Introduction

Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast. Thick slices of bread soaked in a spiced pumpkin batter create a warm, comforting dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Topped with maple syrup and nuts, it’s a delightful way to start your day.

Two thick slices of French toast are stacked on a white plate, each slice golden brown with a crispy, caramelized surface. The top slice has a dollop of creamy butter melting in the center, surrounded by a shiny layer of syrup that drips slightly off the edges. The toast looks soft inside with a slightly crunchy outside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices of thick bread (like brioche or challah)
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Butter or oil for cooking
Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and brown sugar (if using). Whisk again until the spices are fully incorporated. Let the batter sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to coat the surface.
Step 4: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin batter, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Let the bread soak for a few seconds on each side.
Step 5: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and slightly crispy, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
Step 6: Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter or oil as needed. Maintain medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning.
Step 7: Stack two slices on a plate. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
Step 8: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and serve immediately. For an extra festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or serve with crispy bacon or sausage.

Tips & Variations

Use brioche or challah for extra richness and a tender texture.
Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter before soaking the bread for a fun twist.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness according to your preference.
Swap milk for any non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free.

Storage

Store any leftover pumpkin batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before using again. Cooked French toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain texture.

How to Serve

Two thick slices of golden brown French toast stacked on a white plate, the top slice topped with a dollop of melting butter with small specks and covered in shiny syrup that drips down the sides onto the plate. The French toast has a slightly crispy, caramelized surface with a soft, fluffy texture visible at the edges. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche or challah?

Yes, you can use any thick-sliced bread you like, though brioche or challah will give a richer, more tender result.

How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?

Be sure to soak the bread just long enough to absorb the batter without becoming overly saturated. Cooking on medium heat allows the toast to cook through and become crisp without sogginess.

Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

This Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast recipe is a cozy, fall-inspired twist on classic French toast. Thick slices of brioche or challah are soaked in a spiced pumpkin batter featuring warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then cooked to golden perfection on a skillet. Topped with maple syrup, optional powdered sugar, and crunchy chopped nuts, it’s an indulgent yet comforting breakfast or brunch that brings seasonal flavors to your morning table.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 slices thick bread (like brioche or challah)
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Butter or oil for cooking

Toppings and Garnish

Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk until smooth and well combined. Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and brown sugar if using. Whisk again thoroughly until spices are fully integrated. Let the batter sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.
Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil and allow it to melt, coating the cooking surface evenly.
Soak the Bread: Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin batter, making sure it is evenly coated. Let it soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the mixture fully.
Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter or oil if necessary.
Assemble the Dish: Stack two slices of French toast on each plate. Drizzle generously with maple syrup. Optionally, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Serve with Extras: For a festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream atop the French toast. Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage if desired for a savory balance.
Store Leftover Batter: If you have leftover pumpkin batter, refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Stir before using again for another batch of delicious French toast.

Notes

Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter before soaking the bread for a tasty variation.
Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar according to your preference.
Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and soakability.
Maintain medium heat while cooking to prevent burning and ensure the bread cooks through evenly.

Keywords: Pumpkin French Toast, Fall Breakfast, Spiced French Toast, Maple Syrup, Brioche French Toast, Easy Breakfast Recipe