Pumpkin Spice French Toast
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast recipe is a cozy and flavorful fall-inspired breakfast featuring thick-cut challah or brioche soaked in a luscious custard made with pumpkin puree and warm spices. Easy to make, perfectly fluffy, and customizable, it’s ideal for a comforting morning treat that combines creamy sweetness and aromatic pumpkin pie spices.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Bread
- 6 thick-cut slices of challah or brioche bread (day-old preferred)
Custard Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking and Serving
- 1 tablespoon butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free version)
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, powdered sugar, fresh berries, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a wide bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk or cream, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This will be the custard that soaks into the bread to create a rich texture.
- Dip the Bread: Dip each thick slice of bread into the custard mixture, soaking for 20 to 30 seconds on each side. Ensure the bread absorbs flavor but avoid oversaturation to prevent sogginess. Let excess drip off carefully.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter (or coconut oil). The melted fat helps create a golden, crispy crust adding richness to the toast.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices on the hot pan. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Flip gently to keep the interior soft and tender.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate and serve immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup and your favorite toppings such as whipped cream or fresh berries while still warm and inviting.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for best soaking without falling apart.
- Allow sufficient soaking time but do not oversaturate the bread.
- Cook on medium to low heat to ensure toast cooks through without burning.
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice amount to suit taste preference for milder or bolder flavors.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven (about 200°F / 95°C) while finishing the rest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice French Toast, Fall Breakfast, Pumpkin French Toast, Easy Fall Recipe, Autumn Breakfast, Pumpkin Spice