In this Pumpkin French Toast recipe, thick slices of bread are dipped into a spiced pumpkin custard and griddled until golden. To serve, spread with salted butter, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust generously with powdered sugar. This recipe serves 4.
The Ultimate Autumn Indulgence: Delicious Pumpkin French Toast
Embracing the Flavors of Fall with Every Bite
There’s something inherently comforting about French toast, a classic breakfast dish that effortlessly transforms humble slices of bread into a decadent treat. This recipe takes that timeless comfort and infuses it with the quintessential flavors of autumn: pumpkin and warm spices. Forget the notion of “sneaking” vegetables into your food; this Pumpkin French Toast proudly showcases the delightful richness of pumpkin, making it a star ingredient that elevates your morning meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
My culinary journey with French toast and hidden veggies started years ago with a cookbook focused on nutritious additions. While I never fully embraced the stealthy approach, I often made a sweet potato French toast that my daughters adored. Building on that beloved memory, and with fall in full swing, I decided to create a “not-so-sneaky” pumpkin version. This recipe celebrates the vibrant essence of pumpkin purée and aromatic pumpkin pie spice, whisking them directly into a luscious custard that promises a perfect breakfast for any lazy fall morning.
Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin French Toast: Essential Ingredients
Creating truly exceptional Pumpkin French Toast begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:
To Make This Irresistible Pumpkin French Toast, You Will Need:
- Eggs: The foundation of any great French toast, eggs are crucial for creating a rich, creamy custard that binds all the flavors together and helps the bread achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. We recommend using large eggs for optimal consistency.
- Pumpkin Purée: This is where the magic happens! Ensure you use 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Whether store-bought or homemade, its earthy sweetness and smooth texture are indispensable for that authentic fall taste.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice, pumpkin pie spice is the heart of this recipe’s autumn profile. While store-bought works wonderfully, consider making your own homemade pumpkin pie spice for a truly unique and potent aroma.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a distinct warmth and depth that rounds out the sweetness of the pumpkin and the complexity of the spices. Always opt for pure extract over imitation for the best results.
- Milk: The liquid component of our custard, milk helps to moisten the bread and distribute the flavors evenly. You have complete flexibility here; use whatever you have on hand – cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. Each will work beautifully, with slight variations in richness and subtle flavor notes.
- Bread: The choice of bread is paramount for perfect French toast. I highly recommend using a thick-sliced bread that can absorb the custard without becoming soggy. Excellent options include brioche (for its rich, buttery crumb), challah (for its dense yet airy texture), or classic Texas toast (known for its sturdy, thick slices). Day-old bread is often preferred as it absorbs the custard better.
For serving, prepare these delightful accompaniments:
- Salted Butter: A pat of salted butter melting into the warm French toast adds an incredible richness and a hint of savory contrast.
- Real Maple Syrup: Accept no substitutes! Genuine maple syrup is the ultimate partner for French toast, offering natural sweetness and a complex, woodsy flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar: A delicate dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of sweetness, enhancing the overall presentation and taste experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flawless Pumpkin French Toast
Making Pumpkin French Toast is a straightforward process, but following these steps will ensure your results are consistently perfect – golden-brown on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.
Preparing the Pumpkin Custard
Begin by combining your wet ingredients to form the luxurious pumpkin custard. In a shallow bowl, which makes dipping easier, add 4 large eggs. Next, introduce 1/2 cup of pure pumpkin purée, ensuring it’s smooth and lump-free. Follow with 1 tablespoon of your chosen pumpkin pie spice and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Thoroughly whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. This initial whisking helps to fully incorporate the pumpkin spice and vanilla into the denser wet ingredients, preventing any spice clumps later on.
Now, pour in 3/4 cup of your preferred milk. The milk adds the necessary liquid to create a smooth, dippable custard.
Carefully whisk again until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and consistent. Avoid over-whisking, as you don’t want to introduce too much air.
Dipping and Preparing for the Griddle
With your custard ready, it’s time to prepare the bread. Working in batches, quickly dip both sides of each thick slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture. The goal is to coat the bread evenly without letting it soak for too long, which can lead to a soggy French toast. A quick dip ensures the bread absorbs just enough custard to become flavorful and moist, while retaining its structural integrity.
Once dipped, allow any excess pumpkin custard to drip back into the bowl for a moment. This prevents a thick, uncooked layer of batter on your griddle.
After dipping, I find it helpful to place the soaked slices on a wire rack that’s set into a rimmed metal baking sheet. This allows for any remaining excess batter to drain and also prepares them for efficient transfer to the griddle. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread until they are all coated.
