This Pumpkin French Toast is a cozy treat for breakfast! It’s fluffy bread soaked in a sweet pumpkin mixture, perfect for fall mornings.
I love topping it with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s so good, you’ll want to have breakfast for dinner! 🍂🥞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the dish, adding rich flavor and creaminess. If you don’t have canned, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, just ensure it’s well-cooked and blended smooth.
Eggs: Large eggs are necessary for binding the mixture. In a pinch, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan option.
Thick-Cut Bread: I love using brioche or challah for their sweetness and texture, but any thick bread works. French bread or sourdough are great choices too!
Milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but you can also use almond, oat, or soy milk if you prefer plant-based alternatives.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create that warm pumpkin spice flavor. You can adjust these to taste or even use a pumpkin spice blend for convenience.
How to Ensure Perfectly Cooked French Toast?
Getting golden-brown, fluffy French toast can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll nail it!
- Make sure your skillet is preheated to medium before adding the bread. This helps it cook evenly.
- Don’t rush the soaking! A quick dip ensures the bread absorbs the pumpkin mixture without falling apart. About 20 seconds per side is perfect.
- Watch carefully while cooking. Aim for 3-4 minutes per side. If it’s browning too fast, lower the heat.
- If the first few slices are ready before serving, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
For Toppings:
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pumpkin French Toast recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until everything is smooth and nicely combined. You want a well-mixed batter to ensure every bite is flavorful!
2. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
Now, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to the skillet to prevent sticking; this will help get that nice golden color on your French toast.
3. Soak the Bread:
Take a slice of your thick-cut bread and dip it into the pumpkin egg mixture. Let it soak for about 20 seconds on each side. You want the bread to absorb some of the mixture, but be careful not to let it get too soggy!
4. Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Repeat this step with all the slices. Keep an eye on the heat to make sure they don’t burn!
5. Keep Warm:
Once cooked, remove the French toast from the skillet and keep them warm by placing them on a plate covered with foil while you finish cooking the rest.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Stack your delicious pumpkin French toast on plates and top them with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and if you like, a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Serve warm and enjoy every cozy bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Bread Instead of Thick-Cut Bread?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread will add a nutty flavor and give you some extra fiber. Just make sure it’s thick-cut to properly soak up the pumpkin mixture without falling apart.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin French Toast?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Add More Spices or Flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Adding some cloves or allspice can enhance the fall flavors. You could also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for an extra treat!
What’s the Best Way to Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk. Replace butter with a vegan cooking oil or vegan butter as well!
