This Pumpkin French Toast is a warm and tasty treat that’s perfect for fall! Made with thick bread, pumpkin puree, and spices, it’s like having a cozy hug for breakfast.
What really gets me excited is how easy it is to whip up. Just soak the bread in the yummy mixture, cook it up, and enjoy with maple syrup. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to this? 🎃🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are best for this recipe. They bind everything together and give the toast a rich texture. If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can substitute 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed mixed with water (about 3 tablespoons) for each egg.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can use any milk you have, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. For an even richer flavor, half-and-half is a great choice.
Pumpkin Puree: Always choose pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter has added sugar and spices. If you can’t find it, try using butternut squash puree as an alternative; it works well in this recipe!
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings autumnal flavors. If you don’t have all the spices, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a shortcut—about 2 teaspoons should do it!
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or challah adds soft texture and richness. If you’re looking for an alternative, whole grain or sourdough bread also works nicely.
How Do You Get the Perfect French Toast Texture?
The key to perfect French toast is soaking the bread well but not too long! Here’s how to nail it:
- Whisk the egg and milk mixture until it’s fully combined. This helps in even flavor distribution.
- Soak the bread for about 20-30 seconds on each side, ensuring it’s coated but not overly soggy. You want it to absorb enough moisture for flavor without falling apart.
- Cook on medium heat—too high and it will burn before cooking through; too low and it won’t brown nicely.
Make sure to use enough butter or oil to prevent sticking. And always keep an eye on them; flipping when golden brown ensures a perfect finish. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin French Toast! 🎃🍞
Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer toast)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah preferred)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Chopped pecans for garnish
Time Estimate:
This delightful Pumpkin French Toast takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying a delicious breakfast in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisking the Mixture:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the tasty custard that makes your French toast so flavorful!
2. Adding the Spices:
Next, sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk again to ensure all those lovely spices are well mixed in. This will make your French toast smell amazing while cooking!
3. Preheating the Pan:
Put a large skillet or griddle on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan—enough to coat the surface—this will help prevent sticking and add flavor.
4. Soaking the Bread:
Now it’s time to soak the bread! Dip each slice into the pumpkin-egg mixture, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You want the bread to absorb enough of the mixture for flavor without getting too soggy.
5. Cooking the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated skillet. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
6. Serving It Up:
Once cooked, transfer the French toast slices onto a serving plate. Stack them up as high as you like. Top them generously with whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.
7. Adding Maple Syrup:
Drizzle warm maple syrup over the top of your gorgeous stacks of French toast. The sweetness pairs perfectly with the pumpkin flavor!
8. Enjoy Your Breakfast:
Serve your Pumpkin French Toast immediately and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a delicious breakfast!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are fantastic choices for their softness and richness, you can use any thick bread you prefer. Sourdough, whole grain, or even bagels can make a delicious twist on this recipe.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk of your choice. For the rich texture, consider using coconut cream or another heavy non-dairy option instead of half-and-half.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pumpkin French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss it in the toaster or an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pumpkin-egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before using the next morning. This can save you time during breakfast prep!