Name: Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup half and half; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh); 4 eggs; 2 1/2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 9 slices (1-inch) hearty white bread (such as rustic French bread or brioche); Butter (for griddle)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 67 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that wraps you in the flavors of fall, this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is an absolute must-try. It beautifully combines the creamy richness of pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, transforming simple bread into a luscious, golden-hued breakfast treat. Whether it’s a weekend indulgence or a special holiday morning, this dish is packed with flavors that feel both familiar and delightfully festive, making it an instant favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear square glass dish holds one slice of white bread resting flat in a pool of light brown, creamy liquid that looks like a mix of eggs and cinnamon. The bread is soft with many small holes and a slightly golden crust around the edges, mostly submerged in the smooth, slightly frothy liquid. The background surface is a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pumpkin French Toast Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients, each playing its own crucial role to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the pumpkin puree providing moisture and autumnal sweetness to the mix of spices that evoke warmth with every bite, every item is essential for that perfect finish.

Half and half (3/4 cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the custard, making the French toast extra tender.
Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that brings moisture, subtle sweetness, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
Eggs (4): Bind everything together and give structure to the French toast so it’s firm yet soft.
Light-brown sugar (2 1/2 Tbsp): Adds a gentle caramel note that deepens the flavor complexity.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely fragrant finish.
Ground cinnamon (1 1/4 tsp): Infuses the custard with warm spice that complements pumpkin perfectly.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of nuttiness and cozy spice flair.
Ground ginger (1/4 tsp): Brings a subtle bite that cuts through the richness.
Cloves (1/8 tsp): Offers an aromatic depth that ties all the spices together.
Hearty white bread, 1-inch slices (9 slices): Rustic French bread or brioche works best to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Butter: For greasing the griddle and adding a golden, crispy exterior.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Griddle

Start by preheating your oven to 225 degrees and your electric griddle to 350 degrees. If you don’t have a griddle, a non-stick skillet over medium heat will do just fine. This slow warm-up ensures your French toast stays hot and crisp after cooking.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, light-brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Whisk everything together until the spices are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth. Then, pour in the half and half and whisk again until fully blended. This rich custard is going to soak into your bread, so make sure it’s perfectly smooth and flavorful.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Take each slice of bread and dip it carefully into the pumpkin custard. Let it soak so the bread absorbs plenty of the flavorful liquid, but not so long that it becomes soggy. Flip and soak on the other side, ensuring each slice is well-coated and ready for cooking.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Butter your heated griddle where you’ll place the slices. Lay down each custard-soaked slice and cook until the bottom turns a brilliant golden brown—this usually takes several minutes. Once browned, flip each slice carefully, butter the griddle again, and cook the other side until it matches that beautiful golden color.

Step 5: Keep Warm in the Oven

Transfer the cooked slices to the oven rack to stay warm while you finish the rest. Leaving them in the oven for up to 10 minutes not only keeps them hot but also helps to finish cooking through the center, ensuring a perfect texture inside and out.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe warm, ideally with a drizzle of real maple syrup to amplify the sweetness and spice. This is when the cozy flavors truly come to life!

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate with eight slices of golden-brown French toast stacked in two layers, four slices on the bottom and four on top, all with a slightly crispy texture. Each slice is topped with a swirl of soft white whipped cream in the center, sprinkled lightly with brown cinnamon powder. Drizzled golden maple syrup covers the French toast, pooling a bit on the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a green cloth napkin to the right, an orange mini pumpkin in the background, and a glass cup of dark coffee near the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe can really elevate its appeal. Fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or chopped toasted pecans add amazing texture contrasts. A dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh cranberries can bring a lovely pop of color and freshness that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

Perfect side dishes for this dish include crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to provide savory counterpoints. A simple fruit salad or a bowl of fresh berries adds brightness and helps cut through the richness, making for a balanced and satisfying breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your pumpkin French toast slices like a little tower, layering on whipped cream and drizzled syrup between each slice for an eye-catching presentation. Or create a platter with slices fanned out, adorned with colorful garnishes and a small bowl of spiced yogurt dip on the side for dipping fun! Presentation makes the experience even more delightful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess. When well stored, they retain much of their flavor and texture.

Freezing

To freeze Pumpkin French Toast Recipe slices, let them cool completely, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy a taste of fall anytime you want, even on a busy morning.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast by placing it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven helps maintain the crispy exterior and moist inside that make this recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use whole milk instead of half and half?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk if needed, but the custard will be slightly less rich and creamy. Half and half adds a luxurious texture that’s worth seeking out for the best results.

Is fresh pumpkin puree different from canned pumpkin in this recipe?

Fresh pumpkin puree works perfectly well and brings a mild, sweet flavor, but canned pumpkin is convenient and has consistent texture and sweetness. Either will give you that classic pumpkin taste.

What type of bread is best for Pumpkin French Toast Recipe?

Rustic French bread or brioche are excellent choices because they have a sturdy texture that soaks up the custard without falling apart while baking crispy on the outside.

Can I make this vegan?

For a vegan version, try substituting the eggs with a flax egg or vegan egg replacer, use almond or oat milk instead of half and half, and vegan butter. Keep in mind the texture will be different, but it’s still delicious!

How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?

Don’t soak the bread too long, and make sure to cook it on medium heat until golden brown on each side. Transferring the cooked slices to a warm oven also helps maintain crispness until serving.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is truly a celebration of fall flavors and comforting textures all in one. It’s easy enough for a weekend morning, yet special enough to impress guests or make any occasion feel festive. I hope you dive in soon and experience just how magical pumpkin and spices can be on a cozy slice of French toast. Happy cooking!