Fall Pumpkin French Toast Recipe For Breakfast

Warm, cinnamon-scented, and bursting with cozy fall flavors, Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is the ultimate autumn breakfast with a comforting seasonal twist. This delightful dish features thick slices of bread soaked in a rich pumpkin custard blend, seasoned with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, all cooked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of breakfast that fills your home with irresistible aromas and draws everyone straight to the kitchen table.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures—crispy caramelized edges, soft custardy centers, and that signature pumpkin spice flavor. Whether you’re preparing a special weekend brunch or creating a festive holiday morning, this french toast is as simple to make as it is to love. Top it with your favorite additions like maple syrup, whipped cream, toasted pecans, or caramelized apples for a colorful, customizable breakfast that feels like a celebration of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

• Fall flavors in every bite: Captures all the warmth of autumn with real pumpkin purée and aromatic spices in a classic breakfast favorite.
• Quick weekend breakfast: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for leisurely mornings without complicated preparation.
• Crowd-pleasing classic: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet pumpkin flavor and fluffy texture of perfectly cooked toast.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the custard mixture the night before and have breakfast ready in minutes the next morning.
• Versatile and customizable: Works with any bread type, adjust spices to taste, or make it dairy-free with simple substitutions.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Pumpkin French Toast Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to serving.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Large Shallow Dish or Pie Plate
This is essential for soaking the bread. A shallow, wide dish allows you to coat each slice evenly without making a mess.

Non-Stick Griddle or Large Skillet
The star of the cooking process. A griddle lets you cook multiple slices at once, while a non-stick surface prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

Mixing Bowl (Medium-Large)
Perfect for whisking together the pumpkin custard mixture thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Wire Whisk or Fork
Essential for beating the eggs and blending the pumpkin mixture smoothly without lumps.

Spatula (Wide, Flexible)
Makes flipping the soaked bread slices easy without breaking them, keeping each piece intact and beautiful.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision matters—especially for the pumpkin purée and spices to achieve that perfect balanced flavor.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

• Use day-old bread for best results—slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy or falling apart.
• Don’t over-soak the bread—a quick 30-second dip on each side is sufficient; too long makes it mushy and difficult to cook.
• Preheat your griddle properly to medium heat before cooking—this ensures even browning and prevents burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
• Use real pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling—the filling contains added sugars and spices that throw off the recipe balance.
• Let cooked slices rest on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F) while you finish the batch—this keeps them warm and crispy.
• Serve immediately: French toast is best enjoyed hot and fresh when the exterior is crispy and the interior is perfectly custardy.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients for This Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this warm, comforting breakfast to life. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it both budget-friendly and easy to whip up on short notice.

For the Pumpkin Custard Mixture:

• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of ground ginger

For Cooking & Serving:

• 8 thick slices bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
• 2-3 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (to prevent butter from burning)

Optional Toppings:

• Pure maple syrup
• Whipped cream or whipped coconut cream
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Caramelized apples or sautéed pears
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Cream cheese glaze
• Fresh berries

Everything in this list balances warmth and sweetness—the pumpkin custard soaks into the bread beautifully, creating that perfect fall breakfast. The toppings are optional but add extra indulgence and visual appeal.

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, salt, and ginger, whisking thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Pour the custard into a shallow dish or pie plate for easy bread dipping.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

If using fresh bread, let it sit out for 30 minutes to dry slightly, or lightly toast each slice for 1 minute to remove excess moisture. Cut thick slices if you’re slicing from a loaf—about 1 to 1½ inches thick works perfectly for substantial, fluffy results.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter (and oil if using). While the pan heats, dip each bread slice into the pumpkin custard mixture, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. The bread should be well-coated but not falling apart. Gently shake off any excess custard before placing on the hot griddle.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Place the soaked bread slices on the preheated griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a wide spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until both sides are beautifully caramelized and the center is cooked through.

Add more butter to the griddle between batches as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked french toast to serving plates immediately. Top generously with maple syrup, whipped cream, toasted nuts, caramelized apples, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired. Serve hot while the exterior is crispy and the pumpkin flavor is at its peak.

For a beautiful presentation, stack slices and garnish with fresh berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

Bread Selection: Brioche and challah are ideal for their rich, eggy texture, but thick-cut white bread, sourdough, or even cinnamon raisin bread work wonderfully.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for the dairy milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for cooking.

