pumpkin french toast recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
pumpkin french toast recipe
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The Best pumpkin french toast recipe

I’ve been making pumpkin French toast for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The combination of the warm spices from the pumpkin puree and the sweetness of the maple syrup is a perfect match for our taste buds. I love how this recipe brings back memories of my childhood, when my mom would make it for special occasions.

It’s one of those dishes that just feels like home, you know? The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the kitchen as we cook up a batch is just heavenly. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, especially when it comes to this recipe.

They love watching the bread get all golden brown and puffed up, and they’re always eager to dig in as soon as it’s done. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday gathering. And the best part?

It’s surprisingly healthy, considering how delicious it tastes! The pumpkin puree adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, while the whole wheat bread provides fiber and texture. We often serve it with fresh fruit or yogurt on the side for added nutrition.

But honestly, I think what I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Just throw some bread, eggs, milk, and spices in a bowl, mix it up, and cook it in a skillet. It’s really that simple!

And yet, the result is always impressive – a crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy interior that’s just begging to be slathered with butter or syrup.

Pumpkin French Toast

Pumpkin French Toast

4.5 from 888 votes

This pumpkin french toast combines the warm flavors of pumpkin pie with the classic breakfast dish. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard and pan-fried until golden and crisp.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Custard

1 cup pumpkin puree
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the French Toast

8 thick slices brioche or challah bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Serving

Maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large shallow dish, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
2The custard should be thick but pourable, with no streaks of egg white.
3Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and foam.
4While the pan heats, dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard for about 10 to 15 seconds per side, allowing the bread to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
5Place 2 to 3 soaked bread slices in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until the bottom is deep golden brown and the edges look set, then flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is golden and the french toast feels firm to the touch.
7Transfer the cooked french toast to a plate and repeat with the remaining bread slices, adding the remaining butter to the pan as needed.
8Serve immediately while hot, drizzled with maple syrup, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with whipped cream if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large shallow dish
Whisk
Non-stick skillet or griddle
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 155mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 46g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread so it absorbs the custard without falling apart. You can substitute whole milk or a dairy-free alternative for the milk and cream, but the texture may be less rich. Adjust the pumpkin pie spice to your taste.

Watch Video Of How Pumpkin French Toast Works

This pumpkin French toast recipe has become a staple in our household – we love serving it at family gatherings and special occasions alike. One thing we’ve learned over time is that storing leftovers properly can make all the difference in keeping your French toast fresh for longer.

Simply wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating overnight; then reheat at room temperature until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes). For larger gatherings where everyone wants seconds ASAP – consider setting up an assembly line where everyone takes turns loading slices onto plates w/everyone enjoying simultaneously hehehe!

Speaking directly from personal experience—never underestimate good ol’ fashioned leftover storage potential!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin French Toast

What type of bread works best for pumpkin French toast?

I’ve experimented with various types of bread over the years – everything from plain white to whole wheat to sourdough – but I find that a hearty whole grain bread holds up best to the wet ingredients without becoming too soggy or falling apart.

Can I use store-bought pancake mix instead of making French toast from scratch?

If you’re short on time or prefer not to cook from scratch every morning (who doesn’t?!), feel free to use store-bought pancake mix or even leftover bread as a shortcut.

How do I get the perfect balance between crispy exterior and fluffy interior?

The key technique here is all about getting that perfect balance between crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Can I customize the spices in this recipe?

I like to use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for their warm, comforting flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly!

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