Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect marriage of cozy fall flavors and breakfast comfort, promising a plate of golden, spiced bread that’s as delightful on a slow weekend morning as it is for a special brunch gathering. Imagine thick slices of brioche bathed in a creamy pumpkin-egg custard, kissed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and incredibly soft inside. You’ll want to top it off with a drizzle of maple syrup or a circus of whipped cream and nuts, making every forkful both familiar and refreshingly festive. This recipe transforms your average morning routine into something special, and if you love autumn, Pumpkin French Toast is simply non-negotiable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple ingredients, Pumpkin French Toast delivers layers of flavor, richness, and color that scream autumn without complicating your morning. Each element works together to create a decadent, custardy bite, so let’s break down what makes every ingredient essential.
- 4 large eggs: These are key for binding and creating a rich, luxurious custard that soaks into the bread for that classic French toast texture.
- ¾ cup milk: Milk ensures the custard is silky smooth—feel free to use whole, skim, or even oat or almond milk for a twist.
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree: This is where the pumpkin magic happens; it adds moisture, color, and earthy-sweet fall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brown sugar brings a molasses-like warmth and slight caramelization as the toast cooks.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla amplifies all the warm spices and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is non-negotiable for classic pumpkin spice notes throughout the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: This adds a subtle, almost nutty depth that instantly says “autumn.”
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves: Just a pinch delivers a gentle, spicy spark that perfumes the toast.
- Pinch of salt: A little salt is essential for balancing sweetness and making those spices pop.
- 8 slices brioche or thick-cut bread: Brioche is rich and tender enough to soak up all the custard without turning soggy.
- Butter or oil for cooking: A generous swipe means crisp, golden edges every time—don’t skip it!
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Custard
Start by grabbing a shallow bowl or baking dish—something wide enough to nestle your bread slices. Crack in your eggs, pour in the milk, add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and that little pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and velvety, with no streaks of egg or lumps of pumpkin in sight. The aroma will already have you in the autumn spirit!
Step 2: Preheat and Grease Your Pan
Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter or a drizzle of oil, swirling it around so the surface is lightly coated. This ensures a gorgeous golden crust on each slice and prevents sticking. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water dances on contact, but not smoking.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Take each slice of your brioche or thick bread and dip it into the pumpkin custard. Let it bathe for a few seconds on each side—just enough to absorb the creamy mixture without falling apart. Shake off any excess back into the bowl; you want custardy, not soggy!
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Transfer your soaking slice directly onto the hot skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom is beautifully golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side. Depending on your pan’s size, you may need to work in batches, adding more butter or oil between rounds.
Step 5: Serve and Top
Arrange your hot, freshly cooked Pumpkin French Toast slices on plates. Serve immediately for ultimate crispness and warmth. This is your chance to go wild with toppings—maple syrup, whipped cream, or even an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for that bakery-fresh finish!
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast
Garnishes
The garnishes you choose will take your Pumpkin French Toast from delicious to dazzling. Classic maple syrup is a must, but don’t stop there—add a swirl of homemade whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or a shower of toasted pecans or chocolate chips for texture and flavor. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or nutmeg right before serving makes it truly irresistible.
Side Dishes
Balance out the indulgence with fresh fruit, like sliced pears, apples, or a handful of juicy berries. Crispy bacon or savory sausage on the side contrasts beautifully with the sweet, pumpkiny bread, creating a well-rounded breakfast spread. For a lighter touch, serve with creamy Greek yogurt or a pumpkin-spiced latte to keep the autumn vibes rolling.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the slices high and fan them out for a show stopping brunch centerpiece, or cut them into strips and serve dunker-style for kids (and fun-loving adults). Layer your Pumpkin French Toast with mascarpone and a drizzle of caramel for a decadent twist or assemble it into a French toast casserole for a hands-off crowd-pleaser. Little touches—like mini pumpkins or cinnamon sticks on the platter—emphasize the festive feel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Pumpkin French Toast leftover (it’s rare, but miracles happen!), let it cool to room temperature first. Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them at peak quality, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking and sogginess.
Freezing
Pumpkin French Toast freezes beautifully—let it cool completely, then lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to be pulled out for a cozy breakfast on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the slices back on a skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes per side, or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For a seriously easy morning, you can even microwave them for 30 seconds to one minute, though reheating on the stovetop brings back the best crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin French Toast dairy free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative (almond, oat, or soy are all great) and use plant-based butter or a neutral oil for cooking. You’ll still get a rich, custardy texture without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best bread to use?
Brioche is my top pick for Pumpkin French Toast—the soft crumb and hint of sweetness work perfectly. Challah or thick Texas toast also hold up well. Day-old bread soaks up the custard best, so don’t worry if it’s not super fresh!
Can I make the pumpkin custard mixture ahead of time?
You sure can! Whisk everything together the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Give it a good stir before dipping your bread in the morning. This is a game-changer for busy weekends or feeding a hungry brunch crowd.
Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?
Nope, they’re different! For Pumpkin French Toast, you want pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which comes pre-sweetened and spiced. Using puree lets you control the amount and blend of spices, so your French toast doesn’t turn out overly sugary.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet breakfast, simply reduce the brown sugar or skip extra toppings like syrup. For a sweeter treat, serve with a little extra brown sugar, honey, or try a dusting of cinnamon-sugar over the finished slices.
Final Thoughts
If your mornings need a little more magic, this Pumpkin French Toast is the answer. It’s easy, festive, and guaranteed to make everyone around the table smile. So grab your bread, pop open that can of pumpkin, and treat yourself (or your family) to a breakfast that tastes like autumn on a plate!
Print
Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin French Toast recipe. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch, this dish is a seasonal twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- pinch of salt
Additional:
- 8 slices brioche or thick-cut bread
- butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.
- Let the excess drip off, then place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat with remaining slices, greasing the pan as needed.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old bread so it soaks up the mixture without falling apart.
- You can substitute dairy-free milk and butter to make it dairy-free.
- Add chopped pecans or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
