I don’t know about where you live but we are definitely waking up with a chill in the air in the mornings these days and I couldn’t be more excited. I love Fall and all things pumpkin and pumpkin spice. Give me cozy mornings any day! Our pumpkin french toast combines the classic flavors of traditional French toast and its custard-soaked rich bread with the seasonal twist of pumpkin and warm spices. It is a great way to use stale bread and enjoy the best pumpkin flavors any morning during the fall season. Prep is only 10 minutes and hardly any more work than regular French toast so I can even manage it for the kids before school most mornings. The brioche bread soaks up the pumpkin mixture beautifully, resulting in a golden brown, slightly crispy, and fluffy French toast that everyone will love! I always keep a loaf of brioche or challah bread in my freezer just to have it on hand for making French toast for breakfast because it is one of our favorites. For more delicious and easy pumpkin recipes to try, check out my Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, Pumpkin Pie Milkshake, Baked Pumpkin Donuts, Pumpkin Bundt Cake, and Easy Homemade Pumpkin Pie!
Why We Love This Recipe
The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice gives regular French toast a unique and irresistible flavor that captures the essence of fall! Using brioche bread makes the French toast extra indulgent, providing a perfect balance of texture and taste. The whipped pumpkin butter is totally optional but it adds a creamy and luxurious touch, enhancing the overall pumpkin flavor and making each bite even more delightful. It can also be used as a spread for toast, muffins, or scones, or as a filling for crepes or pancakes!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Large Eggs – Essential for the custard mixture that soaks into the bread. Milk – Adds creaminess to the custard mixture. Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Pumpkin Puree – Provides the distinct pumpkin flavor. Use pure pumpkin puree for best results. Pumpkin Pie Spice – A blend of spices that enhances the pumpkin flavor. You can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Brown Sugar – Sweetens the French toast and helps create a golden brown crust. Brioche Bread – Ideal for soaking up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Substitute with a loaf of challah bread or sliced Texas toast if desired. Salted Butter – For cooking the French toast to a perfect golden brown. Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – Optional, but adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Honey or Syrup – For serving, adding extra sweetness.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Tips for Success
Use day-old or slightly stale bread to ensure it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Cook the French toast over medium heat to achieve a golden brown exterior and a cooked-through interior. Keep finished slices warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while cooking the remaining batches. You can adjust the sweetness of the pumpkin butter by adding more or less honey according to your preference. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. For a different flavor, try using sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree instead of pumpkin puree. Make your own pumpkin pie spice by mixing equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Use a different kind of bread, such as challah, Texas toast, or even French bread if brioche bread is not available. Consider adding a pinch of grated orange zest to the Pumpkin Butter for a citrusy twist.
