Pumpkin French Toast: The Ultimate Fall Breakfast

When the crisp air of autumn rolls in, there’s nothing cozier than waking up to the scent of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen. Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall with a warm, satisfying breakfast that’s as festive as it is delicious.

This seasonal twist on a brunch favorite features thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy, pumpkin-spiced custard, then cooked to golden perfection. It’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and ideal for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or meal prepping ahead of busy days.

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Why You’ll Love Pumpkin French Toast

🎃 Infused with real pumpkin and cozy fall spices
🥞 Crispy on the outside, soft and custardy inside
🍂 A festive upgrade to traditional French toast
🧡 Great for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or holidays
👩‍🍳 Easy to customize and ready in under 30 minutes
🍁 Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients and is super flexible.

🥚 For the Pumpkin Custard:

• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk (whole, almond, oat, or any variety)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

🍞 For the Toast:

• 8 slices thick bread (brioche, challah, French bread, or Texas toast)
• Butter or oil for the pan

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Optional Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Sautéed apples or bananas
• Greek yogurt or nut butter

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Best Bread for Pumpkin French Toast

For best results, use day-old bread that can soak up the custard without getting soggy. Try:

• Brioche – buttery and rich
• Challah – soft with a delicate sweetness
• French bread – hearty with great texture
• Texas toast – thick and sturdy

Avoid thin or very soft sandwich bread — it can fall apart in the custard.

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How to Make Pumpkin French Toast (Step-by-Step)

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Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard

In a large mixing bowl or shallow dish, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Pumpkin puree
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk until completely smooth and well combined.

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Step 2: Heat Your Pan

• Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat
• Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface

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Step 3: Dip and Soak the Bread

• Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin custard
• Soak for about 15–20 seconds per side
• Let the excess drip off before transferring to the pan

🍞 Don’t soak too long or the bread may fall apart.

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Step 4: Cook the French Toast

• Place soaked slices onto the hot skillet
• Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside
• Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter/oil as needed

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Step 5: Serve Warm with Toppings

• Stack on a plate and top with your favorite fall fixings
• Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with powdered sugar
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or sautéed apples for extra flair

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Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions

This pumpkin French toast is perfect for meal prep or freezing.

🧊 Store Leftovers:

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

❄️ To Freeze:

• Cool completely, then place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag
• Store for up to 2 months

🔥 To Reheat:

• Toast in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer until hot and crispy
• Microwave is okay for speed, but won’t be as crisp

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Variations and Add-Ins

🍌 Pumpkin Banana French Toast – Add mashed banana to the custard
🧀 Pumpkin Cream Cheese-Stuffed – Spread cream cheese between two slices
🍫 Chocolate Chip Pumpkin French Toast – Add mini chips to the custard or top
🥥 Pumpkin Coconut Toast – Use coconut milk and top with toasted coconut
🍎 Apple Cinnamon Version – Add thin apple slices to the skillet while cooking

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What to Serve with Pumpkin French Toast

Make it a full fall breakfast with:

🥓 Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
🍳 Scrambled eggs or a veggie omelet
🍎 Fresh fruit or a fall fruit salad
☕ Hot coffee, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte
🍁 Maple yogurt parfaits with granola and nuts

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Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving, 2 slices)

• Calories: 280–330
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 9g

Will vary based on bread and toppings used.

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FAQs About Pumpkin French Toast

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use a non-dairy milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.) and cook with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the custard mixture the night before and soak/cook in the morning — or freeze cooked slices for meal prep.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

No. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree — pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance of the custard.

Can I make this in a casserole format?

Absolutely! You can layer bread in a greased baking dish, pour the custard over, and bake it into a Pumpkin French Toast Bake (see variation below).

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Bonus: Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Version

Want to feed a crowd or prep breakfast the night before?

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf cubed bread (brioche or challah)
• All ingredients from the pumpkin custard
• Extra ½ cup milk (optional for more moisture)
• Topping: chopped pecans + brown sugar + butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
2. Add cubed bread evenly
3. Pour custard over bread and press down to coat
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 30 min)
5. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until golden and set
6. Let cool 10 minutes before serving

Serve with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream!

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Classic comfort food with a seasonal twist
✅ Quick and easy to prep in under 30 minutes
✅ Great for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings
✅ Meal-prep and freezer friendly
✅ Warm, satisfying, and bursting with pumpkin spice

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Final Thoughts: A Fall Favorite You’ll Crave All Year

Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or just want to make breakfast a little more festive, Pumpkin French Toast brings all the best fall flavors to your plate. It’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to impress — even the pickiest of eaters.

So grab that can of pumpkin, heat up the griddle, and fill your kitchen with the delicious smell of autumn. This is one fall breakfast recipe you’ll want on repeat!

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