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Pumpkin French toast brings all the cozy flavors of fall to the breakfast table. The custard mixture is whisked with pumpkin, warm spices, and vanilla, giving every slice a soft, fragrant center and crisp golden edges. It’s a simple twist on classic French toast, but the pumpkin makes it feel extra special.
Serve it with maple syrup, whipped cream, or toasted pecans for an autumn-inspired breakfast everyone will love. It’s great for weekend mornings, holiday brunch, or anytime you want a warm, seasonal breakfast without much effort.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Perfect fall flavor. Pumpkin and warm spices take classic French toast to a seasonal level.
Quick and easy. Mix, dip, and cook—it’s ready in minutes.
Great texture. Soft centers and crisp edges make every bite satisfying.
Customizable. Works with many types of bread and a variety of toppings.
Ingredient Notes
- Milk – Helps thin the pumpkin mixture for an even soak.
- Pumpkin – Use canned pumpkin puree for smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Eggs – Essential for the custard base.
- Brown sugar – Light or dark adds sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the spices and pumpkin.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg – Classic warm spices that pair perfectly with pumpkin.
- Bread – Thick slices like brioche, Texas toast, or challah work especially well.
Steps to Make Pumpkin French Toast
- Whisk the milk, pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow bowl for dipping.
- Melt butter on a griddle or large skillet.
- Dip several slices of bread into the custard, coating both sides.
- Cook the slices until golden on the bottom, then flip and cook the other side.
- Continue cooking in batches until all slices are done.
Tips
Use thicker bread so the slices don’t become too soft when soaked.
Don’t leave the bread in the custard too long—just a quick dip works best.
Cook over medium heat so the bread browns without burning.
Warm the maple syrup for serving to enhance the flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Pecan-crusted version. Dip the soaked bread in chopped pecans before cooking.
- Extra-spiced. Add cloves, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.
- Creamy custard. Replace some of the milk with half-and-half.
- Stuffed French toast. Spread softened cream cheese between slices before dipping.
- Cinnamon swirl. Use cinnamon bread for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with maple syrup or cinnamon sugar.
- Add whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
- Pair with sausage, bacon, or fresh fruit.
- Garnish with toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to Store
Refrigerate leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer until warmed and crisp.
Freeze cooked slices between sheets of parchment for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen.
More Pumpkin Breakfast Treats
If you need more pumpkin breakfast or snack ideas, try these pumpkin pancakes or baked pumpkin donuts.
Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup pumpkin purée, canned
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed, light or dark
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Butter, for greasing the griddle
- 12 slices bread
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Whisk the milk with the pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.1/2 cup milk | 1/2 cup pumpkin purée | 4 large eggs | 2 tbsp brown sugar | 1 tsp vanilla extract | 1 tsp ground cinnamon | 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pour the pumpkin and egg mixture into a wide, shallow bowl.
- Melt a few teaspoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.Butter
- Soak a 2 to 4 slices of bread (depending on the size of your griddle) in the pumpkin mixture for a few seconds, turning to coat both sides.12 slices bread
- When the butter is foaming, arrange the soaked bread on the griddle.
- Cook the soaked bread until browned on the bottom. Turn and brown the other side. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the French toast to a plate and place it in a low oven or on a warming tray to keep warm while you make subsequent batches.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
