Pumpkin French Toast Bliss

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of warm pumpkin spice drifting through the kitchen. This Pumpkin French Toast is cozy, flavorful, and feels like a little slice of autumn on your breakfast table. The pumpkin puree blends perfectly into the custard, giving each bite a soft, rich texture with a hint of sweetness.

I first started making Pumpkin French Toast during a chilly October weekend when I wanted something seasonal but still easy.

I had a half-used can of pumpkin puree from a pie recipe, and instead of letting it sit in the fridge, I decided to whisk it into my French toast batter.

The first bite was pure comfort.

Since then, it’s become a family favorite that makes a regular appearance on our breakfast table, especially when the leaves start to turn.

Why You’ll Love This

1. It tastes like fall in every bite.
The warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and custardy bread combine to give you all the cozy flavors of autumn. It’s like eating pumpkin pie for breakfast, but lighter and less fussy. The aroma alone will make everyone want to gather in the kitchen.

2. It’s quick and easy to prepare.
This recipe only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings. You don’t need fancy cooking skills, just a few simple ingredients and a hot skillet. Even beginner cooks will find it stress-free.

3. It’s versatile and customizable.
You can make it with your favorite bread, from challah to brioche to sourdough. You can add toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries to fit your mood. It works for a casual breakfast or a festive brunch.

4. It’s kid-friendly and great for entertaining.
Kids love the gentle sweetness, and you can even cut the slices into fun shapes for a special treat. For guests, you can make a big batch and keep it warm in the oven until everyone’s ready to eat.

Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine Type(s): American, Breakfast, Brunch
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $8

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Nonstick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Optional: bread knife, cooling rack

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for greasing the pan
• Maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Ingredient Notes:

• If using a softer bread, let it sit out for a few hours so it doesn’t get soggy.
• Almond milk or oat milk can replace dairy milk for a lighter option.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of cloves.
• Store leftover pumpkin puree in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin.

Step 2: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or a bit of oil. The butter should sizzle gently but not burn.

Step 3: Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin custard mixture, letting it soak for about 10 seconds per side. Shake off any excess so it doesn’t drip too much.

Step 4: Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

Step 5: Transfer cooked slices to a plate or a cooling rack if making a large batch. Keeping them on a rack helps prevent sogginess while you finish cooking the rest.

Step 6: Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. Add fresh fruit or a sprinkle of pecans for extra texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 290
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 9g
Sodium: 290mg
Vitamin A: 80% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Tips for Success

1. Use day-old bread for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without falling apart.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each slice space to cook evenly and get golden edges.
3. Keep the heat medium. Too high and the outside burns before the inside is cooked. Too low and it won’t crisp up.
4. Make ahead for busy mornings. Prepare the custard the night before and store in the fridge. Just whisk again before dipping bread.

Common Questions

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use almond, oat, or coconut milk and dairy-free butter or oil for cooking.

What’s the best bread for Pumpkin French Toast?
Brioche and challah are ideal because they are sturdy yet soft, but Texas toast or sourdough also work well.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, place cooled slices between parchment paper and store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven.

Why is my French toast soggy?
This usually happens if the bread is too fresh or you soak it for too long. Use day-old bread and give it just a quick dip in the custard.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add mini chocolate chips to the custard for a dessert twist.
• Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top before cooking for a nutty crunch.
• For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk.
• Add a dash of pumpkin spice blend instead of separate spices for convenience.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet-and-savory breakfast.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte for a cozy morning.
• For brunch, add a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait on the side.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the toaster or on a skillet to bring back the crisp edges.
• Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the bread rubbery.

There’s something so comforting about starting the day with a plate of Pumpkin French Toast.

It’s simple enough for a lazy morning yet special enough for a holiday breakfast.

I hope you give it a try and make it part of your fall traditions.

Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today, and I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy it with your family.