Pumpkin French Toast is a delicious twist on the classic breakfast dish! Made with warm spices and creamy pumpkin puree, it’s perfect for cozy mornings.
Who can resist the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the kitchen? I love enjoying it with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin. If you want a lower-calorie option, unsweetened applesauce works well in a pinch.
Milk: I use whole milk for creaminess, but any milk (almond, oat, skim) can work. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk adds a nice flavor too!
Bread: Thick bread is essential, and I love brioche or challah for their softness. If you need a gluten-free option, look for a dense gluten-free bread that can soak up the custard nicely.
Spices: The combination of spices gives this dish its signature flavor. Feel free to adjust amounts or even add a bit of cardamom for an interesting twist!
How Do I Make Sure My French Toast Isn’t Soggy?
Getting your French toast perfectly cooked is key. Here are simple steps to keep it from being too soggy:
- Soak the bread for just the right amount of time — about 15-20 seconds per side. Too long, and it’ll absorb too much custard.
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the bread. A medium heat is ideal, so you get a nice golden brown without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches gives each slice room to cook properly.
With these tips, your Pumpkin French Toast will come out deliciously fluffy and golden! Enjoy!
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Custard:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or 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 (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work well)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for garnish
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, for dusting
Time Needed:
This tasty Pumpkin French Toast takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy brunch or a special breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves (if you’re using them), and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This will create the rich and flavorful custard for soaking the bread.
2. Heat the Cooking Surface:
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface. This will help the French toast brown nicely and prevent sticking.
3. Soak the Bread:
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the pumpkin custard mixture. Let each slice soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side, ensuring it absorbs the delicious flavors without becoming too soggy.
4. Cook the French Toast:
After soaking, gently place the bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook them for around 3-4 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. If you have a large batch, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the slices to a serving plate. Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and add some pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch. Drizzle warm maple syrup over the top, and enjoy your delightful Pumpkin French Toast!
Dig in and savor the cozy flavors of this festive treat! Perfect for breakfast or brunch any time of year.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. This homemade puree can be a great flavor boost for your French toast!
What Type of Bread Works Best?
Thick, sturdy bread is ideal, and I recommend brioche, challah, or Texas toast for their rich texture. You can also use gluten-free bread if needed; just make sure it’s dense enough to soak up the custard!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread slices ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just give them a minute to come to room temperature before you place them on the skillet.
How Do I Store Leftover French Toast?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or a warm skillet until heated through. Add a little extra syrup for freshness!