Griddling to Golden Perfection
Preheat your griddle to 350℉ (or 180℃).
Achieving the correct griddle temperature is crucial for evenly cooked French toast. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool, and it will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A medium-high heat is typically ideal.
Lightly spray your preheated griddle with a nonstick spray. I prefer using a ghee oil spray for its subtle nutty flavor and high smoke point, but coconut oil spray also works wonderfully, imparting a delicate sweetness that complements the pumpkin. If you don’t have spray, a small amount of butter or oil spread with a paper towel will also suffice.
Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot griddle, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat and even browning.
Cook each side for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until the underneath is deeply golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should be consistent, and the bread should feel firm to the touch. Flip the French toast using a spatula and continue to cook the other side until it achieves the same beautiful golden hue.
How to Keep French Toast Warm While Serving:
As you work in batches, transfer the cooked pumpkin French toast to a clean rimmed baking sheet. To keep it warm and prevent it from getting cold or soggy, place the baking sheet in a low oven, preheated to about 200℉ (90℃). This gentle heat will keep your French toast perfectly warm without overcooking it, ensuring every serving is hot and delicious.
Serving Your Perfect Pumpkin French Toast
Once all your French toast is cooked, you have options for presentation. You can leave the French toast slices whole, or for a more elegant or kid-friendly presentation, cut them in half diagonally to create charming triangles. But no matter how you slice it, these are definitely best served warm, generously spread with salted butter and a lavish drizzle of real maple syrup. And because it’s a special treat and a little extra never hurts, a final dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful finish. A sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice can also enhance the aromatic experience.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pumpkin French Toast
While Pumpkin French Toast is a star in its own right, pairing it with complementary dishes can elevate your breakfast or brunch into a truly memorable meal. Consider these delicious additions:
- Savory Sides:
- Crispy bacon, offering a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet French toast.
- Regular or maple sausage links or patties for a hearty protein boost.
- Fluffy scrambled eggs, especially scrambled eggs with cottage cheese, for a savory and creamy balance.
- Crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes for a complete brunch spread.
- Fresh & Fruity Additions:
- A vibrant medley of fresh fruit and/or berries, such as sliced bananas, blueberries, raspberries, or orange segments, adds color and a refreshing counterpoint.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for added creaminess and a tangy touch.
- Warm apple or pear compote for an extra layer of fall fruitiness.
- Beverages:
- A steaming cup of coffee or tea is a classic accompaniment.
- Hot apple cider or spiced chai latte to lean further into the autumn theme.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice for a bright morning kick.
Storage and Freezing: Enjoying Pumpkin French Toast Later
One of the best things about this Pumpkin French Toast recipe is how well it stores, allowing you to enjoy these comforting flavors even on busy mornings. With proper storage, you can savor leftovers or prepare a batch ahead of time.
How Long Will French Toast Last In The Fridge?
If you find yourself with leftover French toast, don’t let it go to waste! Store the cooled French toast in an airtight container or a resealable bag (like a Stasher bag) to prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted fridge odors. When properly stored, it will maintain its deliciousness for up to 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can use a toaster, microwave, or warm it gently in the oven until heated through.
Can French Toast be Frozen?
Absolutely! French toast freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. To freeze, first flash freeze the cooked French toast slices on a rimmed baking sheet for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, portion your desired serving amounts into resealable freezer bags or Stasher bags. Label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop the frozen slices into a toaster, toaster oven, or a preheated oven (at about 350°F or 175°C) until heated through and crispy. This is a game-changer for quick, delicious breakfasts on demand!
Click Here For More Delicious French Toast Recipes!
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review »
Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients
- nonstick spray, like ghee oil or coconut oil, for griddle
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3/4 cup milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 to 14 slices bread, sliced thick (like brioche, challah or texas toast)
Equipment
-
Presto Ceramic 22-inch Electric Griddle
Instructions
-
Preheat your griddle to 350℉ (or 180℃) and grease with coconut oil or nonstick spray of choice.
-
In a wide bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, milk and vanilla extract.
-
Work in batches, quickly dipping both sides of the bread into the pumpkin custard mixture. Allow excess batter to drip back into the bowl before placing onto the hot griddle.
-
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes a side or until deeply golden brown. Make sure the centers are done, before placing the French toast on a rimmed baking sheet. Keep warm in a low 200℉ (90℃) oven. Repeat with remaining pieces of bread.
-
Serve with butter, syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar and pumpkin spice.
Notes
Enjoy this taste of autumn! If you give this Pumpkin French Toast recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you. Snap a photo and tag me on Twitter or Instagram!
