Favorite Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

If you’re craving a breakfast that’s both cozy and crave-worthy, let me introduce you to my Favorite Pumpkin French Toast. This recipe blends the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, all wrapped around golden slices of wheat bread. Whether you serve them as classic slices or playful French toast sticks, you’ll get a wonderfully crisp outside and a custardy, pumpkin-spiced center. Trust me, this is the kind of breakfast that disappears faster than you can pour the maple syrup—deliciously warming on a chilly fall morning and able to turn any day into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together Favorite Pumpkin French Toast could not be easier, and you likely have most of these pantry staples on hand. Each ingredient is simple, but together they create a breakfast that’s aromatic, tender, and infused with perfect autumn flavor.

• Wheat sandwich bread: Sturdy slices will soak up the custard without falling apart, and their hearty texture holds up beautifully in the pan.
• Eggs: The key to that classic creamy French toast base—eggs bind everything together and make the toast rich and satisfying.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds earthy sweetness and a gorgeous orange hue, giving the toast its unmistakable fall flavor.
• Milk: Loosens up the custard to perfect consistency and ensures the toast cooks up soft, never dry.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings the whole thing together, lending warm, aromatic notes that round out the pumpkin spice.
• Cinnamon: This must-have spice infuses every bite with a subtle warmth and cozy aroma.
• Pumpkin pie spice: For max flavor, this all-in-one blend takes the pumpkin factor over the top—no need for a dozen different spices.
• Unsalted butter: Frying in butter gives the French toast a crisp, golden exterior and a irresistibly rich taste.
• Maple syrup, applesauce, yogurt, and/or diced fruit (optional): These are perfect for topping and make every serving of Favorite Pumpkin French Toast a little celebration!

How to Make Favorite Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Slice the Bread

Start by grabbing your wheat sandwich bread. If you want to make this family-friendly and even more fun for little ones, use a serrated knife to cut each slice into four sticks—French toast sticks are perfect for dipping! Prefer the classic style? Simply leave the slices whole. Either way, sturdier bread works best, as it soaks up all that pumpkin eggy goodness without getting soggy.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Pumpkin Custard

In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the eggs, creamy pumpkin puree, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Give everything a good whisk with a fork or small whisk—aim for a well-blended custard with a rich, orange color and lots of those irresistible spice aromas wafting up at you.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan

Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a sliver of butter. Let it melt and bubble—it’ll give your Favorite Pumpkin French Toast those crispy, golden bottoms everybody fights over! The scent alone at this stage is enough to wake up the whole house.

Step 4: Dip the Bread

Now for the fun part: dip each slice or stick of bread into your spiced pumpkin custard. Flip gently with a fork to coat all sides, but don’t let it soak too long—a quick bath does the trick and keeps the bread from falling apart. Each piece should look evenly coated and ready for the skillet.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Place your coated bread pieces into the hot pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side, then flip each one to brown the other side until everything is deliciously golden and the kitchen smells like pumpkin spice heaven. Work in batches if you need to, always adding more butter for each round to keep things rich and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Serve with All the Goodies

Your Favorite Pumpkin French Toast is best enjoyed warm, fresh from the pan. Pile stacks high, arrange sticks for dipping, and don’t forget those lovely toppings—maple syrup, applesauce, creamy yogurt, or a heap of fresh fruit. Every bite is cozy, slightly crisp, and bursting with autumn flavor.

How to Serve Favorite Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your Favorite Pumpkin French Toast, don’t be shy. A dusting of powdered sugar makes them look bakery-worthy, while toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty finish. Fresh berries or diced apples bring a pop of color and a little tang that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin French toast is filling on its own, but you can round out the plate with salty breakfast favorites. Crispy bacon or savory sausage links pair nicely with the sweet and spiced notes. Want something lighter? A scoop of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey balances the richness and adds some protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Favorite Pumpkin French Toast into a brunch showstopper by arranging the sticks in a fan shape, alternating with slices of fruit. For a breakfast-for-dinner twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle. Or, build a tower with layers of yogurt and fruit between each slice for a dazzling brunch parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Favorite Pumpkin French Toast (it doesn’t happen often!), simply place the cooled slices in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, ready for a speedy breakfast or snack.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, split the cooked and cooled slices into layers with parchment paper and tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll hold up for about two months. Just make sure to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and keep the flavor vibrant.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover Favorite Pumpkin French Toast is in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and a little crispy. In a pinch, the microwave works, but you’ll lose some of that irresistible crunch. If frozen, pop them in straight from the freezer for a few extra minutes in the oven—no need to thaw first.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for Favorite Pumpkin French Toast?

Absolutely! While wheat bread is sturdy and classic, brioche, challah, or even thick slices of sourdough can make the dish extra special. Just be sure to use bread that’s not too soft or thin so it holds up when soaked.

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?

If you’re out of pumpkin puree, try using mashed sweet potato or butternut squash puree. Both offer similar sweetness and body, keeping that fall-inspired flavor front and center in your Favorite Pumpkin French Toast.

Do I have to use pumpkin pie spice?

Nope! If you don’t have it on hand, simply use extra cinnamon or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It’s flexible and still delicious, so don’t let the spice blend hold you back from making this recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based option (almond, oat, soy, or coconut all work), and use a non-dairy butter or a light brushing of oil in the pan. The French toast will be just as flavorful and satisfying.

What’s the best way to make this ahead for a crowd?

You can cook all the slices ahead and keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F) on a baking sheet. When ready to serve, just arrange them on a platter with plenty of toppings—it’s a stress-free way to feed a hungry holiday brunch crowd!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast that instantly feels like a treat but is simple enough for a cozy weekend morning, Favorite Pumpkin French Toast is it. It’s just the right balance of sweet and spiced, and it’s practically impossible not to love. Invite someone special over, pour the coffee, and make memories over this unforgettable fall-inspired dish!

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