Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect fall breakfast. It’s crisp outside, soft inside, and full of cozy pumpkin spice flavor. This recipe is simple, quick, and great for Halloween mornings or chilly weekends.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast
Pumpkin French Toast is everything you love about fall in one bite. It has golden edges, a soft custardy middle, and just the right touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The recipe takes only 25 minutes, so it works for busy mornings or relaxed weekends. You can make it vegan or gluten-free with easy swaps, which means everyone can enjoy it. Kids love the sweet pumpkin flavor, and adults appreciate how comforting it feels. This dish is festive, simple, and family-friendly, making it a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree: Gives creamy texture and seasonal flavor.
- Yogurt or eggs: Helps bind the custard. Yogurt adds tang, eggs keep it classic.
- Milk: Oat, almond, or dairy milk all work well.
- Vanilla extract: Adds sweet warmth.
- Pumpkin pie spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves create that fall taste.
- Maple syrup: Optional, adds natural sweetness.
- Bread: Thick slices like brioche or sandwich bread soak perfectly.
- Butter or oil: Helps the toast cook golden and crisp.
Optional Toppings
Sprinkle cinnamon, dust powdered sugar, or drizzle maple syrup for a classic finish. Whipped cream, fresh fruit, or candied pecans add a festive twist for fall breakfasts.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Step 1 – Mix the Custard
Whisk pumpkin puree, yogurt or eggs, milk, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup in a bowl. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and blended.
Step 2 – Heat the Skillet
Place a skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of butter or oil to coat the pan evenly.
Step 3 – Dip and Cook the Bread
Dip 2–3 bread slices into the custard until coated but not soggy. Place the slices right into the skillet. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the rest of the bread.
Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Pumpkin French Toast warm. Add cinnamon, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fruit on top. Whipped cream or extra spice makes it extra festive for Halloween.
Recipe Notes and Variations
For deeper flavor, let the bread soak longer before cooking. You can use mashed banana or sweet potato if pumpkin puree is not available. Gluten-free bread makes this recipe celiac-friendly, and dairy-free milk or yogurt keeps it vegan. The French toast tastes best fresh but can be stored briefly and reheated in a skillet. Adjust spices to suit your preference. Some may enjoy more cinnamon, while others prefer a milder flavor.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin French Toast
Use thick bread so it doesn’t fall apart while soaking. Coat each slice evenly but avoid oversoaking. Cook on medium heat to prevent burning while letting the inside set. Adjust spice levels to your liking, adding more cinnamon or reducing cloves if needed. Always serve hot, since Pumpkin French Toast tastes best straight from the skillet with crispy edges and a soft center.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pumpkin French Toast with fresh fruit like apples, pears, or berries. Pair it with a warm spiced latte, hot chocolate, or apple cider for a cozy fall breakfast. For Halloween, create a festive spread with whipped cream, maple syrup, and colorful toppings that kids will love.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread for Halloween
- Creamy Baked Pumpkin Risotto
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
- French Toast Rollups – Easy Breakfast Idea
Conclusion
Pumpkin French Toast is warm, cozy, and full of fall flavor. It’s crisp outside, soft inside, and ready in minutes with ingredients you already have. The recipe is flexible, so you can make it vegan, gluten-free, or traditional. It’s perfect for Halloween breakfast or any autumn morning. Try it soon, enjoy it with family, and make your mornings feel festive. For more seasonal inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards.
Pumpkin French Toast
Equipment
- Mixing bowl For making the custard
- Whisk To combine ingredients smoothly
- Skillet or frying pan For cooking the toast
- Spatula To flip bread slices
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup regular or non-dairy yogurt (or 2 eggs)
- 1 cup unsweetened oat, almond, or regular milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp cloves)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
- 1 loaf bread (about 16 slices, regular or gluten-free)
- butter or oil for frying
- optional toppings: cinnamon, powdered sugar, maple syrup
Instructions
- Whisk together pumpkin puree, yogurt or eggs, milk, vanilla, spices, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1–2 teaspoons of butter or oil.
- Dip 2–3 bread slices into the custard until coated. Place immediately into the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices.
- Serve warm with toppings like cinnamon, powdered sugar, or maple syrup.
