Pumpkin Spice French Toast is like fall on a plate, with soft, fluffy bread soaked in a cinnamon- and nutmeg-spiced egg mixture. The warm pumpkin flavor shines through, making each bite feel cozy and perfectly sweet. It’s a simple twist on classic French toast that feels extra special without any fuss.
I love making this when the mornings start to get crisp because it smells amazing while it cooks, filling the kitchen with those comforting fall spices. One little trick I use is to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top just before serving to add a little crunch and extra sweetness that everyone seems to enjoy.
My favorite way to serve this French toast is with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. Sometimes, I even add a few toasted pecans for a nice crunch. It’s a breakfast that feels like a treat but is easy enough for a weekend morning with friends or family. I always find that making this brings a little warmth and happiness to the start of the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This adds moisture and pumpkin flavor. Canned pumpkin works great, but you can use homemade puree if you have it. Avoid pumpkin pie filling because it’s already sweetened and spiced.
Bread: Thick-cut bread like brioche or challah is best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If you don’t have these, go for Texas toast or any thick, sturdy bread.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blends cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. If you don’t have it, just mix these spices in equal parts yourself for the same cozy flavor.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich base, but you can swap with almond, oat, or any plant milk to make it dairy-free.
How Do I Keep French Toast From Getting Too Soggy?
The key is soaking the bread just enough so it absorbs the pumpkin custard without falling apart. Here’s what I do:
- Choose thick bread slices to hold the liquid well.
- Dip bread for 20-30 seconds per side – long enough to soak but not to get overly soft.
- Let excess drip off before cooking.
- Cook over medium heat to get a nice golden crust while cooking thoroughly inside.
This way you get soft, flavorful French toast that’s not mushy but still tender and moist inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for whisking all your pumpkin spice ingredients smoothly together.
- Whisk – helps mix the eggs and pumpkin puree well for an even custard.
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – cooks the French toast evenly and prevents sticking.
- Spatula – makes flipping the toast easy without breaking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your spices and liquids just right every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla liqueur to the custard for a warm, rich twist perfect for special occasions.
- Mix in chopped apples or raisins to the custard for extra sweetness and texture.
- Top with cream cheese and a drizzle of honey instead of butter for a tangy, creamy touch.
- Try cinnamon or nutmeg in addition to pumpkin pie spice if you want a bolder spice profile.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk of your choice)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves mix)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Toast and Toppings:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah work great)
- Butter for cooking and topping
- Maple syrup for serving
- Chopped pecans for garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare plus 10-15 minutes for cooking, giving you a warm and delicious breakfast in about 25 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
2. Cook the French Toast:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter to coat the surface. Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin mixture, soaking for about 20-30 seconds on each side. Place the soaked bread on the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use extra butter as needed while cooking.
3. Serve Your Pumpkin Spice French Toast:
Transfer cooked French toast to plates. Top with butter and chopped pecans for added crunch. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup and sprinkle powdered sugar if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for Pumpkin Spice French Toast?
Yes! Frozen bread works well, just thaw it fully before soaking in the custard to ensure it absorbs the pumpkin mixture evenly without falling apart.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Simply replace the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a dairy-free butter or oil for cooking and topping.
Can I Prepare Pumpkin Spice French Toast in Advance?
You can mix the pumpkin custard ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to soak and cook the bread just before serving for the freshest texture.
What’s the Best Bread to Use for French Toast?
Choose thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. These types hold up well when soaked and give a tender, fluffy texture.