Pumpkin French Toast is the ultimate fall breakfast, and honestly, there’s no better way to start a crisp autumn day. It’s everything you love about classic French toast, but with the cozy richness of pumpkin puree and a fragrant mix of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice — every bite is soft and custardy with a gentle golden crust. Whether you’re making a lazy Sunday brunch or a festive holiday breakfast, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a breakfast that feels indulgent, comforting, and just downright joyful.

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Pumpkin French Toast is wonderfully straightforward, but each ingredient truly plays its part in creating flavor and texture. Gather these pantry favorites and you’ll be well on your way to the most craveable, autumn-inspired breakfast ever.

Eggs: Provide that signature French toast custardy interior and structure — don’t skip them!

Milk: Adds richness and ensures the custard soaks evenly into every slice.
Pumpkin puree: Brings unmistakable pumpkin flavor and gorgeous color; use pure puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Light brown sugar: Lends gentle sweetness and a subtle, caramel-like depth.
Vanilla extract: A splash boosts the warmth and cozy fall aromas.

Ground cinnamon: Crucial for that classic, spicy-sweet backbone in every bite.
Pumpkin pie spice: Packs more punch with nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a full autumn flavor profile.
Butter (for the griddle or pan): Helps achieve those golden, crisp edges and an irresistible buttery crust.

Brioche bread: Ultra-soft and slightly sweet, it’s perfect for soaking up the custard; but any thick-cut bread works.
Maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar (for serving): These classic toppings round out the Pumpkin French Toast experience — drizzle, slather, and dust to your heart’s content!

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Preheat the Griddle

Before you do anything else, get your electric griddle warming up to medium heat, or set a large non-stick skillet on the stove. Starting with a hot surface ensures each slice of Pumpkin French Toast gets golden brown and deliciously crisp outside, while staying fluffy inside.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Pumpkin Custard

In a roomy 9×13 pan or a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Make sure everything is well blended — the goal is a smooth, creamy custard that’ll cling to each slice of bread and infuse it with glorious fall flavor.

Step 3: Butter That Griddle

Add a generous pat of butter to your hot griddle or pan. As it bubbles and sizzles, you’re ready to get cooking: the butter helps achieve those perfectly crisp edges and a hint of nutty richness in every bite of Pumpkin French Toast.

Step 4: Soak and Cook the French Toast

Working one or two slices at a time, dip each piece of brioche (or your bread of choice) into the pumpkin custard mixture. Let each side soak for a few seconds, making sure it’s well-coated but not so soaked it falls apart. Carefully place the custardy slices onto the griddle, and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side — flipping once the first side is golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once all your Pumpkin French Toast is golden and toasty, transfer to warm plates. Serve immediately, topped with a dreamy drizzle of maple syrup, a pat of butter, and a shower of powdered sugar. Every forkful is pure fall magic!

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

Dress up your Pumpkin French Toast with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or an extra pat of melty butter for classic comfort. For a special touch, try adding toasted pecans, a spoonful of cinnamon whipped cream, or even a generous dollop of vanilla yogurt for a hit of creamy tang.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweet, rich flavors of this autumn treat with a side of crisp bacon or breakfast sausages. For a fresh twist, add a platter of mixed fruit — think sliced apples, pears, or juicy berries — or even a simple green salad if you’re serving it for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the French toast high and layer with spiced apple compote for a breakfast showpiece, or serve in triangles with dipping cups of maple syrup for little hands. For a brunch buffet, cut the slices in half and fan them out on a platter with bowls of creative toppings so everyone can customize their Pumpkin French Toast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra Pumpkin French Toast (lucky you!), simply let it cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll be perfect for easy breakfasts or late-night snacks.

Freezing

Pumpkin French Toast freezes beautifully. Lay the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Stored this way, they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months — just imagine fresh, pumpkin-spiced breakfast ready in minutes!

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftover slices in the toaster or on a skillet — this brings back the crispy edges and warms the centers perfectly. You can also microwave them in a pinch, although the texture will be a little softer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for Pumpkin French Toast?

Absolutely! While brioche is rich and buttery, you can use challah, Texas toast, or any sturdy bread you love. Just choose thick-cut slices that can soak up the pumpkin custard without falling apart.

Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No — be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling includes sweeteners and extra spices, which would throw off the flavor and texture of your custard.

Can I make Pumpkin French Toast dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat) for regular milk, and use a plant-based butter for the griddle. The result is still irresistibly cozy and flavorful.

How do I keep Pumpkin French Toast warm if I’m serving a crowd?

Place cooked slices on a sheet pan in a low oven (about 200°F) while you finish making the rest. This keeps everything hot and ready without drying it out or losing that lovely texture.

Can I double the recipe for a large group?

You sure can! Just whisk up a larger batch of the custard and cook in batches. Pumpkin French Toast is a huge hit for brunch parties, holiday mornings, or anytime you have family and friends gathered around.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing Pumpkin French Toast, whether it’s for a special morning or just because you crave those fall flavors. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this cozy, fragrant breakfast as much as I do. Give it a try and let it become a new classic at your table!

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Pumpkin French Toast recipe is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla make this dish perfect for a cozy fall morning.

Instructions

Preheat Griddle: Preheat an electric griddle and set it aside.
Mix Egg Mixture: In a 9×13 pan or large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
Prepare Griddle: Butter the preheated griddle.

Cook French Toast: Dip both sides of each bread slice into the egg mixture, then transfer to the griddle. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar.

Notes

We recommend using a shallow 9×13 pan for easier dipping.

If you don’t have an electric griddle, a non-stick skillet works well too.
French toast can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Griddling

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 220

Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 230mg
Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g

Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Pumpkin French Toast, Fall Breakfast Recipe, Pumpkin Spice, French Toast Recipe