Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe — it’s like autumn wrapped up in a warm, comforting breakfast. The pumpkin puree blended with those cozy pumpkin pie spices transforms regular French toast into something you’ll find yourself craving on crisp fall mornings. Honestly, this recipe feels like a little hug on a plate, perfect for weekend brunches or special holiday breakfasts.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how easy it came together without skimping on flavor. You’ll enjoy the creamy custard soaking into your bread, creating that perfect blend of soft, spiced, and slightly sweet bites. If you want a festive breakfast that’s impressive yet straightforward, this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe come together to build a custard that soaks into the bread just right, packing everything with fall flavors and a hint of sweetness. I love keeping pantry staples handy, so making this is always a breeze when the mood strikes.

• Pumpkin puree: Use canned or fresh pumpkin puree; it gives that rich pumpkin flavor and smooth texture.
• Regular or non-dairy yogurt: Greek yogurt adds tanginess; swap with eggs if you prefer a classic custard.
• Unsweetened oat or almond milk: These non-dairy milks maintain creaminess — or choose regular milk or cream for a richer taste.
• Vanilla extract: A splash elevates the flavors by adding sweetness and depth.
• Pumpkin pie spices: The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – more on this mix below.
• Maple syrup (optional): Adding maple syrup to the custard gives a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Bread: Choose your favorite loaf – sandwich bread works well, but I’ve also enjoyed it with rustic or gluten-free bread.
• Butter or vegan butter: For frying, giving a golden, slightly crispy crust on the French toast.
• Pumpkin pie spice components: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves blended to taste.
• Toppings: Cinnamon, powdered sugar, and maple syrup to finish.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is — whether you want to keep it classic or get a little creative, there’s room to make it your own. I’ve experimented with a few tweaks that brought new fun to the table, and you might want to try them too!

• Use eggs instead of yogurt: When you’re out of yogurt, swapping in two eggs creates a traditional French toast custard that’s just as delicious.
• Sweeten with brown sugar: For a deeper caramel note, try brown sugar instead of or in addition to maple syrup in the custard.
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum: This is my secret trick when making it for adults; it adds an amazing warmth and complexity.
• Change up the bread: Try brioche or challah for a richer, more buttery flavor in every bite.
• Make it vegan: Use plant-based yogurt, almond milk, and vegan butter — I’ve done this often and the results are fantastic.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Custard Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, yogurt (or eggs), milk of your choice, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup if using, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This step is essential because you want to make sure the pumpkin and spices are evenly distributed so every slice gets that luscious flavor.

Step 2: Heat and Prepare Your Skillet

Place your skillet on medium heat and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of butter or vegan butter. Allow the butter to melt and start sizzling — use a spatula to spread it evenly around the pan so every piece of toast cooks with a nice, buttery crust. Don’t rush this; a perfectly heated pan prevents the toast from sticking or burning.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Quickly and Cook

Dunk 2 or 3 slices of bread at a time into the pumpkin custard, letting them soak for just a few seconds — you don’t want them soggy, just nicely coated. Place the soaked bread immediately onto your hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side until it’s beautifully golden, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Repeat this process until all the custard is gone and you have about 16 slices of delicious French toast.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings

Once cooked, plate your pumpkin French toast warm. Sprinkle with cinnamon, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle generously with maple syrup. I sometimes add toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar, but my family loves drizzling real maple syrup until it pools on the plate. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for crunch or add fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin French toast pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or vegan sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie also complement the warm, spiced flavors nicely, balancing sweetness and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, I’ve arranged the slices in a fan shape on a platter, topped with dollops of whipped cream and maple-glazed pecans. On holidays, serving with mini pumpkins or cinnamon sticks on the side makes the presentation extra charming and Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, cool them completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge. I find they keep well for up to 3 days and reheat nicely without losing too much moisture or flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. When I’m ready, a quick toast or oven reheat brings them back almost as good as fresh. Great for prepping breakfast ahead on busy mornings!

Reheating

Reheat your Pumpkin French Toast on a toaster oven or in a skillet over low-medium heat to keep the outside crisp while warming the inside evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture—it tends to get rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe, it brings a little slice of fall into my kitchen that feels both cozy and festive. I hope you try this soon because it’s one of those recipes that impresses without stress and fills your home with amazing aromas. Trust me, once you make it, pumpkin French toast might just become your new favorite weekend tradition!

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