Make-Ahead Tip: Whisk the custard mixture the night before and refrigerate in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using in the morning.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of purée: Pie filling contains added sugars and spices that make the custard too sweet and throw off the spice balance.
• Soaking the bread too long: Over-soaked bread becomes mushy and falls apart when you try to flip it on the griddle.
• Cooking at too high heat: High heat burns the outside before the custard inside cooks through. Medium heat is essential for even cooking.
• Not whisking the custard well: Lumps of pumpkin or unmixed spices create uneven flavor distribution and texture throughout the toast.
• Skipping the egg-to-pumpkin ratio: Too much pumpkin makes the mixture thick and prevents proper soaking; too little loses the pumpkin flavor entirely.
• Using thin bread slices: Thin bread can’t hold the custard properly and becomes too soggy. Always use thick-cut slices for best results.
• Crowding the pan: Too many slices at once lowers the pan temperature and causes steaming instead of proper browning and crisping.
• Not preheating the griddle: Starting with a cold pan results in uneven cooking and bread that sticks to the surface.

What to Serve With Pumpkin French Toast Recipe?

This warm and comforting breakfast is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can transform it into a complete autumn brunch spread. Whether you’re going sweet or savory, there’s a side dish for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Crispy Bacon Strips
Salty, smoky bacon provides the perfect savory contrast to the sweet, spiced french toast and creates ideal flavor balance.

Chicken Maple Sausage
Lightly sweetened breakfast sausage complements the pumpkin flavors while adding protein to make the meal more substantial.

Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of berries, grapes, and melon adds brightness, freshness, and natural sweetness to the plate.

Greek Yogurt Parfait
Creamy yogurt layered with granola and honey offers a light, tangy counterpoint to the rich toast.

Scrambled Eggs with Herbs
Fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with chives and black pepper provide protein and balance the sweet breakfast.

Roasted Sweet Potato Hash
Diced sweet potatoes with onions and bell peppers extend the fall vegetable theme beautifully.

Hot Apple Cider or Pumpkin Spice Latte
Warm, spiced beverages complete the cozy autumn breakfast experience with complementary seasonal flavors.

Candied Pecans
Sweet, crunchy nuts add texture and can double as both a topping and a side for extra indulgence.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a complete, festive breakfast experience to your table.

Storage Instructions

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe can be stored and reheated beautifully for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the french toast cool completely, then stack slices with parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual cooled slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating:

Toaster or Toaster Oven: Reheat directly from refrigerated or frozen for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Oven: Place slices on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.

Microwave: Heat for 30-60 seconds on high power, though this method won’t restore the crispy exterior texture.

Always ensure the center is heated through before serving for best flavor and texture.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	245
Protein	8g
Carbohydrates	34g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	11g
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	3g
Unsaturated Fat	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	320mg

This breakfast delivers a balanced combination of carbs, protein, and fats—perfect for starting your day with sustained energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Pumpkin French Toast Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the custard mixture the night before and refrigerate. You can also cook the toast completely, refrigerate or freeze it, then reheat for quick breakfasts all week.

2. Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée (100% pumpkin, not pie filling) works perfectly and is actually more convenient than cooking fresh pumpkin.

3. What’s the difference between pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin purée is just cooked, mashed pumpkin with nothing added. Pie filling contains added sugars, spices, and thickeners that will make your toast too sweet.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Replace the milk with your favorite non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use vegan butter or coconut oil for cooking.

5. What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No problem. Make your own by mixing ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves.

6. Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Double all ingredients and keep finished slices warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while you cook the remaining batches.

7. What bread works best for french toast?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, Texas toast, or French bread work best. They absorb the custard without falling apart and create fluffy interiors.

8. How do I know when the french toast is fully cooked?
The exterior should be golden brown and slightly crispy, and the center should feel firm when gently pressed. The internal temperature should reach 160°F if you want to check.

Conclusion

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe is the ultimate celebration of fall flavors and cozy breakfast comfort—all prepared in one simple dish. With its rich pumpkin custard and perfectly caramelized bread, it’s everything you love about autumn mornings, made deliciously easy.

Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or special family mornings, this french toast is as impressive as it is comforting. Plus, with endless topping and serving options, it never gets boring. So grab your griddle and make breakfast something everyone looks forward to.