PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST PERFECTION

Imagine waking up on a crisp autumn morning, the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin spice filling your kitchen. Forget boring breakfasts! This Easy Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe is about to revolutionize your weekend mornings, turning ordinary bread into a comforting and delicious masterpiece. Get ready for a breakfast that’s so good, it’ll feel like a warm hug from the inside out, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Gathering Your Golden Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fall-flavored delight. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Pumpkin French Toast:

• 8 slices of your favorite bread (Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast work great!)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy works!)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking

For Serving (Optional, but highly recommended!):

• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• A dusting of cinnamon

Step-by-Step to Pumpkin French Toast Perfection

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for novice cooks. I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps.

Preparing the Pumpkin Custard:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. This is your pumpkin custard, and it’s the key to all that fall flavor!

Soaking the Bread:

1. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Don’t soak the bread for too long, or it will become soggy. A quick dip on each side is perfect. Think of it like giving the bread a pumpkin spice bath!

Cooking the French Toast:

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully place 2-3 slices of the soaked bread into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bread, so keep an eye on it!
3. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread slices. I like to keep the cooked French toast warm in a low oven (200°F) while I finish cooking the rest.

Serving Your Fall Masterpiece:

1. Serve the warm pumpkin French toast immediately with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup is a classic, but whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a dusting of cinnamon are also fantastic options. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Bread Bliss: Choosing the Right Slice

The type of bread you use can really elevate your Pumpkin French Toast. While any bread will technically work, some are definitely better than others!

• Challah or Brioche: These are my top choices. They’re rich, eggy breads that soak up the custard beautifully and have a wonderful texture when cooked.
• Texas Toast: A great option if you want something a little more substantial. It’s thick and sturdy, perfect for holding all that delicious pumpkin flavor.
• Sourdough: For a tangy twist! The slight sourness of sourdough pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the pumpkin and spices.
• Basic White Bread: Works in a pinch, but it won’t have the same richness or texture as the other options.

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Pumpkin French Toast

Even with an easy recipe, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Soggy French Toast: You’re probably soaking the bread for too long. Remember, a quick dip is all you need! Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the bread.
• Burnt French Toast: Your skillet might be too hot. Lower the heat to medium or medium-low and cook the French toast more slowly.
• French Toast is Cooking Unevenly: Make sure your skillet is evenly heated. You can test this by sprinkling a few drops of water on the skillet; they should sizzle and evaporate quickly and evenly.
• Pumpkin Flavor is Too Subtle: Use a good quality pumpkin pie spice and don’t skimp on the vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to boost the flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Power: Customizing Your Flavor

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices! This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily adjust it to your liking.

• More Cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon lover, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the custard.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the custard for a subtle heat.
• Nutty Notes: Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the custard for a nutty flavor and texture.
• Chocolate Chips: For a decadent treat, sprinkle chocolate chips on the French toast while it’s cooking.

Beyond Breakfast: Pumpkin French Toast Variations

Who says French toast is just for breakfast? Here are a few fun ways to enjoy this recipe throughout the day:

• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole: Layer the soaked bread in a baking dish, pour the remaining custard over it, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
• Pumpkin French Toast Sticks: Cut the cooked French toast into sticks and serve with a dipping sauce.
• Pumpkin French Toast Grilled Cheese: Use the pumpkin French toast as the “bread” for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Fall Foodie Fun: Expanding Your Pumpkin Repertoire

If you’re loving the pumpkin spice vibes, why not explore some other delicious fall recipes? After this pumpkin French toast, it’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Consider baking a batch of PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE COOKIES. The cream cheese adds a delightful tang that complements the pumpkin perfectly. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, give FALL CHEESECAKE COOKIE BOMBS a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! For the chocolate lovers, there are GOOEY PUMPKIN S’MORES COOKIES which combine fall flavors with a classic treat.

More Pumpkin Delights: Muffins and Rolls, Oh My!

Looking for even *more* ways to enjoy pumpkin this fall? Let’s explore some amazing muffin and roll recipes!

If you’re a fan of swirls and magic, you absolutely HAVE to try the PUMPKIN SWIRL MUFFIN MAGIC. They’re visually stunning and incredibly delicious. For a simpler, but equally satisfying option, there’s the PUMPKIN CINNAMON MUFFIN MAGIC. And who can resist a warm, gooey cinnamon roll? The PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLL PERFECTION recipe is a must-try for any fall baking enthusiast!

Don’t forget the classic Pumpkin Bread Recipe – a no-fuss, perfect fall treat! And if you’re already on the hunt for Pumpkin French Toast recipes, consider this recipe a sister to the Pumpkin French Toast recipe.

Embrace the Cozy: Your New Fall Breakfast Tradition

There you have it – your guide to creating the most delicious and easy Pumpkin French Toast you’ve ever tasted! This recipe is more than just a breakfast; it’s a celebration of fall flavors and a cozy way to start your day. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite sweater, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable breakfast. Happy cooking!

Pumpkin French Toast Perfection

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Pumpkin French Toast recipe transforms ordinary bread into a comforting fall masterpiece. Infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, it’s a delicious and easy way to start your autumn mornings, offering a cozy and flavorful breakfast experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Shallow dish or pan for soaking
• Oven (optional, for keeping warm)

Ingredients

  

• 8 slices bread Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast recommended
• 1 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Whipped cream, for serving optional
• Chopped pecans or walnuts, for serving optional
• Cinnamon, for serving optional

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
• Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard, coating both sides evenly. Do not over-soak.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Carefully place 2-3 slices of soaked bread into the skillet, avoiding overcrowding.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Repeat with the remaining butter and bread slices.
• Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use day-old bread. To keep the French toast warm while cooking, preheat your oven to 200°F and place the cooked slices on a baking sheet in the oven. If the pumpkin flavor is too subtle, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.