Pumpkin French Toast
Pumpkin French Toast is a cozy and flavorful breakfast recipe that combines rich fall spices, creamy pumpkin puree, and thick slices of bread soaked in a custard mixture. This indulgent yet comforting dish is perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday gathering, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite with a tender, custardy texture and delicious warm flavors.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread is used)
Bread
- 6–8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread (day-old recommended)
Custard Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free version)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
For Cooking
- Butter or oil for frying (use coconut oil for dairy-free)
To Serve
- Maple syrup or honey
- Fresh fruit, whipped cream, toasted pecans, powdered sugar (optional)
- Prepare the Custard Mix: In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until smooth and fully combined. This custard will infuse the bread with rich fall flavors.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each thick slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture, soaking for about 20 seconds on each side to absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface. This will help achieve a golden, crispy exterior on the French toast.
- Cook the French Toast: Place each soaked slice onto the hot pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the cooked Pumpkin French Toast to plates and top with your favorite garnishes such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, toasted nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread as it soaks up the custard better without falling apart.
- Allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture fully for a creamy, tender inside.
- Cook on medium heat to achieve a golden crust while ensuring the inside is cooked through.
- Prepare the custard the night before for easier morning assembly and enhanced flavor.
- Test cook one slice first to check seasoning and cooking time before cooking the entire batch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Pumpkin French Toast, Fall Breakfast, Pumpkin Recipes, Autumn Brunch, Easy French Toast, Seasonal Breakfast