Dessert

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

These Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers are a delightful twist on classic French toast, perfect for fall mornings or festive brunches. Bite-sized and bursting with seasonal spices and pumpkin flavor, they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. Serve them with a sweet pumpkin-spiced dip for an irresistible treat.

The image shows a metal tray filled with about a dozen square-shaped doughnuts covered in a light layer of sugar and cinnamon, giving them a slightly grainy texture and light brown color. Each doughnut looks soft with a golden-baked crust and a fluffy interior. In the top right corner, a white small bowl contains a thick, light brown creamy sauce, with one doughnut half dipped inside it, revealing the airy inside of the doughnut. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm colors of the doughnuts and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups vegetable oil
3 large eggs

3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup pumpkin puree, divided

2 cups panko bread crumbs
12 Hawaiian rolls
1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 g)

1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 325°F (163°C).
Step 2: In a large, shallow dish, whisk together eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and 2/3 cup pumpkin puree until well combined.

Step 3: Pulse the panko bread crumbs in a food processor until very fine, or crush them in a resealable bag with a rolling pin. Transfer to another shallow dish.
Step 4: Working in batches, soak each Hawaiian roll in the egg mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. Use tongs to lift rolls out, letting excess liquid drip off, then toss them in the panko crumbs to coat all sides.
Step 5: Fry the coated rolls in the hot oil, turning once halfway through, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Use tongs to hold rolls steady if needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool slightly for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Place granulated sugar in a large bowl and toss the fried rolls in the sugar until evenly coated.
Step 7: In a small bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and the remaining 1/3 cup pumpkin puree. Serve the pumpkin-spiced rolls alongside this dip.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the panko crumbs lightly before coating the rolls.

If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the sugar coating or serve without it.
Try using brioche rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls for a richer flavor.
Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice instead of measuring out individual spices for convenience.

Storage

Store any leftover French Toast Poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness. The pumpkin milk dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a woman's hand with pink nail polish dipping a round cookie covered in sugar and cinnamon into a cup of thick, orange-brown liquid sauce. The cookie’s top half is rough and grainy with white sugar crystals and light brown cinnamon, while the bottom half is coated with the smooth, creamy sauce that drips slowly back into the cup. The cup is white and filled almost to the brim with the sauce, which has some splashes on the rim. The background and surface have a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls and fry them in advance, then reheat before serving. However, they are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness.

What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Brioche rolls or any soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls work well as substitutes and provide a rich texture similar to Hawaiian rolls.

Mariam Harutyunyan