Fall mornings call for cozy, comforting breakfasts, and nothing captures that spirit quite like my favorite Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe. This dish brings together the creamy sweetness of pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all perfectly soaked into thick slices of brioche or challah bread. It’s a delightful twist on classic French toast that instantly fills your kitchen with the aromas and flavors of the season, making every bite feel like a big, warm hug. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a special brunch, this recipe is your go-to for breakfast bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that come together harmoniously to create its signature taste, texture, and inviting color. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich pumpkin puree adding moisture and sweetness, to the spices that deliver the perfect autumnal warmth.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard mixture.
- 1 cup milk: Helps thin the batter for easy soaking of the bread.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Adds smooth texture and that unmistakable fall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives a gentle sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that spicy, cozy smell and taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty spice dimension.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a slight zing and complexity.
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah): Perfect for soaking and frying with a tender yet firm bite.
- Butter or oil for frying: Gives a crispy, golden crust on the outside.
- Maple syrup for serving: A classic topping to complement the spices and pumpkin sweetness.
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, powdered sugar, chopped pecans add texture, visual appeal, and extra indulgence.
How to Make Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard is what makes the Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe sing, infusing each slice of bread with a perfect balance of sweet and spice.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, then lightly coat it with butter or oil. This step is key to achieving that golden-brown exterior that is just crispy enough while locking in the tender inside.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture, making sure both sides get well coated. It’s important to let excess batter drip off so you don’t end up with soggy bites. Thick bread like brioche or challah works beautifully because it soaks up enough custard without falling apart.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked slices onto your hot pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and cook through. Hands down, this is the step where your kitchen will start filling with irresistible fall aromas!
Step 5: Keep Warm and Repeat
Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining slices. Keeping them warm ensures every piece maintains that perfect temperature and texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and your favorite toppings like whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some crunch from chopped pecans. This final flourish makes every bite feel like a special occasion.
How to Serve Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
The wonderful thing about this Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is how versatile it is when it comes to toppings. Whipped cream adds luxury and helps balance the spices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar lends a pretty finishing touch, and chopped pecans bring in a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft toast. Don’t be afraid to get creative here and add your personal flair!
Side Dishes
Pairing this French toast with sides like crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or a small bowl of yogurt makes for a well-rounded breakfast. The savory bacon provides a salty counterpoint to the sweetness, while fruit adds brightness and freshness to the plate, complementing the richness of the pumpkin custard.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive brunch presentation, stack the pumpkin French toast slices high and drizzle with warm syrup or even a caramel sauce. You can also serve it in individual ramekins with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed pecans on the side, turning a simple breakfast into a festive treat everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, be sure to cool the French toast completely before placing it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay good for 2 to 3 days and is perfect for a quick breakfast when time is tight.
Freezing
To freeze your Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe, arrange the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a sealable freezer bag or container. This method prevents sticking and helps you enjoy this delicious breakfast whenever you like, for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, so you preserve that wonderful texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree is actually the easiest and most consistent choice for making this Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe. Just be sure it’s plain pumpkin puree without any added spices or sweeteners.
What type of bread works best for this pumpkin French toast?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche or challah are ideal because they soak up the custard without falling apart, resulting in a custardy inside and crispy outside – the dream texture combo!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for frying. The flavors remain deliciously rich.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs for binding and custard texture, so it’s not straightforward to veganize without some experimentation. However, using flax eggs and non-dairy milk with a thick bread could be a starting point if you’re up for a cooking adventure.
How long does this pumpkin French toast keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the French toast will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the joy of waking up to the warm, spiced aroma of this Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe filling your kitchen and the first bite melting in your mouth. It’s a timeless recipe that brings cozy fall flavors to your breakfast table with minimal fuss but maximum comfort. I hope you give this a try soon and discover your own new favorite way to celebrate the season.
Print
Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fall Pumpkin French Toast recipe combines the creamy richness of pumpkin puree with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a cozy, flavorful breakfast. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a spiced pumpkin-egg mixture and cooked until golden brown, making a perfect dish to enjoy with maple syrup and optional toppings like whipped cream and chopped pecans.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Bread and Cooking
- 8 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- Butter or oil for frying
To Serve
- Maple syrup
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, powdered sugar, chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Soak the bread slices: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Let any excess batter drip off before cooking.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep warm and repeat: Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm while repeating the process with the remaining bread slices.
- Serve: Serve the pumpkin French toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup and topped optionally with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or chopped pecans for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah to avoid sogginess when soaking.
- Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preference for warmth and sweetness.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil for frying.
- Ensure the skillet is not too hot to avoid burning the French toast before it cooks through.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) if preparing in batches.
