Description
This Pumpkin French Toast recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and classic fall spices with hearty white bread, making a perfect breakfast or brunch dish. The bread is soaked in a rich pumpkin-egg mixture, cooked on a griddle to golden perfection, and kept warm in the oven before serving. Ideal for cozy mornings, it pairs beautifully with maple syrup for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
Main 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Equipment: Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the French toast warm after cooking. Then, preheat an electric griddle to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or use a non-stick skillet set over medium heat.
- Prepare the Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, packed light-brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until all ingredients are well combined. Pour in the half and half and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of hearty white bread into the pumpkin-egg mixture, allowing it to soak in thoroughly. Turn the bread and soak the opposite side to fully saturate it.
- Cook the French Toast: Butter the griddle surface where you’ll cook the slices. Place the soaked bread slices on the griddle and cook until the bottom side is golden brown, which usually takes several minutes. Then, lift each slice, butter the griddle again, flip the toast to the other side, and cook until golden brown on that side as well.
- Keep Warm in Oven: Transfer the cooked French toast slices onto the oven rack set at 225 degrees to keep warm for up to 10 minutes. This step also ensures the interior cooks through completely.
- Serve: Serve the warm pumpkin French toast immediately, ideally with maple syrup for added sweetness if desired.
Notes
- Use hearty, thick slices of bread like rustic French bread or brioche for best texture and absorption.
- Fresh pumpkin puree can be used instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Keeping the cooked French toast warm in the oven prevents sogginess and allows the center to fully cook.
- Maple syrup is recommended but optional as a topping. You can also add powdered sugar or whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
