This Pumpkin French Toast is a cozy breakfast treat! Made with fluffy bread soaked in a pumpkin-spiced egg mixture, it’s like fall on a plate—sweet and comforting.
I love serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s the perfect way to start a chilly morning! 🎃✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I recommend using thick slices of brioche or challah for their softness and sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole grain or gluten-free bread works well, too!
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is convenient and perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find it, you can use roasted and pureed fresh pumpkin or even butternut squash for a slightly different taste.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk adds richness, but almond milk or oat milk are great non-dairy options. They’ll still give you a creamy texture without the lactose!
Sweeteners: Maple syrup is wonderful for its flavor, but you can substitute it with brown sugar or even honey. Just keep in mind that honey will add a different sweetness.
Spices: The classic pumpkin pie spices are a must here. If you don’t have nutmeg or ginger, a bit more cinnamon or even a pinch of allspice can substitute nicely!
How Do You Cook the Perfect Pumpkin French Toast?
Cooking the French toast perfectly is all about the right heat and technique. Here’s how to get those golden slices just right!
- Start by whisking your egg mixture until smooth. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Preheat your skillet to medium heat. Too hot and they’ll burn, too low and they won’t cook through. You want a nice sizzle when the bread hits the pan.
- Soak each slice in the mixture. Just be careful not to leave it too long—about 10-15 seconds per side is ideal, depending on the bread’s thickness.
- Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes per side. Look for a golden-brown color before flipping!
- It’s helpful to work in batches so you don’t crowd the pan; this ensures everything cooks evenly.
With these tips, you’ll end up with delicious, fluffy Pumpkin French Toast that’s sure to start your day off right!
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Egg Mixture:
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking:
- Butter or oil for cooking
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Fresh strawberries or other fruit (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pumpkin French Toast recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to enjoy a warm and delicious breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pumpkin Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or brown sugar), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be the flavorful batter for your French toast!
2. Prepare Your Skillet:
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil so the French toast won’t stick. You want it hot enough that you hear a sizzle when you place the bread in.
3. Soak the Bread:
Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin egg mixture, making sure to soak both sides well. However, don’t let them soak too long—just a few seconds per side to keep the bread from getting soggy!
4. Cook the French Toast:
Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then turn to cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. You want them to be nicely browned and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the French toast from the skillet and stack them on a plate. Top your stack with a generous dollop of whipped cream, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh strawberries or your favorite fruit!
Enjoy your cozy fall-inspired Pumpkin French Toast warm!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah work wonderfully for their richness, you can use any thick bread such as sourdough, Texas toast, or even whole grain. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the batter without falling apart.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pumpkin egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply give it a good whisk before using it the next morning. Alternatively, you can cook the French toast and reheat it in the toaster or microwave when you’re ready to serve!
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a toaster or on a skillet for that fresh-out-of-the-pan taste!
What Toppings Go Well with Pumpkin French Toast?
Besides whipped cream and maple syrup, consider topping with caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Fresh fruit like banana slices, blueberries, or apples also adds a lovely touch!