How to Make Perfect Pumpkin French Toast Recipe (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

French toast is my favorite breakfast splurge, and this pumpkin French toast recipe is worth every single bite. With just 8 simple ingredients, you can create this delicious fall breakfast in only 25 minutes from start to finish.

I love dipping thick slices of bread into a rich mixture of pumpkin, eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Not only is this pumpkin French toast incredibly easy to make, but it’s also relatively light on calories – each serving contains about 238 calories while still delivering that perfect balance of fall flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special holiday morning treat, this best pumpkin French toast recipe delivers both simplicity and flavor. Additionally, you can even prepare it ahead of time as a casserole for entertaining guests.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the mixing bowl, let’s gather everything we need for this perfect pumpkin French toast recipe. The right ingredients make all the difference in creating that warm, fall-inspired breakfast.

Pumpkin puree vs. pumpkin pie filling

First, you’ll need pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling. These products look similar but serve completely different purposes. Pumpkin puree contains only pumpkin with perhaps a preservative like salt. It has a slightly sweet, earthy taste and smooth, velvety texture. Conversely, pumpkin pie filling includes added sugar, spices, and thickeners. The pre-sweetened mixture is specifically designed for making pies and has a thicker, custard-like consistency. Always check labels carefully – pure pumpkin will be labeled as “100% pure pumpkin,” “pumpkin puree,” or simply “pumpkin”. For homemade puree, roast small pie pumpkins until soft, then blend until smooth.

Choosing the right bread for French toast

The bread you select fundamentally affects your pumpkin French toast. Brioche ranks as the top choice for its rich, buttery texture. Other excellent options include:

Challah: Eggy and perfect for French toast without dairy
French or Italian loaves: Great structure and flavor
Texas toast: Thick-cut white bread that holds up well

Whatever bread you choose, slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy. The bread should be sturdy enough to soak up the pumpkin mixture while maintaining its structure – avoid flimsy sandwich bread that compresses with light pressure.

Pumpkin pie spice and other flavor boosters

The quintessential flavor comes from pumpkin pie spice – a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes cardamom. You can purchase premade spice blends or create your own. For additional depth, consider adding pure vanilla extract and a touch of brown sugar. These flavor enhancers perfectly complement the earthy pumpkin notes.

Dairy and non-dairy milk options

Traditional pumpkin French toast recipes call for whole milk or half-and-half, creating a rich custard base. Nevertheless, numerous non-dairy options work wonderfully for those with dietary restrictions. Oat milk provides creaminess similar to dairy, whereas almond milk offers a lighter alternative. Even coconut milk works well, especially full-fat versions that maintain the custard’s richness. The key is choosing a milk that complements the pumpkin’s natural flavor without overpowering it.

Make the Pumpkin Custard

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s create the flavorful custard that forms the heart of this pumpkin french toast recipe. This rich mixture infuses every bite with quintessential fall flavors.

Whisking eggs, pumpkin, and spices

The secret to perfect pumpkin french toast starts with the proper mixing sequence. First, whisk the eggs, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice together in a shallow bowl. This initial combination ensures the spices distribute evenly throughout the mixture. In fact, some chefs recommend whisking these three ingredients alone before adding anything else to prevent clumping. For those concerned about spice distribution, using an immersion blender or regular blender helps ensure cinnamon and other spices fully incorporate into the custard.

Subsequently, add your milk or cream, vanilla, and sugar to complete the custard base. Whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth. The consistency should be uniform with no visible streaks of egg or pumpkin.

Balancing sweetness and spice

Finding the perfect balance between sweetness and spice creates that signature pumpkin flavor. A touch of brown sugar in the batter helps “caramelize” the toast while cooking and adds a hint of sweetness. For the spice mixture, standard pumpkin pie spice provides that classic flavor profile, though many recipes recommend adding extra cinnamon for additional warmth.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider cooking the pumpkin purée with brown sugar and spices beforehand. This method essentially creates a homemade pumpkin butter, intensifying the flavor dramatically. The pumpkin mixture should reduce and darken considerably after about 40-45 minutes of cooking.

Tips for a smooth custard base

To achieve a perfectly smooth base:

Whisk thoroughly to ensure pumpkin purée and spices distribute evenly—no one wants a clump of cinnamon in one bite
Make sure your pumpkin purée is at room temperature for easier mixing
Mix the custard in a shallow dish wide enough for dipping bread slices
For convenience, whisk everything directly in a 13×9-inch baking dish rather than a bowl to save on dishes

Remember that the custard’s consistency affects your final french toast texture. Accordingly, if your french toast ends up soggy, next time lower the cooking temperature and extend the cooking time slightly.

Cook the Pumpkin French Toast

With our custard ready, it’s time to transform ordinary bread into delicious pumpkin french toast. The cooking process requires careful attention to detail for that perfect balance of crispy exterior and custardy interior.

