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Pumpkin French Toast: The Ultimate Fall Breakfast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

This Pumpkin French Toast recipe is a cozy, fall-inspired breakfast featuring thick slices of challah, brioche, or Texas toast soaked in a rich mixture of pumpkin puree, warm spices, eggs, and milk, then cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Perfect for chilly mornings, it combines comforting pumpkin flavors with a crispy, buttery exterior and a soft, custardy interior. Serve topped with maple syrup and whipped cream for the ultimate holiday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin French Toast Batter

  • 1 loaf challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch thick slices
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt

For Cooking and Serving

  • 2–4 tablespoons butter, for cooking
  • Maple syrup, for serving
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Whipped cream, for topping

Instructions

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  2. Add Sugars: Whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until completely dissolved into the wet ingredients.
  3. Incorporate Spices: Add pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Give the batter a taste and adjust sweetness or spices according to your preference.
  5. Prepare Soaking Station: Pour the prepared batter into a shallow dish suitable for dipping the bread slices.
  6. Soak Each Slice: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin batter, allowing it to soak for 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure each piece is saturated but do not let it become soggy.
  7. Remove Excess Batter: Lift the soaked slices and let any excess batter drip off before cooking.
  8. Prepare Cooking Surface: Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter to grease the surface.
  9. Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Work in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
  10. Check for Doneness: Press down gently in the center of the cooked French toast with a spatula; it should feel firm yet springy indicating it is fully cooked.
  11. Keep Warm (Optional): If preparing multiple batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven set to 200°F (93°C) until ready to serve.
  12. Add More Butter: Add additional butter to the griddle as needed between batches to maintain a well-greased surface and prevent sticking.
  13. Serve: Serve the pumpkin French toast drizzled with maple syrup, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent fall breakfast.

Notes

  • Use thick slices of bread like challah, brioche, or Texas toast for best results as they soak up the batter well without falling apart.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and omit the heavy cream.
  • Adjust pumpkin pie spice to your taste, or use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger if you don’t have a pre-mixed blend.
  • Soaking time is key—too short and bread won’t absorb flavors; too long and slices become soggy and difficult to flip.
  • Cooking on medium heat prevents the exterior from burning while allowing the custard center to cook through.
  • Keep finished French toast warm in a low-temperature oven if preparing in batches to serve all together.
  • Top with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for a fruity variation.

Keywords: Pumpkin French Toast, Fall Breakfast Recipe, Pumpkin Spice, Brunch, Autumn Recipes, Holiday Breakfast

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/pumpkin-french-toast-the-ultimate-fall-breakfast-recipe/