Pumpkin French Toast: A Cozy, Comforting Fall Breakfast

Fall mornings call for warm, comforting meals, and nothing hits the spot quite like Pumpkin French Toast. This seasonal spin on the traditional breakfast favorite is made with real pumpkin puree, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and golden, buttery slices of bread soaked in a rich custard.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy fall bakery and brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy Sunday brunch or entertaining guests for Thanksgiving weekend, this Pumpkin French Toast will be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love Pumpkin French Toast

🎃 Bursting with real pumpkin flavor
🍂 Infused with classic fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
🍞 Made with thick, hearty bread for the perfect texture
🍁 Perfect for autumn weekends, holidays, or meal prep
🧡 Ready in just 20–30 minutes with easy pantry ingredients

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What Is Pumpkin French Toast?

Pumpkin French Toast takes everything you love about traditional French toast and infuses it with the flavor of pumpkin pie. It’s made by whisking pumpkin puree and warm spices into the egg and milk custard used to soak the bread before frying.

It’s crisp and golden on the outside, custardy and soft on the inside, and has a rich pumpkin spice taste in every bite.

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Ingredients

This recipe serves 4–6 people (about 8 slices of toast).

For the French Toast:

• ¾ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)

For Cooking:

• 1–2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil) for frying

Optional Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Powdered sugar
• Caramel sauce
• Pumpkin seeds or granola

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Best Bread for French Toast

The secret to amazing French toast is the bread. Go for something thick and sturdy:

🥖 Brioche – soft, buttery, and luxurious
🍞 Challah – rich, eggy, slightly sweet
🍞 Texas Toast – thick and perfect for soaking
🥐 Day-old French bread – slightly crusty and absorbent

Avoid sandwich bread or thin slices, which can become soggy.

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How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

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Step 1: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Pumpkin purée
• Eggs
• Milk and cream
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla
• Salt

Whisk until smooth and well blended.

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Step 2: Dip the Bread

Preheat a skillet or griddle to medium heat and melt a bit of butter.

Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture. Let it soak for 5–10 seconds per side (longer if your bread is stale or very thick).

Let any excess drip off before placing on the skillet.

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Step 3: Cook Until Golden

Place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.

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Step 4: Serve with Toppings

Serve hot with your favorite toppings:

• A drizzle of warm maple syrup
• A dollop of whipped cream
• Sprinkle of powdered sugar
• Crunchy nuts or seeds for texture
• Even a spoonful of apple butter or cinnamon glaze

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

🧊 To store leftovers:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🔥 To reheat:
Warm in a toaster oven, skillet, or microwave until heated through.

📦 To freeze:
Place cooled slices on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months.

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Variations and Add-Ins

🍎 Pumpkin Apple French Toast – Add thin apple slices in between layers
🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip – Stir mini chocolate chips into the custard
🥜 Stuffed Pumpkin French Toast – Spread cream cheese or Nutella between two slices before dipping
🥥 Coconut Pumpkin – Add shredded coconut and coconut milk to the custard
🍞 Pumpkin French Toast Casserole – Layer cubed bread in a dish, pour custard over, and bake

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What to Serve with Pumpkin French Toast

🎃 A side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage
🍊 Fresh fruit like orange slices or grapes
☕ A cup of pumpkin spice coffee or chai tea
🍳 Scrambled eggs or an omelet for protein
🥤 Freshly squeezed juice or an autumn smoothie

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Nutrition Info (Per Slice, Approx.)

• Calories: 190
• Fat: 8g
• Carbs: 22g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 6g

Nutrition values will vary depending on bread type and toppings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

No — pumpkin pie filling already has added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor. Use pure pumpkin puree for best results.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for frying.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free bread, and make sure the rest of your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I bake instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Place soaked bread on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Combines the cozy flavors of fall with a breakfast favorite
✅ Uses real pumpkin and spices for authentic taste
✅ Customizable with endless toppings and mix-ins
✅ Quick and easy to prepare, even on busy mornings
✅ Kid-friendly and holiday brunch–worthy

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Final Thoughts: Fall Breakfast Perfection

Pumpkin French Toast is more than just a breakfast — it’s an experience. From the warm cinnamon spice to the crispy edges and soft center, each bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re treating yourself, feeding your family, or hosting a brunch, this recipe is sure to be a seasonal favorite.

So grab that can of pumpkin, fire up the skillet, and start your day with something special.

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