Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups are a fun and festive twist on classic French toast, especially perfect for fall mornings. The cinnamon-spiced pumpkin flavor shines through in a soft, sweet filling wrapped in golden, crispy bread. These little roll-ups are like bite-sized pockets of pumpkin-y goodness that are both tender on the inside and lightly crunchy on the outside.
I love making these because they’re super easy to customize — you can add cream cheese, nuts, or even a drizzle of maple syrup on top. I find that rolling them up keeps everything nice and neat, making them perfect for kids or anyone who likes finger food. Plus, the pumpkin adds just enough sweetness and warmth to feel like a special treat without being too heavy.
My favorite way to serve these is with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream or a splash of maple syrup. They’re great for a cozy weekend breakfast or a casual brunch with family and friends. Whenever I make these, the house instantly feels welcoming and full of fall vibes, making mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Bread: Using white bread with crusts removed makes the roll-ups soft and easy to roll. If you want something heartier, try whole wheat or brioche bread, but be sure to flatten it well first for easy rolling.
Pumpkin Puree & Spice: Pumpkin puree gives that classic fall flavor and moist texture. Canned pumpkin is perfect, but you can substitute with sweet potato puree if you prefer. Pumpkin pie spice can be swapped with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture inside. You could also try mascarpone or ricotta for a different creaminess. For dairy-free options, softened coconut cream cheese works well too.
Egg Mixture: Eggs and milk make the roll-ups soak up flavor and give a golden crust when cooked. For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk, and consider a flax egg if you want to avoid eggs.
How Can You Keep the Roll-Ups From Falling Apart While Cooking?
Rolling the French toast tightly and using the right cooking method makes all the difference. Here are some tips:
- Flatten the bread slices well before spreading the filling — this helps them roll firmly without tearing.
- After spreading the pumpkin cream cheese, roll the bread as tightly as you can without squeezing out the filling.
- Dip the roll-up seam side down first in the egg mixture, then place it seam side down on the pan. This seals the roll as it cooks.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure the roll-ups brown evenly without burning or falling apart.
- Turn gently with tongs, and avoid flipping until the first side is golden and firm.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling pin – helps flatten bread slices evenly for easy rolling.
- Mixing bowls – one for pumpkin cream cheese filling, another for egg wash and cinnamon sugar.
- Skillet or griddle – a nonstick pan cooks the roll-ups evenly without sticking.
- Tongs – handy for flipping the roll-ups gently to keep them intact.
- Whisk – great for beating eggs smoothly with milk and vanilla.
- Paper towels – useful to absorb excess oil after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Swap the cream cheese with flavored cream cheese (like cinnamon or honey) for an extra twist.
- Try adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips inside for a sweeter treat kids will love.
- Replace pumpkin puree with mashed bananas or applesauce for a different fruit-filled version.
Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Roll-Ups:
- 8 slices white bread, crusts removed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon and nutmeg mix)
For The Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating & Cooking:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Butter or oil, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick to assemble and only needs a few minutes on the stove to get crispy golden roll-ups. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch without lots of waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined. This will be the tasty filling for your roll-ups.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread until it’s thin and easy to roll. This helps them hold the filling without tearing.
3. Spread and Roll:
Spread a thin layer of the pumpkin cream cheese mixture evenly over each flattened slice. Then, carefully roll each piece of bread tightly and set aside.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. In another dish, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating.
5. Cook the Roll-Ups:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides, then roll in the cinnamon sugar until covered. Place seam-side down on the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove roll-ups and let them rest briefly on paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the cream cheese to avoid soggy roll-ups.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Assemble the roll-ups, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cook fresh to keep them crispy and delicious.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain their texture.
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Bread?
Yes! Just use bread that’s soft and fresh. Flattening the bread well helps prevent tearing, especially with gluten-free varieties.
