If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game with a flavor-packed, cozy treat, Pumpkin French Toast is where it’s at. This delightful dish perfectly balances the warm spices of fall with the creamy richness of pumpkin puree, wrapped in tender slices of bread that soak up every bit of that luscious custard. Imagine diving into golden, slightly crisp edges, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, then drizzled generously with maple syrup. Whether you’re indulging on a chilly morning or hosting a holiday brunch, Pumpkin French Toast transforms a simple meal into a comforting celebration of autumn’s best flavors.

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Pumpkin French Toast means gathering just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a taste and texture you’ll adore. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy pumpkin puree that adds moisture and earthiness, to the fragrant pumpkin pie spices that deliver that unmistakable warmth and charm.

Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings moisture, vibrant color, and that perfect autumn flavor.
Regular or non-dairy yogurt: Adds a slight tanginess and creaminess, or use eggs as a classic custard base alternative.
Unsweetened oat or almond milk: Lightens the custard mixture while keeping it dairy-free if needed; you can swap for regular milk or cream for extra richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a soft, sweet aroma that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Pumpkin pie spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that infuse every bite with cozy warmth.
Maple syrup (optional): Adds a gentle natural sweetness to the custard, balancing the spices beautifully.
Bread: Choose your favorite loaf, regular or gluten-free, to soak up all the flavorful custard.
Butter or vegan butter: Essential for frying the toast to golden perfection with a hint of rich flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard

Start by combining the pumpkin puree, yogurt (or eggs), oat or almond milk, pumpkin pie spices, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, fragrant custard. This mixture is what gives your Pumpkin French Toast its signature moist texture and those irresistible autumn vibes.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a medium skillet over medium heat and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of butter or vegan butter. Allow it to melt and start sizzling, then swirl it around with a spatula so the entire pan is evenly coated. This step ensures your Pumpkin French Toast will get that perfect golden crust without sticking.

Step 3: Soak and Cook the Bread

Quickly dip 2 to 3 slices of bread into the pumpkin custard, making sure each slice is well-coated but not soggy. Then immediately transfer them to your hot skillet. Cook the bread for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until golden brown, flip, and cook another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. Once done, gently remove the slices and set them aside on a plate or wire rack.

Step 4: Repeat Until All Bread Is Cooked

Continue soaking and cooking the bread slices in batches until you’ve used all the custard and cooked every slice. You should end up with about 16 mouthwatering slices of Pumpkin French Toast, perfectly crisp on the outside with a tender, flavorful center.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

Dress up your Pumpkin French Toast with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance. A generous drizzle of warm maple syrup takes things to the next level, adding sticky richness that melts right into every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pumpkin French Toast with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or even a tangy dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the spice and sweetness. For something heartier, crispy bacon or turkey sausage make fantastic savory companions without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack your Pumpkin French Toast slices high and insert a skewer with marshmallows or pumpkin-spiced whipped cream on top for a festive centerpiece. You can also serve it alongside a small bowl of pumpkin butter or caramelized apples to amp up the autumnal experience, making every breakfast feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Pumpkin French Toast, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps it fresh and moist, ready for a quick breakfast or snack the next day without losing any of its magic.

Freezing

To enjoy this treat later, freeze individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Pumpkin French Toast freezes beautifully for up to 1 month, making it the perfect make-ahead breakfast option during busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or regular oven set to medium heat to regain their crisp exterior and warm, custardy inside. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make the toast soggy. A quick toast or bake brings back that fresh-from-the-skillet appeal every time.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that may alter the flavor and texture of your Pumpkin French Toast.

What type of bread works best for Pumpkin French Toast?

Thicker slices of bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast absorb the custard well and hold up beautifully without getting too soggy. Gluten-free options work too, just make sure they’re sturdy enough to soak up the mixture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use non-dairy yogurt and plant-based milk, and swap eggs for additional yogurt or a flaxseed egg substitute. Use vegan butter for frying, and you have a delicious vegan Pumpkin French Toast.

How do I prevent my Pumpkin French Toast from getting soggy?

Don’t soak the bread for too long—just enough to coat it. Also, make sure your skillet is properly heated before cooking to get that lovely golden crust which keeps the toast from becoming soggy.

Can I add other flavors to the Pumpkin French Toast custard?

Yes! Try adding a pinch of ground cardamom, a splash of orange zest, or a tablespoon of rum extract to enhance the autumnal flavors or add a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, inviting charm of Pumpkin French Toast to brighten up your mornings and bring a bit of fall magic to your table. So grab your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready to create a breakfast hug in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, Pumpkin French Toast will quickly become one of your all-time favorite ways to celebrate the season’s flavors with family and friends.

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 16 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Pumpkin French Toast recipe offers a delightful autumn twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Infused with pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spices, it’s a cozy, comforting dish perfect for fall mornings. Made with either traditional or non-dairy ingredients, it is versatile and can be adapted for gluten-free diets. The French toast is cooked to golden perfection and served with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Instructions

Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, non-dairy yogurt (or eggs), unsweetened oat or almond milk, pumpkin pie spices, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Heat the Skillet: Add 1-2 teaspoons of vegan or regular butter to a medium skillet and set over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and sizzle, then use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface of the skillet.
Soak the Bread: Quickly dip 2 to 3 slices of bread (depending on skillet size) into the pumpkin custard, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated but not overly saturated to prevent sogginess.
Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown. Flip using a spatula and cook the opposite side for another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and place on a plate or wire rack. Repeat soaking and cooking with the remaining bread slices and custard. Serve the warm pumpkin French toast topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, powdered sugar, and maple syrup to taste.

Notes

Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
For a richer custard, substitute oat or almond milk with whole milk or cream.
The pumpkin pie spice can be substituted with 1 tsp cinnamon plus 1/4 tsp each nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don’t have the blend.
Maple syrup in the custard is optional and can be omitted to reduce added sugar.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on bread type and skillet heat.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American