This Pumpkin French Toast combines warm spices and creamy pumpkin for a cozy breakfast treat. It’s like fall on a plate, perfect for chilly mornings!
I love how easy it is to whip up this recipe. Just soak the bread, cook it up, and enjoy with syrup. It makes breakfast feel special every time! 🥞🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is what gives your French toast that wonderful pumpkin flavor. If you prefer a fresh taste, you can use pureed roasted pumpkin. Just make sure it’s smooth for mixing.
Milk: Whole milk makes for a creamy texture, but you can swap it with almond milk, oat milk, or even half-and-half for a richer taste. Coconut milk works well too!
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or challah absorbs the egg mixture best. If you want a lighter option, go with whole grain or sourdough. Gluten-free bread is also a great substitute if needed.
Spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are essential for that warm flavor. If you don’t have ginger, you can skip it or replace it with allspice for a different kick.
What’s the Best Way to Soak the Bread?
Soaking the bread properly is key for a delicious Pumpkin French Toast. You want each slice to soak up enough of the pumpkin mixture, without becoming too soggy. Here’s what I do:
- Use a shallow dish to hold the egg mixture, making it easier to dip.
- Soak each slice for about 20-30 seconds per side, ensuring all corners are coated.
- Let the bread sit for a minute after soaking to allow it to soak in more flavor before cooking.
This technique helps create a custardy texture that’s perfectly golden on the outside!
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Batter:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Assembling:
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah works great)
- Butter or oil for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pumpkin French Toast takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus around 15-20 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll have a warm, delicious breakfast ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or brown sugar), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth to create a delightful batter for soaking the bread.
2. Preheat the Skillet:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to coat the pan. This helps to achieve a nice golden crust on your French toast!
3. Soak the Bread:
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the pumpkin egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You want the bread to be well-coated but not falling apart.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip it over and cook the other side as well. Adjust the heat if necessary to ensure it cooks through without burning.
5. Repeat the Process:
Continue the soaking and cooking process with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as needed.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Stack the cooked Pumpkin French Toast on a plate. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top for that extra indulgence!
7. Enjoy Your Breakfast!
Serve immediately and savor the cozy, delicious flavors of fall with every bite! Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat any day of the week.
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal, you can use any thick bread you prefer, like sourdough, whole grain, or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the batter without falling apart!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster, microwave, or a skillet until warmed through. They make a great breakfast treat for busy mornings!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with any non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened version for the best results!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can mix the pumpkin batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as some ingredients may settle. However, for the best texture, soak the bread fresh before cooking.
