Pumpkin French Toast Delight is a cozy breakfast treat that brings together the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon with the soft, fluffy texture of perfectly cooked French toast. The hint of pumpkin puree mixed with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon makes each bite feel like a little taste of fall, no matter the season.
I love making this on chilly mornings when I want something comforting but special without too much fuss. A simple drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar goes a long way here, and sometimes I add a handful of toasted pecans for a nice crunch. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for slow weekend breakfasts.
Serving this with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream makes it feel like a little celebration. I’ve shared this recipe with friends, and it’s always a hit because it’s sweet but not too heavy, and it smells like home. It’s a great way to start the day with a smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This adds moisture and that classic fall flavor. Canned pumpkin works great and is very convenient. If fresh, roast and blend pumpkin until smooth. You can swap with sweet potato puree for a similar texture and sweetness.
Bread: Thick-cut bread like brioche or challah soaks up the custard well and stays fluffy. If you want a lighter option, use whole wheat or sourdough. Day-old bread holds up better and won’t get too soggy.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are your main warming spices here. Ground ginger is optional but adds a nice kick. If you prefer, you can add a pinch of cloves or pumpkin pie spice for more depth.
Milk and Eggs: Whole milk makes the custard rich and creamy, but you can use any milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat for dairy-free. Extra eggs help the slices firm up nicely when cooked.
How Can I Make Sure My Pumpkin French Toast Isn’t Too Soggy?
Soaking bread is key, but too much time in the custard leads to soggy slices. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Dip each slice quickly—about 10 seconds per side. Let it absorb enough but not soak through.
- Use thick-cut or slightly stale bread to hold the custard better.
- Cook on medium heat so the inside cooks without burning the outside.
- Butter the pan well to prevent sticking and help develop a golden crust.
- Flip carefully using a spatula to keep the slices intact.
Following these tips will give you fluffy, moist inside French toast with a lovely crisp outside crust every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for whisking all your pumpkin custard ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs, pumpkin, and spices evenly without lumps.
- Griddle or large nonstick skillet – cooks your French toast evenly with a nice golden crust.
- Spatula – makes flipping the slices easy without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for adding the right amounts of pumpkin, milk, and spices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of bourbon or maple extract for deeper fall flavors during special brunches.
- Stir in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Top with cream cheese and a drizzle of honey instead of butter for a creamy twist.
- Swap pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato for a slightly sweeter, earthier taste.
Pumpkin French Toast Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah recommended)
For Cooking and Serving:
- Butter, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Butter pats, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be ready to serve your warm Pumpkin French Toast Delight in about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, optional ginger, and salt. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
2. Prepare the Griddle or Skillet:
Heat a griddle or large skillet on medium heat. Lightly coat it with butter to prevent sticking and to add a delicious flavor.
3. Soak the Bread:
Dip each thick bread slice into the pumpkin mixture, making sure to soak each side for about 10 seconds. Don’t leave it too long to avoid sogginess.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices on the hot griddle. Cook each side for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning, and add more butter as needed for cooking.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Stack the cooked French toast on a plate. Add a pat of butter on top and dust with powdered sugar. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup and serve immediately. For extra fun, add fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, frozen pumpkin puree works just fine! Just thaw it completely in the fridge or at room temperature before using. Give it a good stir to make sure it’s smooth before adding to the custard.
What’s the Best Bread for Pumpkin French Toast?
Thick-cut brioche or challah is ideal because it soaks up the custard without falling apart, creating a fluffy and rich texture. If you don’t have those, day-old bread or any thick-sliced white bread will work too.
Can I Make Pumpkin French Toast Ahead of Time?
You can prep the custard and soak the bread a few hours ahead, then refrigerate it until ready to cook. For fully cooked French toast, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet or oven.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan or Dairy-Free?
Swap the eggs for a vegan egg substitute or a mixture of flaxseed and water, and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Also, cook the French toast with a dairy-free butter or oil for best results.
