Pumpkin Pie French Toast

$- 4 thick slices of bread (challah or brioche) - 2 large eggs - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - A pinch of salt - 2 tablespoons butter - Maple syrup (for serving) - Whipped cream (for garnish) To make Pumpkin Pie French Toast, gather these simple ingredients. Choose thick slices of challah or brioche for the best texture. These breads soak up the pumpkin mix well, giving you a rich flavor. You will need two large eggs to bind everything together. The pumpkin puree is the star of the dish. It adds creaminess and a lovely autumn taste. Using milk, either dairy or your favorite non-dairy option, helps blend the mix. Vanilla extract adds a nice sweetness, while brown sugar gives it depth. Pumpkin pie spice and nutmeg bring warmth and that classic fall flavor. Don't forget a pinch of salt to balance everything. Finally, you will need butter for cooking and maple syrup with whipped cream for serving. These toppings make the dish extra special. With these ingredients, you will create a delightful breakfast that captures the spirit of fall. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large bowl. You will need to whisk together a few key ingredients. Use 2 large eggs, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, and 1/2 cup of milk. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mix is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. This will ensure your French toast has a rich flavor. Next, preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. This step is crucial for even cooking. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture. Make sure both sides are coated. Don’t let the bread soak too long; you want it moist but not soggy. After coating, place the bread on the skillet. Cook each slice for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color. If needed, add more butter before flipping. After cooking, keep the French toast warm on a plate. You can also use a warming oven if you have one. When ready to serve, drizzle each slice with maple syrup. Top it with whipped cream for a special touch. For a festive look, dust with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy your delightful fall breakfast! For this recipe, I love using challah or brioche. Their soft texture adds a great feel. Challah has a slightly sweeter taste. Brioche is rich and buttery. Both absorb the pumpkin mixture well. You can also use French bread or sourdough for a different texture. Each option gives a unique twist to your French toast. Keeping the skillet temperature steady is key. I suggest medium heat for even cooking. If it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Look for a golden brown color on each side. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Listen for a light sizzle; that’s a good sign! You can boost the flavor with spices like cinnamon or ginger. Vanilla extract adds a warm touch. Consider using maple extract for a unique twist. For toppings, maple syrup is classic, but whipped cream is a must! You might also try pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for added crunch and sweetness. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the pumpkin mixture better without becoming mushy, resulting in a perfect texture. Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet is at medium heat to avoid burning the outside while the inside remains soggy. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, adding more nutmeg or cinnamon for a warmer flavor profile. Serve Immediately: French toast is best served fresh off the skillet to maintain its crispy texture; keep the cooked slices warm in the oven if necessary. {{image_4}} You can make Pumpkin Pie French Toast even more fun with seasonal twists. Adding cranberries gives a festive touch. Their tartness balances the sweet pumpkin flavor perfectly. Try mixing in chocolate chips for a rich and sweet bite. They melt into the toast, creating delicious pockets of gooey chocolate. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty alternatives that work well. For a plant-based version, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. You can also swap out dairy milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk. These choices still give great flavor and texture. To take your French toast up a notch, mix in caramel or nut butters. They add a lovely richness and depth. You can also add citrus notes to the pumpkin mixture. A splash of orange juice or zest brightens the dish. It adds a fresh twist that complements the spices beautifully. To keep your Pumpkin Pie French Toast fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any moisture, use a paper towel to absorb it. This keeps the bread from getting soggy. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, you have a few good options. You can use a toaster oven or a skillet. For the toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. If you choose a skillet, warm it over medium heat. Add a little butter to keep it tasty and crisp. Heat each side for about 3 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor. You can freeze cooked French toast, which is great for meal prep. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Flash freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. The French toast can last up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, move the slices to the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the toaster oven or skillet methods mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy that delightful pumpkin pie flavor anytime! Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin mixture ahead of time. Mix the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, vanilla, brown sugar, spices, and salt. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, just dip the bread slices in the mixture and cook them. You can also cook the French toast and refrigerate it. Reheat it in a skillet or toaster oven before serving. If you don't have pumpkin puree, you can use sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree. Both options give a similar flavor. You can even use apple sauce, but it will change the taste and texture slightly. Make sure to adjust the spices to match your substitute. To make this Pumpkin Pie French Toast dairy-free, swap regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk. For butter, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. These changes will keep your dish creamy and delicious without dairy. Serve the French toast hot with a drizzle of maple syrup. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra richness. You can sprinkle cinnamon or powdered sugar for a festive touch. Fresh fruit, like berries or bananas, also makes a great addition. This blog post covered how to make delicious Pumpkin Pie French Toast. We looked at ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and storage info. You can enjoy this dish with your favorite bread. Remember to keep your skillet at the right temperature for the best results. Feel free to try new flavors or make it dairy-free. With these tips, you can create a tasty breakfast that is perfect for any season. Enjoy your cooking and make every bite count!$

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

A delicious twist on traditional French toast with pumpkin puree and warm spices, perfect for fall.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 slices thick slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
a pinch salt
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
to taste Maple syrup (for serving)
to taste Whipped cream (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and bubble.
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated but not overly saturated. Allow any excess mixture to drip off before transferring the slice to the skillet.
Cook the soaked bread slices in the skillet for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly crispy texture.
After cooking, remove the French toast from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate or in a warming oven while you prepare the remaining slices.
Serve the French toast hot, generously drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

For a festive touch, lightly dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Keyword breakfast, fall, French toast, pumpkin