Pumpkin Spice French Toast Easy and Flavorful Recipe

November 16, 2025June 12, 2025 by Chef Miles

Ingredients

When I make Pumpkin Spice French Toast, I choose the best ingredients for great taste. Here’s what you need:

– 4 thick slices of bread (brioche or challah recommended for a rich flavor)

– 2 large eggs

– ½ cup of milk (choose between dairy or non-dairy alternatives)

– ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree (ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling)

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or adjust to taste)

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)

– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)

– Maple syrup (for drizzling)

– Whipped cream (optional topping)

– Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

These ingredients make the toast fluffy and full of flavor. The bread choice is key. Brioche and challah add richness. The pumpkin puree brings warmth, while the spices give it that cozy fall flavor. Don’t skip the brown sugar; it adds sweetness that balances the spices.

Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Whipped cream is a fun addition, and a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the dish. Each bite will remind you of autumn. Enjoy the process of gathering your ingredients and preparing this delightful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pumpkin Mixture

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. In this bowl, you will whisk together two large eggs and a half cup of milk. You can choose dairy or a non-dairy option. Make sure to mix them well. This helps the eggs blend smoothly with the milk.

Next, add in ¼ cup of canned pumpkin puree. Ensure it is pure pumpkin, not pie filling. This is key for that rich pumpkin flavor. Then, add one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for sweetness. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. This is where the magic happens! Finally, mix in one tablespoon of packed brown sugar. This adds a nice touch of sweetness. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are mixed well.

Cooking the French Toast

Now it’s time to cook! Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it is warm, add one tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let it melt and coat the skillet evenly.

Take your thick slices of bread. Dip each slice into the pumpkin mixture. Make sure both sides are fully coated. Let any extra batter drip off. This prevents the toast from becoming soggy. Place the coated slices on the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to turn golden brown and have a slight crisp. Keep an eye on the heat. Adjust it if needed to avoid burning.

Keeping Warm and Serving

Once the French toast is cooked, transfer the slices to a warm oven. Set the oven to low heat. This keeps the toast warm while you finish cooking the rest.

When serving, arrange the French toast on a plate. Drizzle maple syrup over the top. For extra flair, you can add whipped cream on top. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon for a finishing touch. To impress your guests, stack the slices off-center. Drizzle syrup decoratively around the edges. This makes your dish look beautiful and ready to eat!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To make your Pumpkin Spice French Toast even better, adjust the spices to your taste. If you love a warm kick, add more pumpkin pie spice. You can also mix cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Choosing the right bread is key for texture. I suggest using thick slices of brioche or challah. These breads soak up the mix well and get a soft, fluffy inside. Plus, they add a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.

Cooking Techniques

To avoid sogginess, make sure to dip the bread quickly. Coat both sides but let extra batter drip off. This helps keep your toast crisp.

Using the right heat settings is important. Cook on medium heat to get a nice golden brown. If the heat is too high, the outside burns while the inside stays wet.

Serving Suggestions

For the best breakfast, serve your French toast with maple syrup. You could also add fresh fruit like bananas or berries. A warm drink like coffee or chai pairs well too.

Get creative with your serving style. Stack the slices slightly off-center for a nice look. Drizzle syrup around the plate and add a dollop of whipped cream on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a festive touch.

Variations

Dietary Modifications

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs. If you want a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk. For gluten-free, choose a gluten-free bread. Both options taste great and keep the recipe flavorful.

If you want to cut back on sugar, swap the brown sugar for a sugar substitute. You can also use mashed bananas for natural sweetness. This keeps the dish tasty without extra sugar.

Flavor Twists

For a fun twist, try different spice blends. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. You could also mix in some ground ginger or cardamom for a unique taste.

Toppings matter too! Consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. They can elevate your French toast to a new level.

Seasonal Adaptations

This recipe shines in the fall. Pair your French toast with fresh apples or pears. Sauté them in a little butter and cinnamon for added flavor.

You can also add seasonal ingredients like cranberries or figs. These fruits add color and a burst of flavor. Enjoy exploring these variations to make your Pumpkin Spice French Toast special!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your pumpkin spice French toast fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the slices in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist. Ideally, eat the leftovers within three days for the best flavor.

When you are ready to eat, reheat the toast. You can use a skillet or microwave. For the skillet, heat it over medium. Add a bit of butter and warm each slice for about one minute per side. The microwave works too; heat for about 30 seconds.

Freezing Options

If you want to save pumpkin spice French toast for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the toast cool down completely. Then, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. You can freeze them for up to one month.

When you are ready to enjoy, take out the desired number of slices. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the slices for about 10 minutes. This will make them warm and crispy again.

FAQs

How do you make Pumpkin Spice French Toast from scratch?

You can make Pumpkin Spice French Toast using simple steps. First, gather your ingredients:

– 4 thick slices of bread (brioche or challah recommended)

– 2 large eggs

– ½ cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)

– ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

– Maple syrup (for drizzling)

– Whipped cream (optional)

– Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Start by whisking the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Heat your skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Dip each slice of bread in the mixture, coating both sides. Cook the slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve. Drizzle with maple syrup and, if you like, top with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche or challah?

You can use regular bread, but it changes the taste and texture. Brioche and challah add sweetness and richness. They soak up the mixture well without becoming soggy. Regular bread may not hold the pumpkin flavor as well. It can also be less fluffy. If you use plain bread, make sure it’s thick enough to hold up when dipped.

What can I serve with Pumpkin Spice French Toast?

Pumpkin Spice French Toast pairs well with many sides and drinks. Here are some ideas:

– Fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or apples

– Crispy bacon or sausage for a savory touch

– Yogurt for a creamy contrast

– Coffee or chai tea for a warm beverage

– Spiced apple cider for a seasonal drink

These options will enhance your breakfast experience and balance the sweetness of the French toast. Enjoy!

This blog post covered how to make Pumpkin Spice French Toast. We explored the best ingredients, including bread choices, pumpkin puree, and spices. Step-by-step instructions guided you through preparation and cooking. I shared tips for enhancing flavor, modifications for diets, and serving ideas.

In summary, this dish is simple and delicious. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and presentations. Happy cookin