Print

Pumpkin-Spiced French Toast Breakfast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 59 reviews

This Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast is a cozy and festive twist on classic French toast, featuring a spiced pumpkin batter that infuses each slice with warm autumn flavors. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, it’s topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and crunchy nuts for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 slices of thick bread (like brioche or challah)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
  • Butter or oil for cooking

Toppings

  • Maple syrup, for serving
  • Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk. Whisk until smooth and fully blended. Then add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and brown sugar if using. Whisk again to combine all ingredients thoroughly and let the batter sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  2. Preheat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to coat the cooking surface evenly.
  3. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of thick bread into the pumpkin batter, making sure it is well coated on both sides. Let the bread soak for a few seconds to absorb the mixture.
  4. Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully and repeat on the other side. Add more butter or oil to the skillet as needed between batches.
  5. Serve: Stack two slices of French toast on each plate. Drizzle generously with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and top with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra flavor.
  6. Optional finishing touches: For an extra festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced savory addition.
  7. Storage: If you have leftover pumpkin batter, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before reusing for best results.

Notes

  • Use thick and sturdy bread like brioche or challah to hold up to the pumpkin batter without becoming soggy.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use oil instead of butter for cooking.
  • Adjust the brown sugar amount or omit it entirely depending on desired sweetness since maple syrup will add extra sweetness.
  • Letting the batter rest enhances the spice flavors for more depth in your French toast.
  • Feel free to add whipped cream or cinnamon sugar as additional toppings for a festive touch.
  • To make this vegan, consider using a flax or chia egg substitute and a non-dairy milk alternative.