Description
Pumpkin French Toast is a cozy, autumn-inspired breakfast featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a silky pumpkin custard and cooked until golden and crisp. Packed with warm spices and pumpkin pie flavor, it’s a comforting treat perfect for busy mornings or festive brunches.
Ingredients
- 8 thick-sliced bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast; about 400g)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup whole milk (or any milk alternative)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter for the pan
- Optional: Nonstick spray
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Extra maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (for crunch)
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- Fresh berries (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Lay out 8 thick slices of bread and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to dry out slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard into a shallow dish. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, soaking for about 30 seconds per side (10-15 seconds for thin bread).
- Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the surface. Add nonstick spray if desired.
- Lay soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip gently with a spatula. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed.
- Transfer finished slices to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while cooking the rest.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup, and sprinkled with toasted nuts. Add whipped cream or Greek yogurt and berries if desired.
Notes
Use thick, sturdy bread for best results. Don’t over-soak the bread to avoid sogginess. Keep cooked slices warm in the oven if serving a crowd. The recipe is flexible—use gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives as needed. Whisk the custard well for a smooth texture. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated for quick breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices per serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
Keywords: pumpkin french toast, fall breakfast, cozy mornings, pumpkin spice, brunch, easy breakfast, autumn recipe, french toast, comfort food