How long to soak the bread

Soaking time varies dramatically depending on your bread choice. For soft, store-bought varieties, a quick 30-second dip per side prevents disintegration. However, denser options like brioche or day-old bread benefit from longer soaking—anywhere from 2-3 minutes to 20 minutes or more. The goal is complete saturation without the bread falling apart. For thicker slices, you might even need to spoon extra custard over the bread until fully absorbed.

Griddle vs. skillet: which is better?

Both work excellently for pumpkin french toast. A griddle allows cooking multiple slices simultaneously—perfect when feeding a crowd. Meanwhile, a cast iron skillet provides superior heat retention for that coveted crispy exterior. Whatever you choose, avoid overcrowding, as this leads to steaming instead of browning.

Butter tips for golden crust

For that restaurant-quality golden crust, combine butter with a touch of oil. Use approximately 1½ tablespoons butter to 1 teaspoon oil. This combination creates a higher smoke point, allowing longer cooking at lower temperatures without burning. Furthermore, ensure your butter is thoroughly melted and bubbling before adding the soaked bread.

How to avoid soggy toast

Soggy toast is often the result of improper technique. Initially, use day-old bread or briefly toast fresh slices. Once soaked, allow excess batter to drip off before cooking. Cook at medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. For extra insurance against sogginess, some chefs recommend finishing in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes after pan-frying.

Serve and Store Like a Pro

Once your pumpkin french toast is perfectly cooked, the finishing touches and proper storage make all the difference. Let me show you how to elevate and preserve this fall favorite.

Topping ideas: maple syrup, powdered sugar, nuts

The classic approach involves warm maple syrup drizzled over your pumpkin french toast with a light dusting of powdered sugar. For added texture, consider toasted pecans or walnuts. Beyond these basics, try whipped cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even caramel sauce for richness. Fruit lovers might appreciate banana slices, fresh berries, or apple chunks alongside their toast. Moreover, for true pumpkin enthusiasts, consider doubling down with pumpkin butter or a swirl of pumpkin-spiced syrup.

How to keep it warm for a crowd

Serving a group? Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in an oven set to 200°F/90°C. This gentle temperature keeps everything warm without drying out your pumpkin french toast or compromising its texture. Arrange slices in a single layer rather than stacking them to maintain their crispy exterior.

Refrigerating and freezing leftovers

Store refrigerated leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Concerning freezing, first cool completely, then “flash freeze” slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags where they’ll keep for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating without drying it out

For crispy results, pop refrigerated or frozen slices directly into your toaster. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Microwaving works for quick reheating but produces softer results—try 30-60 seconds from refrigerated. For the best texture, try reheating in a buttered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Conclusion

Pumpkin French toast truly stands as one of the most comforting and satisfying fall breakfast options you can make. Throughout this recipe, we’ve explored everything from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting your cooking technique. After all, the magic lies in those small details – using pure pumpkin puree instead of pie filling, choosing sturdy bread like brioche, and nailing the perfect custard consistency.

This recipe delivers that perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. You certainly don’t need professional culinary skills to create this delicious breakfast – just 8 basic ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time. Additionally, the versatility of this dish makes it suitable for both casual weekend breakfasts and special holiday gatherings.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Whether you prefer extra cinnamon, want to try different bread varieties, or experiment with toppings beyond maple syrup, this pumpkin French toast provides an excellent foundation for customization. The leftovers freeze beautifully as well, therefore you can enjoy this fall treat whenever a craving strikes.

My family now requests this pumpkin French toast regularly during autumn months. The warm spices, subtle pumpkin flavor, and golden-brown exterior simply create breakfast perfection on a plate. Give this recipe a try – your breakfast table will never be the same once you master this seasonal favorite!

FAQs

Q1. What’s the best type of bread for pumpkin French toast? Brioche is the top choice due to its rich, buttery texture. Other excellent options include challah, French or Italian loaves, and Texas toast. Slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy.

Q2. How can I prevent my pumpkin French toast from becoming soggy? To avoid soggy toast, use day-old bread or briefly toast fresh slices. Allow excess batter to drip off before cooking, and cook at medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Some chefs recommend finishing in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes after pan-frying for extra crispiness.

Q3. Can I make pumpkin French toast ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare pumpkin French toast ahead of time. Cook the French toast as usual, then store refrigerated leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, reheat in a toaster, oven, or skillet for best results.

Q4. What are some delicious toppings for pumpkin French toast? Classic toppings include warm maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar. For added texture, try toasted pecans or walnuts. Other options include whipped cream, Greek yogurt, caramel sauce, fresh berries, banana slices, or pumpkin butter for true pumpkin enthusiasts.

Q5. Can I use non-dairy milk for pumpkin French toast? Absolutely! While traditional recipes call for whole milk or half-and-half, many non-dairy options work well. Oat milk provides creaminess similar to dairy, almond milk offers a lighter alternative, and full-fat coconut milk maintains the custard’s richness. Choose a milk that complements the pumpkin’s natural flavor without overpowering it.