Amazing Pumpkin French Toast in 35 Minutes

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Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 21 September 2025

Pumpkin French toast has become my absolute favorite way to welcome the crisp air and cozy vibes of autumn. I remember the first time I tried making it; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of warm spices and sweet pumpkin, and I knew I’d stumbled upon something special. This easy fall pumpkin French toast recipe is so forgiving, even if you’re new to French toast making. The bread soaks up the custard beautifully, creating a custardy, soft center with perfectly golden edges. It’s a breakfast that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy. Let’s get cooking and fill your home with these amazing seasonal smells!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast

This pumpkin French toast is a game-changer for your fall mornings. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weekends.

It delivers that quintessential fall pumpkin French toast flavor you crave.
The texture is wonderfully soft and custardy inside with delightful crispy edges.
This is truly an easy pumpkin French toast recipe that anyone can master.
The warm spice blend is simply irresistible and comforting.
It’s a fantastic way to use up slightly stale bread.
Enjoying homemade pumpkin French toast feels so special and rewarding.
The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn dream.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients for Pumpkin French Toast

Gathering these simple pumpkin French toast ingredients makes this breakfast a breeze. You’ll find that the combination creates a wonderfully spiced and custardy bite, reminiscent of a perfect slice of cinnamon pumpkin French toast.

4 large eggs – the base for our rich custard
1 cup half and half – for that creamy, fluffy texture
1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin – the star flavor, make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling
2 tablespoons light brown sugar – adds a subtle sweetness and caramel notes
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – essential for that warm, cozy spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – pairs beautifully with cinnamon and pumpkin
8 slices Brioche or thick white bread – a sturdy bread is key to soaking up the custard without falling apart
Butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped pecans (optional toppings for serving)

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Let’s get cooking! This guide will show you exactly how to make pumpkin French toast that’s both incredibly easy and utterly delicious. Follow these steps for a perfectly fluffy pumpkin French toast every time.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your custard.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, like a pie plate, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 cup half and half, 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined and there are no streaks of egg. The mixture should look thick and wonderfully spiced.
Step 3: Heat a lightly buttered or oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the bread hits it, but not so hot that it burns quickly.
Step 4: Take one slice of your 8 slices Brioche or thick white bread and dip it into the pumpkin custard mixture. Let it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side, ensuring it’s well coated but not completely saturated so it falls apart.
Step 5: Carefully place the coated bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bottom is a beautiful golden brown and slightly crispy. You’ll start to smell that amazing cinnamon and pumpkin aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 6: Flip the bread and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The inside should be soft and custardy.
Step 7: Repeat the dipping and cooking process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed between batches.
Step 8: Serve your warm, delicious pumpkin French toast immediately with your favorite toppings. I love a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

Amazing Pumpkin French Toast in 35 Minutes - Pumpkin French Toast - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin French Toast

Want to elevate your breakfast game? These tips will help you achieve the most delicious and memorable pumpkin French toast experience. They’re simple but make a big difference!

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking. Give each slice enough space to ensure even browning and that perfect crispy edge.
Using slightly stale bread is actually better! It absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
For a richer batter, try using heavy cream or a mix of half-and-half and milk.

What’s the secret to perfect Pumpkin French Toast?

The secret to truly perfect pumpkin spice French toast lies in the balance of the custard and the bread. Ensure your bread is thick and slightly stale, and don’t over-soak it. A good whisk of the custard ingredients for a smooth, even mixture is key for that custardy center. For more on bread types, check out this guide to different kinds of bread.

Can I make Pumpkin French Toast ahead of time?

Yes! You can totally prepare the pumpkin French toast batter the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even dip and arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet, cover them, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the morning.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pumpkin French Toast?

A common mistake is using bread that’s too fresh, which can turn mushy. Also, avoid cooking on too high a heat, as this will burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Make sure your batter is well-mixed for even flavor and color. Understanding the science behind cooking can help prevent these issues; learn more about the beauty of food.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin French Toast

This delicious French toast with pumpkin is fantastic on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even more special. I love keeping it classic with warm maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. For an extra treat, don’t skip the dollop of whipped cream – it adds a lovely, pillowy texture that complements the warm spices perfectly.

Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.
Serve alongside a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a more complete breakfast.
A small bowl of fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, adds a refreshing contrast.

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Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin French Toast

This easy pumpkin French toast recipe offers a delightful taste of fall with a balanced nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, featuring two slices.

Calories: 343 kcal
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 376 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially toppings.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin French Toast

Leftover pumpkin French toast is a fantastic bonus! To store this easy pumpkin French toast recipe, let the slices cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents steaming and sogginess. Once cool, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen slices to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

For refrigeration, simply store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheating is super simple! You can pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped. For a quicker fix, a microwave works too, though the texture might be a little softer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin French Toast

What is pumpkin French toast?

Pumpkin French toast is a delightful breakfast dish that transforms classic French toast by infusing it with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin and fall spices. It’s made by dipping thick slices of bread into a custard mixture containing pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices, then pan-frying them until golden brown and fluffy. It’s essentially French toast with a festive autumnal twist!

What makes the best pumpkin French toast?

The key to the best pumpkin French toast is using good quality, thick bread like challah or brioche that can soak up the custard without becoming too soggy. A well-balanced custard with pure pumpkin and the right mix of spices is also crucial. Don’t overcook it; aim for a golden-brown exterior and a soft, custardy interior. Using slightly stale bread really helps achieve that perfect texture. For more on delicious breakfast ideas, explore our breakfast recipes.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin?

While you *could* technically use pumpkin pie filling, I highly recommend sticking to pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sugar and spices, which can make your French toast too sweet and alter the spice balance. Using pure pumpkin gives you control over the sweetness and flavor profile, ensuring your homemade pumpkin French toast is just right.

How do I get my pumpkin French toast extra fluffy?

To achieve an extra fluffy result, make sure your custard is well-whisked and airy. Some people even use a blender for the custard mixture, which can help incorporate more air. Also, using a thicker bread and not over-soaking it prevents it from becoming dense. Cooking on medium heat allows the inside to cook through and puff up properly.

Variations of Pumpkin French Toast You Can Try

This delightful breakfast is incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or simply switch up the flavors for a new experience. Here are a few ideas:

For a vegan pumpkin French toast, swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of half-and-half. You can also use vegan butter for cooking.
Craving a gluten-free pumpkin French toast? Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. Thick-cut gluten-free loaves work best to hold up to the custard.
If you’re looking for a healthy pumpkin French toast option, try using whole wheat bread and reducing the brown sugar slightly, or swap it for a sugar substitute. You can also use skim milk or a lighter milk alternative.
Consider trying a pumpkin pie spice blend for an even richer spice profile, or add a tablespoon of chopped pecans or cranberries directly into the batter for added texture and flavor. For a similar spiced flavor, try these cinnamon orange jam linzer cookies.