Pumpkin Spice French Toast is a perfect way to bring a little fall flavor to your breakfast table any day of the year. The bread is soaked in a creamy mixture with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then cooked until golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and tender inside. It’s like a cozy hug in every bite!
I love making this French toast on a slow weekend morning when I have time to really enjoy the smell of pumpkin and spices filling the kitchen. One simple trick I use is to dip the bread long enough in the pumpkin-spiced custard so it absorbs all those flavors but not so long that it falls apart. It makes all the difference in getting the perfect texture.
My favorite way to serve this is with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a few fresh berries for a little brightness. It’s a family favorite that always brings smiles around the table, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Pumpkin Spice French Toast feels like a little celebration of simple, tasty comfort food that you can enjoy anytime.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin puree: This is what gives the dish its signature fall flavor and creamy texture. I like using canned pumpkin for convenience, but fresh pumpkin cooked until soft works great too. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar.
Pumpkin pie spice: This blend usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. If you don’t have this mix, use cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or ginger instead. Adjust the spices to your taste for a gentler or stronger flavor.
Bread: Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast holds up best after soaking. Day-old bread or slightly dry bread is even better as it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best for richness, but you can substitute with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
How Do I Get the Perfect Soak Without Soggy French Toast?
The key to tasty French toast is soaking the bread long enough for flavor without becoming mushy. Here’s how I do it:
- Use thick slices to avoid quick sogginess.
- Dip each slice for about 20-30 seconds per side, letting the custard soak in but not saturate through.
- Lay the bread flat to soak evenly.
- If the bread is very fresh and dense, shorten the soaking time slightly to keep it from falling apart.
When cooking, use medium heat so the outside gets golden and crispy before the inside cooks through. This balance helps keep texture perfect every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large shallow bowl – perfect for mixing the pumpkin custard and dipping your bread evenly.
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – cooks the French toast evenly without sticking or burning.
- Spatula – helps you flip the slices gently without breaking them.
- Whisk – makes mixing the eggs and pumpkin spices smooth and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate pumpkin, milk, and spice amounts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree to add a different sweet, earthy note.
- Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese into the custard for a creamy twist.
- Add sliced bananas or apple slices on top for fresh sweetness and texture contrast.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or toasted almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- Pinch of salt
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work well)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
For The Topping:
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Chopped pecans, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and cooking. It’s a quick and easy breakfast that comes together fast, perfect for a cozy morning treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix The Pumpkin Custard:
In a large shallow bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Prepare The Pan:
Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
3. Soak The Bread:
Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture, soaking for about 20-30 seconds on each side. Make sure the bread is well coated but not soggy.
4. Cook The French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices on the hot griddle. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the French toast from the pan and stack on a plate. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and dust with extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge or microwave before using. Stir well to blend any separated liquid back into the puree for the best texture.
What Bread Works Best for Pumpkin Spice French Toast?
Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast is ideal. Slightly stale or day-old bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread slices in advance, but cook them fresh for best texture. Cooked toast can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in a toaster or skillet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep it moist but avoid overcooking.
