Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

If you are looking to cozy up your breakfast routine, this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is absolutely the way to go. It’s everything you want from a fall-inspired morning treat—rich, warm spices mingle with velvety pumpkin puree, all soaking into thick, fluffy slices of bread that cook up golden and perfectly tender. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a comforting, joyful breakfast that feels both special and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite go-to for chilly mornings or anytime you want a little extra sweetness with a seasonal twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a key role in building up fantastic flavor, texture, and that gorgeous fall color we all love. From the creamy eggs that create a custard soak, to the warm spices that make your kitchen smell like pumpkin heaven, every addition matters.

• 4 eggs (lightly beaten): The base for the custard soak, providing structure and richness.
• 3/4 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps thin the batter for easy dipping.
• 1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree: Brings natural sweetness and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances sweetness with a touch of caramel depth.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant warmth that rounds out the spices.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that complements pumpkin beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A mix of spices that delivers signature seasonal flavor.
• Pinch kosher salt: Balances and heightens all the flavors.
• 10 slices thick sliced wheat or white bread: Thick slices soak up the custard without falling apart.
• 4 tablespoons butter for griddle (divided): For cooking the French toast to a golden, buttery crisp.
• Pure maple syrup for serving: The perfect sweet drizzle to finish off each bite.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Griddle and Custard Mixture

Start by preheating your non-stick griddle to 325 degrees, ensuring it’s ready for the perfect cooking temperature. Then, in a large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of kosher salt. This custard mixture is where the magic begins, infusing each slice of bread with the luscious flavors and aromas of pumpkin and spice.

Step 2: Dip and Coat Each Slice

Once your custard is well combined, melt a tablespoon or two of butter on the griddle so it’s hot and ready. Dip each thick slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak briefly but thoroughly—just enough to absorb the flavor without becoming soggy. Shake off any excess to prevent drips and transfer the slice carefully onto the griddle.

Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection

Cook your pumpkin-soaked bread until it becomes light golden brown and wonderfully fluffy, about 2-3 minutes per side. The butter on the griddle will help create a crisp edge while keeping the inside tender and custardy. As you finish each batch, add more butter to the griddle as needed to maintain that perfect golden crust.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Maple Syrup

Transfer your perfectly cooked French toast to plates and serve immediately with a generous pat of butter and a drizzle of warm pure maple syrup. This final touch ties the whole dish together for a sweet, indulgent, and utterly comforting breakfast experience.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can take your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe to a whole new level. Try topping it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence. Cinnamon dust or a few fresh cranberries add vibrant color and festive vibes.

Side Dishes

Complement your Pumpkin French Toast with simple sides such as fresh fruit—sliced apples, pears, or berries work beautifully. Crispy bacon or sausage links provide a salty contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly. For those who love it, a small bowl of Greek yogurt on the side can add creaminess and tang that’s refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just stack your slices—try layering them with cream cheese or mascarpone spread between slices before cooking for a delightful surprise. Cut the French toast into sticks for a fun dippable option, or create a French toast casserole by laying the bread in a baking dish and soaking it in the pumpkin custard overnight before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Pumpkin French Toast Recipe (though it rarely lasts long), place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast the next morning.

Freezing

To preserve your Pumpkin French Toast longer, freeze the cooled slices between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and make for an excellent quick breakfast option anytime you want.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated Pumpkin French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy edge and tender interior. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the best texture, but it works well in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for the Pumpkin French Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure it is 100% pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. The pure puree gives the best flavor and texture for this recipe.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

Thick sliced bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast is ideal because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Wheat or white bread work well too but avoid thin or delicate slices.

Can I make this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute eggs with a plant-based egg replacer or a blend of flaxseed and water, use plant-based milk, and cook the French toast in dairy-free butter or oil. The pumpkin and spices continue to shine wonderfully.

Is the Pumpkin French Toast Recipe very sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness thanks to the brown sugar and maple syrup, but it’s not overly sugary. You can easily adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.

Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?

You can mix the custard the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk before dipping your bread to keep the ingredients well combined and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is such a heartwarming way to brighten your mornings with the flavors of fall. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and endlessly customizable by adding your favorite garnishes or sides. I encourage you to make a batch soon—whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast—and enjoy every delicious, pumpkin-spiced bite.

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