Delicious Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast

Introduction

Welcome the cozy embrace of autumn with a delightful Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast. This recipe transforms simple bread into a comforting, spice-infused treat, perfect for any fall morning or special brunch. Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, making every bite a celebration of the season. It is surprisingly easy to prepare, bringing joy to your table without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making a Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast is a truly rewarding experience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:

• Iconic Fall Flavors: It perfectly captures the warm, inviting essence of autumn with every bite.
• Simple Preparation: You can easily prepare this recipe, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile Occasion: Enjoy it as a festive holiday breakfast, a relaxed weekend treat, or a special weeknight indulgence.
• Customizable Toppings: Adapt it with various toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or toasted nuts to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, adores this comforting and satisfying breakfast option.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a memorable Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast.

For the Pumpkin French Toast:

• 8 slices Thick-cut bread (e.g., brioche, challah, Texas toast)
• 2 large Eggs
• ½ cup Milk or half-and-half
• ¼ cup Pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar or maple syrup
• 2-3 tablespoons Unsalted butter (for cooking)

For Serving (Optional):

• Warm maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Fresh berries or apple slices

Notes & Substitutions

Bread: Use a slightly stale, thick-cut bread. Brioche or challah soak up the batter beautifully without falling apart. You can also use Texas toast or even a sturdy sourdough.

Milk: Any dairy milk works well. For a dairy-free option, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are excellent substitutes. Ensure they are unsweetened.

Pumpkin Puree: Always use pure pumpkin puree, which is just cooked, mashed pumpkin. As detailed by WebstaurantStore.com, understanding the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling is crucial, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the flavor profile significantly.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you do not have pre-made pumpkin pie spice, you can create your own blend. Combine ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves.

Sweetener: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note, but maple syrup or granulated sugar work just as effectively. Adjust to your sweetness preference.

Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free thick-cut bread. Ensure it is sturdy enough to hold up to soaking.

Equipment

You don’t need much specialized equipment for this delicious Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast.

• Large shallow dish or pie plate
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Wire rack
• Baking sheet (for keeping warm)

Instructions

Making a delightful Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast is straightforward with these easy steps.

1. Prepare the Batter: In your large shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, pure pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps of pumpkin.
2. Heat the Pan: Place your large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan. Swirl the butter to distribute evenly.
3. Dip the Bread: Take one slice of thick-cut bread and quickly dip it into the pumpkin batter. Make sure to coat both sides evenly but do not let it soak for too long. A quick dip of 10-15 seconds per side is usually sufficient to prevent soggy French toast.
4. Cook the French Toast: Carefully transfer the batter-coated bread slice to the hot, buttered skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
5. Keep Warm: As each slice finishes cooking, transfer it to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Keep them warm in an oven preheated to 200°F (95°C) while you finish cooking the rest of the French toast slices.
6. Serve Immediately: Arrange your warm pumpkin French toast on plates. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with whipped cream, toasted pecans, or fresh berries as desired. Enjoy your comforting Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast right away!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Follow these tips for the absolute best pumpkin French toast every time.

• Stale Bread: As highlighted by Le Chef’s Wife, stale bread holds its shape better in the egg mixture, absorbing the batter without becoming overly soft or falling apart.
• Don’t Over-Soak: Dip your bread quickly, just enough to coat it. Over-soaking leads to soggy French toast that’s hard to flip.
• Adjust Heat: Cook over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Too low, and it becomes greasy.
• Keep Warm: Keep finished slices warm on a baking sheet in a low oven. This ensures all your French toast is hot and ready to serve together.
• Pure Pumpkin: Always double-check your can to ensure you are using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Fresh Nutmeg: For an extra aromatic kick, grate fresh nutmeg directly into the batter.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Explore different ways to enjoy your pumpkin French toast, whether fresh, stored, or with exciting twists.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast experience with these pairings:

• Serve alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage for a balanced meal.
• Add a fresh element with sliced apples, pears, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.
• Dust with a touch of extra cinnamon for an inviting aroma and flavor.
• Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of apple cider.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Let any leftover pumpkin French toast cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual cooled slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated French toast in a toaster or toaster oven for crispness. You can also warm it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. A microwave works, but the texture might be softer.

Variations

Get creative with your Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast:

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for a decadent topping.
• Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a mixture of flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon over the French toast as it cooks.
• Pumpkin Bread French Toast: Use slices of leftover pumpkin bread instead of plain bread for double the pumpkin flavor. For another festive dessert, consider a pumpkin tiramisu.
• Chocolate & Cranberry: Fold mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the batter for a sweet and tart surprise. You might also enjoy an easy chocolate chip bread pudding.
• Savory Twist: Omit the brown sugar, reduce vanilla, and add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a unique savory pumpkin spice French toast.

Nutrition

Enjoying a delicious Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast can be part of a balanced diet. The estimated nutritional values can vary significantly based on the type of bread, milk, and toppings used. These values are approximations per serving, typically for one to two slices.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about making the perfect pumpkin French toast.

Conclusion

Embrace the comforting flavors of autumn with this incredible Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast. It’s a delightful way to start any day, especially when the weather turns crisp. With its ease of preparation and rich, spiced taste, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. We encourage you to try it soon and share your thoughts in the comments below. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness it brings to your home!

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Warm pumpkin French toast made with thick-cut bread, pure pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and warm maple syrup. Simple to prepare and perfect for cozy fall mornings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Large shallow dish or pie plate for batter
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Wire rack
• Baking sheet

Ingredients

  

For the Pumpkin French Toast

• 8 slices thick-cut bread e.g., brioche, challah, Texas toast
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree not pie filling
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
• 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking

For Serving (Optional)

• Warm maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Fresh berries or apple slices

Instructions

 

Steps

• In a large shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, pure pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined and smooth.
• Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt to coat the pan.
• Quickly dip one slice of thick-cut bread into the pumpkin batter, coating both sides. Do not soak for too long, about 10–15 seconds per side.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices.
• Transfer finished slices to a wire rack over a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F / 95°C oven.
• Arrange warm pumpkin French toast on plates. Drizzle with warm maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with whipped cream and toasted pecans.

Notes

– Bread: Use slightly stale, thick-cut bread. Brioche or challah soak up the batter beautifully without falling apart. Texas toast or a sturdy sourdough also work.

– Milk: Any dairy milk works. For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk.

– Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling — the latter contains added sugar and spices).

– Pumpkin Pie Spice: No pre-made mix? Combine 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves.

– Sweetener: Brown sugar adds a caramel note; maple syrup or granulated sugar are okay substitutes.

– Gluten-Free: Use a sturdy gluten-free thick-cut bread that holds up to soaking.

Keyword pumpkin french toast recipe, easy pumpkin french toast, pumpkin spice french toast, pumpkin french toast breakfast, maple pumpkin french toast, brioche french toast, fall brunch recipe