One of my favorite weekend traditions is whipping up a warm, comforting breakfast for my family. Over the years, I’ve found that French toast is always a crowd-pleaser, but this Pumpkin Pie French Toast has become a seasonal favorite. It’s the perfect blend of cozy autumn flavors, and it’s so simple that I can throw it together while still enjoying my coffee.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s both indulgent and easy to make, which is perfect for those mornings when I want to treat my family but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The pumpkin puree adds a little something extra to the classic French toast, and when you pair it with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, the whole house smells like fall.
I’ve served this to guests on more than one occasion, and it’s always a hit. My kids especially love it when I top it with a little whipped cream or drizzle some maple syrup on top. It’s a wonderful way to make any weekend feel special, and honestly, who can resist the flavors of pumpkin pie in breakfast form?
How to Make Pumpkin Pie French Toast
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 8 slices thick white bread (such as Texas toast, Challah, or French bread)
- 1/4 cup butter (use in portions)
Directions
In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to melt completely before you begin cooking.
Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring that both sides are evenly soaked but not too soggy.
Place the bread slices into the hot skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Work in batches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed, until all the bread has been cooked.
Serve your French toast while it’s still warm, with a little extra butter on top and a drizzle of maple syrup, or go all out with some whipped cream for a real treat.
Storing Suggestion
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or heat them up in a skillet for a few minutes until warm.
Cooking Tips
If you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. For extra flavor, try using a flavored butter or a splash of maple syrup in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This French toast is best served with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. For a sweet touch, add some fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. A warm cup of coffee or apple cider makes a great pairing as well.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with sweet potato puree or even mashed bananas for a different flavor. Almond milk or oat milk works great if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Seasonal Variations
During the holiday season, you can add a touch of nutmeg or allspice to the mix for a festive twist. In the spring, try using a light citrus zest instead of the pumpkin spice for a refreshing change.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs and dairy. For a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and use a plant-based butter.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, give it a good stir and proceed with cooking the French toast as usual.
What type of bread works best for French toast?
Thick slices of bread like Texas toast, Challah, or French bread work best because they hold up well when soaked in the batter without becoming too soggy.
Can I freeze French toast?
Yes, you can freeze French toast. After cooking, let the slices cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, use a toaster or heat them in the oven.
Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Yes, non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk can be used in place of regular milk without significantly altering the taste or texture.
How do I prevent French toast from becoming soggy?
To avoid soggy French toast, make sure not to soak the bread for too long in the batter. A quick dip on each side is enough, especially if you’re using thick slices of bread.
What toppings go well with Pumpkin Pie French Toast?
Classic toppings include maple syrup and butter, but you can also add whipped cream, chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 8 slices thick white bread (such as Texas toast, Challah, or French bread)
- 1/4 cup butter (use in portions)
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar until smooth and combined.
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated.
- Place the dipped bread into the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Continue cooking in batches, adding more butter as needed for each round of toast.
- Serve the French toast warm with extra butter and maple syrup, or top with whipped cream for a sweet finish.
