This Pumpkin French Toast is a warm and cozy breakfast treat! Made with fluffy bread soaked in a yummy pumpkin and spice mixture, it’s perfect for fall mornings.
Sunny Sunday mornings call for this delicious meal! I love drizzling maple syrup on top and enjoying every bite. It’s like a hug in a plate! 🥞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: These give the French toast its structure. You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) if you’re vegan or want an egg-free option.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best for a creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, almond or oat milk are great alternatives that maintain flavor.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient, but you can make your own by cooking and mashing fresh pumpkin. It tastes great and has no added sugars!
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are key for that warm fall flavor. If you don’t have ginger or cloves, feel free to skip them, or substitute with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal touch.
Thick Bread: Brioche or challah is my go-to for its richness, but you could also use French bread or a hearty whole grain. Just avoid bread that’s too soft.
How Do I Get the Perfect Soak for French Toast?
Getting the perfect soak in your pumpkin mixture is crucial for delicious French toast! You’ll want the bread to soak enough to absorb the flavors, but not so much that it falls apart.
- Dip each slice and let it rest for 20-30 seconds per side.
- Keep an eye on the bread’s texture; it should feel moist but still hold its shape.
- If using a thicker bread like brioche, you might need a bit longer, but don’t let it sit too long!
With just the right soak, your French toast will be perfectly flavored and fluffy! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Whipped cream, maple syrup, and powdered sugar for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
2. Add the Spices:
Next, sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves (if using), and salt. Whisk again until all the spices are evenly mixed in. This will give your French toast that delicious pumpkin spice flavor!
3. Prepare the Pan:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
4. Soak the Bread:
Take a slice of bread and dip it into the pumpkin mixture. Allow it to soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You want it to absorb flavor without becoming too soggy!
5. Cook the French Toast:
Gently place the soaked bread slices onto the heated skillet. Cook until golden brown for about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until it’s equally golden.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a plate. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as necessary. Serve the Pumpkin French Toast warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup for that extra sweetness!
Enjoy your cozy, spiced Pumpkin French Toast! It’s perfect for those crisp fall mornings or any day you crave a warm treat!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Bread Instead of Brioche or Challah?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread is a great, healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich as brioche or challah, but it will still taste delicious with the pumpkin mixture!
What Should I Do with Leftover Pumpkin Puree?
You can store leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Alternatively, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy future use in pies, smoothies, or more French toast!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pumpkin mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good whisk before using it. You can also cook the French toast in advance and reheat it in the toaster or oven.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this Pumpkin French Toast vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk. The rest of the ingredients should work perfectly!
