/4-inch thick and slightly stale.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, and use oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking. The recipe will still be delicious and just as cozy!

Can I make the custard ahead of time?

You sure can! Whisk together the custard mixture and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours ahead. Give it a quick whisk before dipping your bread when you’re ready to cook.

What’s the best way to keep French toast warm for a crowd?

Place cooked slices of your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F) while you finish cooking the rest. This keeps everything warm and perfectly textured until serving time.

How can I make this more decadent for special occasions?

For extra celebration, top your French toast with caramelized bananas, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive, dessert-inspired brunch treat!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to embrace the flavors of fall and add a little extra joy to your mornings, give this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe a try. It’s cozy, simple, and sure to bring smiles to your table—enjoy every warm, pumpkin-spiced bite!

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 servings (2 slices each) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin French Toast recipe. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard mixture, then cooked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

6 slices thick bread (like brioche or Texas toast)

Pumpkin Custard Mixture:

3 large eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup canned pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of salt

Additional:

butter or oil for cooking
maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Pumpkin Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Cook French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat, grease with butter or oil. Dip bread slices in the pumpkin mixture, coating both sides. Cook on the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or desired toppings.