There’s something truly magical about waking up to the smell of Pumpkin French Toast in the kitchen on a crisp fall morning. This cozy breakfast combines the rich, creamy flavor of pumpkin with warm, inviting spices, transforming simple bread and eggs into a seasonal delight. Pumpkin French Toast offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a favorite way to celebrate autumn and enjoy a comforting start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seasonal warmth: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin brings cozy fall vibes to your breakfast table.
Simple comfort: It’s easy to make but delivers a restaurant-quality taste that feels indulgent yet homey.
Versatile flavor: You can dress it up with syrup, fruit, or nuts, making it perfect for any occasion from casual breakfasts to holiday brunches.
Nutritious twist: Adding pumpkin boosts fiber and vitamins, giving a wholesome edge to your morning routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin French Toast recipe keeps things straightforward, using simple staples that each add a crucial element to flavor, texture, and aroma. Whether it’s the creamy pumpkin or the fragrant spices, every ingredient plays its part to create a perfectly balanced dish.

Eggs: The foundation that binds the custard, giving the toast its rich, tender texture.
Pumpkin puree: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
Milk or cream: Keeps the custard smooth and silky, enhancing the soak of the bread.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that elevate the pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness and depth.
Bread: A sturdy choice like brioche or challah works best to hold up in the custard soak without getting soggy.
Butter or oil for cooking: Adds a golden, crispy exterior, perfect for that satisfying crunch.

Variations for Pumpkin French Toast

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable — you can easily tweak it to suit your pantry staples, dietary preferences, or creative cravings. Here are some ways to make it your own!

Dairy-free option: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a creamy, plant-based version.
Spice it up: Add ground ginger or cloves for a spicier kick that adds complexity.
Sweetener swap: Mix in maple syrup or honey into your custard for extra sweetness with natural depth.
Stuffed French toast: Add a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone in between two slices before cooking for a luscious surprise.
Nutty crunch: Top with toasted pecans or walnuts to bring texture and nutty richness.

Why Pumpkin French Toast Is a Fall Favorite

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the custard mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth. This custard forms the heart of your Pumpkin French Toast.

Step 2: Soak the bread

Dip each slice of bread in the custard mixture, allowing it to absorb the liquid but not become overly soggy. Aim for about 10 seconds per side to ensure a perfect custard soak that won’t fall apart in the pan.

Step 3: Cook the French toast

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter or oil. Place the soaked bread slices on the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.

Step 4: Serve hot

Once cooked, transfer the Pumpkin French Toast to plates and garnish as desired with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh toppings to enhance those cozy autumn flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin French Toast

Choose the right bread: Thick, sturdy slices like brioche or challah soak custard well without falling apart.
Don’t rush the soak: Allow enough time for the bread to absorb pumpkin custard for maximum flavor and moisture.
Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg really make a difference in taste and aroma.
Medium heat is key: Cooking too hot can burn the toast outside before the inside cooks through, so keep the heat moderate.
Make it ahead: You can prepare custard the night before to save time in the morning and deepen the flavors.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

Top your Pumpkin French Toast with powdered sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to add texture and sweetness that complement its rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this warm breakfast treat with fresh seasonal fruit like sliced apples, pears, or a side of spiced yogurt to balance the richness and add freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a neat pile of Pumpkin French Toast slices with layers of cream cheese and jam in between, or serve them as French toast sticks for a fun, finger-food experience at brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Pumpkin French Toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and ready to reheat.

Freezing

Freeze leftover slices in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a resealable bag. They can be kept frozen for up to one month, making it easy to enjoy Pumpkin French Toast anytime.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or skillet on low heat to restore their crispiness without drying out the pumpkin custard filling.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for Pumpkin French Toast?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect and convenient, adding consistent flavor and moisture every time.

What type of bread works best for Pumpkin French Toast?

Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast absorb the custard well and hold up during cooking.

Is Pumpkin French Toast suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Its mild sweetness and familiar spices make it a hit with kids and adults alike, especially when topped with their favorite syrup or fruit.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by swapping eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes and using plant-based milk, you can create a delicious vegan Pumpkin French Toast.

How long does the custard keep if made ahead?

The pumpkin custard can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for convenience and enhanced flavor blending.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast that captures all the warmth and spirit of fall, Pumpkin French Toast is a must-try. This recipe brings together rich pumpkin, warming spices, and a golden crust that’s truly unforgettable. Whether for a cozy weekend morning or a special holiday brunch, it’s sure to become your new seasonal favorite. Give it a go and enjoy every bite of fall on your plate!

Pumpkin French Toast

Print Recipe

Pumpkin French Toast is a cozy, flavorful breakfast recipe that combines creamy pumpkin puree with warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, soaked into sturdy bread slices and cooked to a golden crisp. This easy-to-make dish offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a comforting seasonal favorite ideal for autumn mornings, holiday brunches, or any cozy breakfast.

Author: James
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Mixture

3 large eggs
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Bread and Cooking

6–8 slices sturdy bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast recommended)
Butter or oil for cooking (about 2 tablespoons)

Optional Toppings and Variations

Pure maple syrup or honey
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
Optional spices to add: ground ginger or cloves
Optional stuffing: cream cheese or mascarpone between slices

Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth. This mixture forms the flavorful custard base for your Pumpkin French Toast.
Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to absorb the liquid for about 10 seconds per side. Be careful not to soak too long to prevent sogginess while ensuring the bread is fully coated.
Cook the French toast: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter or oil. Place the soaked bread slices onto the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring the inside cooks properly.
Serve hot: Transfer the cooked Pumpkin French Toast to plates and garnish with desired toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

Notes

Choose thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah for the best custard absorption without falling apart.
Allow enough soak time without oversaturating the bread to maintain texture.
Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the best aroma and flavor.
Cook over medium heat to cook evenly and avoid burning.
Custard can be prepared the night before and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or skillet on low heat to retain crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 slices
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: pumpkin french toast, autumn breakfast, fall recipes, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cozy breakfast