This Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect fall breakfast, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a custard-like batter. Thick slices of bread, such as brioche or challah, are dipped in the spiced pumpkin mixture and griddled until golden brown. Serve with salted butter, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful and comforting morning treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Nonstick spray (like ghee or coconut oil) for griddle

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (100% pure)

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

• 3/4 cup milk (of your choice)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 12 to 14 slices thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)

For Serving:

• Salted butter

• Real maple syrup

• Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

2. Dip the Bread: Quickly dip both sides of each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture. Let the excess batter drip back into the bowl.

3. Cook the French Toast: Preheat your griddle to 350°F (180°C) and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Place the dipped bread slices on the griddle, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes, or until deeply golden brown.

4. Keep Warm: As you cook the toast in batches, place the finished French toast on a rimmed baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven to keep warm.

5. Serve: Once all the French toast is cooked, serve it with salted butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving – 3 pieces)

• Calories: 348 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 46 g

• Protein: 17 g

• Fat: 10 g

  • Saturated Fat: 3 g

• Cholesterol: 191 mg

• Sodium: 488 mg

• Potassium: 331 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 8 g

• Vitamin A: 5116 IU

• Vitamin C: 2 mg

• Calcium: 208 mg

• Iron: 5 mg

Enjoy this delicious Pumpkin French Toast on a cozy fall morning for a sweet and savory breakfast!

The Perfect Fall Flavor Profile

What makes this Pumpkin French Toast stand out is the depth of flavor it brings to the table. The custard-like batter, made with pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice, creates a warm, aromatic base for the bread to soak in. Pumpkin purée adds a smooth richness and slight earthiness, while the pumpkin pie spice brings that quintessential fall flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Together, they create a comforting custard that’s perfect for soaking into the bread, infusing it with all the essence of fall.

The vanilla extract adds a hint of sweetness and depth, making each bite more indulgent and aromatic. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or brunch, this French toast will transport you straight into the heart of the season with its spiced warmth.

Choosing the Right Bread

The type of bread you use is crucial for creating the perfect Pumpkin French Toast. Thick-sliced, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best. These types of bread have a soft, airy interior and a slightly sweet flavor, which complements the rich pumpkin custard mixture. Their thickness allows them to soak up the custard without falling apart, ensuring each slice holds up well on the griddle.

Brioche adds a buttery richness, while challah provides a slightly sweet, eggy flavor. Texas toast, with its thicker slices, is also a great option for a heartier texture. Whichever type you choose, the bread should be substantial enough to carry the weight of the custard, giving you that perfect crispy outside with a soft, pillowy interior.

The Cooking Process: Crispy and Golden

Cooking Pumpkin French Toast requires a little bit of attention, but the process is fairly simple. After dipping the bread slices into the pumpkin custard mixture, it’s important to cook them on a preheated griddle or skillet set at medium heat. This ensures that the outside becomes crispy and golden brown while the inside remains soft and custardy. The bread should be griddled for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it achieves that deep, golden brown color.

To keep the French toast warm as you cook in batches, you can place the finished pieces on a rimmed baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 90°C). This will prevent them from cooling down too quickly, ensuring that every slice is served warm and delicious.

Serving with Sweet and Savory Toppings

Once the French toast is cooked, it’s time to serve! The best way to enjoy this fall-inspired breakfast is with a dollop of salted butter, which adds a rich, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin. A generous drizzle of real maple syrup provides the perfect balance of sweetness and earthy flavor, enhancing the pumpkin’s natural richness. For a final touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a hint of sweetness and make the dish look even more indulgent.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or additional pumpkin pie spice on top for an extra burst of flavor. Fresh whipped cream or a few toasted nuts, such as pecans, would also make a great topping for a festive twist.

Nutritional Value

This Pumpkin French Toast is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. Each serving (about 3 pieces) contains approximately 348 calories, with 46 grams of carbohydrates, 17 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fat. The dish offers 4 grams of fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning. Additionally, the pumpkin purée provides a healthy dose of vitamin A (5116 IU), which supports eye health, while the eggs in the custard provide protein and essential vitamins.

For those watching their sodium intake, each serving has about 488 mg of sodium, which is moderate for a breakfast dish. With its combination of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, this Pumpkin French Toast makes for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch option.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin French Toast

1. Soak the Bread Gently: While it’s important to let the bread soak in the custard, be sure not to overdo it. Quick dips are best to avoid overly soggy bread. Let the excess batter drip off to ensure you get just the right amount of custard.

2. Preheat Your Griddle: For evenly cooked, golden brown French toast, make sure your griddle is preheated to 350°F (180°C) before adding the bread. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

3. Use Real Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, opt for real maple syrup over imitation syrup. The rich, natural flavor of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spice in the French toast.

4. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to experiment with your toppings. For a more decadent breakfast, top with whipped cream, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears also makes a great addition.

Conclusion

Pumpkin French Toast is the ideal breakfast or brunch dish for fall, offering a perfect combination of warm, spiced flavors and a comforting texture. The pumpkin custard gives the bread a rich, velvety flavor, while the crispy outside ensures the perfect contrast with the soft, custardy interior. Paired with salted butter, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar, this dish is a true indulgence that’s perfect for cozy mornings. Whether you’re celebrating the season or just want to enjoy a special breakfast, Pumpkin French Toast is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day.