Pumpkin Pie French Toast is a cozy breakfast treat that combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the classic comfort of French toast. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced pumpkin egg mixture, then cooked until golden and slightly crispy on the outside. It’s like breakfast and dessert rolled into one delicious, fluffy stack.
I love making this on chilly mornings when the house smells amazing from all the baking spices filling the air. It feels like a special occasion but is really simple to whip up. I usually sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle some maple syrup on top, but it’s so tasty that you could easily enjoy it plain.
This Pumpkin Pie French Toast is perfect for weekends when you have time to sit down and savor breakfast with family or friends. I find that everyone perks up when I bring this to the table—it’s a little bit festive and totally comforting. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself looking forward to breakfast like never before!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: The star of this recipe, pumpkin puree gives that warm flavor and creamy texture. You can use canned or homemade. If you don’t have pumpkin, sweet potato puree works well as a substitute.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves create the pumpkin pie flavor. If you don’t have all, just cinnamon and nutmeg still bring great taste. Adjust spices to your liking.
Bread: Thick-sliced bread like brioche or Texas toast absorbs the pumpkin mixture without falling apart. Stale or day-old bread works best here, so it soaks well but doesn’t get too soggy.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup or brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. Honey or agave syrup can be used too, depending on your preference.
Butter/Oil for Cooking: Butter gives the best flavor and browning, but oil works if you want less richness.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soak and Cook on Pumpkin Pie French Toast?
Getting just the right soak time and cooking temperature is key so the bread soaks up flavor without falling apart. Here’s how I do it:
- Dip each bread slice for around 10-15 seconds on each side. This ensures it absorbs the pumpkin custard but stays firm.
- Preheat your skillet or griddle to medium heat. Too hot, and the outside burns before inside cooks. Too low, and it takes forever to brown.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the color and adjust heat as needed.
- Use a spatula to gently flip to avoid breaking the bread.
- If cooking in batches, keep cooked slices warm in a low oven (around 200°F/90°C).
Following these tips helps you make French toast that’s soft on the inside, with a nicely crisped outside—just like you want it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the pumpkin custard without mess.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs, spices, and pumpkin smoothly for even flavor.
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – cooks the French toast evenly and makes flipping easy.
- Spatula – for gently turning the French toast without breaking the bread.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to help you get the spice and liquid amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the pumpkin custard for a warm, festive twist.
- Swap pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds to vary the crunch and nutty flavor.
- Stir in some vanilla or chocolate chips into the custard for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use cream cheese spread between two bread slices before dipping for a richer, layered French toast.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie French Toast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
For The Toast:
- 8 slices thick bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- Butter or oil for cooking
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Chopped pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook the French toast. So, in roughly 25 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cozy breakfast ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pumpkin Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup or brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
2. Prepare and Cook the French Toast:
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil to coat the surface. Dip each thick bread slice into the pumpkin mixture, soaking for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Don’t soak too long to avoid sogginess.
Place the soaked bread on the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the toast is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Serve Your Pumpkin Pie French Toast:
Transfer the cooked French toast to plates. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top, and add a generous dollop of whipped cream. Finally, sprinkle chopped pecans for a little crunch. Serve warm and enjoy your festive breakfast!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge or microwave before using. Stir well to smooth out any lumps before adding it to the custard mixture.
What’s the Best Bread for Pumpkin Pie French Toast?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, Texas toast, or challah work best. Day-old or slightly stale bread soaks up the custard nicely without falling apart.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Dip and cook the bread fresh in the morning for best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet to keep it crisp, or microwave briefly if needed.
