If autumn has an official breakfast, it has to be Pumpkin French Toast. Imagine thick slices of pillowy bread dunked into a creamy custard spiked with pumpkin and warm spices, sizzled to golden perfection on a hot griddle, and crowned with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. This is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a fall-inspired feast. Whether you’re serving a casual weekend brunch or looking to treat yourself on a cozy weekday, Pumpkin French Toast is the ultimate celebration of comfort, flavor, and the magic of pumpkin season—all in one delicious plate.

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own irresistible batch of Pumpkin French Toast. Each ingredient has a starring role—whether it’s adding richness, depth of flavor, or that unmistakable autumn riff that makes this dish unforgettable.

Large eggs: The foundation of your custard, eggs give structure and that classic French toast richness.
Milk (or half-and-half): Milk adds creaminess, while half-and-half will make your custard extra decadent.
Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling): The crowd-pleaser ingredient—incredible flavor and beautiful orange hue.
Brown sugar: Offers caramel-like sweetness with a hint of molasses, perfect with pumpkin.
Vanilla extract: Deepens and rounds out the flavor, making every bite feel like dessert.
Ground cinnamon: The signature spice for Pumpkin French Toast, infusing warmth in every bite.
Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way—adds complexity and pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Ground ginger: Brings subtle zing, keeping the custard bright and well balanced.
Pinch of ground cloves: Intensifies the autumn spice profile with just a whisper of depth.
Brioche or challah bread (slightly stale): These soft, enriched breads soak up the custard beautifully without getting soggy.
Butter or oil, for cooking: Prevents sticking and creates that delicious, crispy golden crust.
Optional toppings (maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped pecans or walnuts, extra cinnamon sugar): Endless possibilities to make your Pumpkin French Toast your own!

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard

Start by grabbing a roomy, shallow bowl—this makes dunking your bread easier and less messy. Whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla, and all those cozy autumn spices until the mixture is totally smooth and cohesive. This is where the magic happens! The custard should look pale orange, rich, and beautifully fragrant. It sets the stage for the flavor-packed slices you’re about to cook.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet or Griddle

Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and add just enough butter or oil to coat the surface. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the bread hits, but not so high that the sugars in your custard burn. Swirl the fat around to create a welcoming golden landing pad for your Pumpkin French Toast slices.

Step 3: Dip the Bread Slices

Working one or two slices at a time, quickly dip each side of the brioche or challah into the pumpkin custard. Don’t let them linger or they’ll get mushy; just a few seconds per side is enough. You want each piece thoroughly coated but still sturdy, ready to crisp up beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown

Lay your custard-dipped bread slices onto the prepared skillet, leaving enough space so they brown instead of steam. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side—flip when the first side is golden and you start to smell that intoxicating pumpkin spice aroma. The goal is bread that’s crisp on the outside with a custardy, tender center.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once all your slices are gloriously golden, serve them up right away or keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) while you work through the batch. Top your Pumpkin French Toast with a cascade of maple syrup, a cloud of whipped cream, or anything your heart desires. Every bite is pure autumn comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

The garnishes are where you can really make your Pumpkin French Toast pop! A dusting of extra cinnamon sugar, a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts, or a soft dollop of whipped cream all add their own special touch. And, of course, a lake of real maple syrup is hard to resist—let it soak into those golden edges for maximum flavor.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving Pumpkin French Toast for brunch, balance out the sweetness with savory options like crisp bacon, breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs. For a lighter pairing, try fresh fruit (think orange or apple slices) or a simple yogurt parfait with granola. These combinations round out the meal and invite everyone back for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pumpkin French Toast into a stunning centerpiece by stacking the slices high and showering them with toppings. For brunch parties, cut thick slices into triangles and arrange them artfully on a platter, or turn them into “French toast sticks” for dipping. For a showstopper, layer the toast with maple-whipped mascarpone and crushed nuts—it becomes an edible work of art!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Pumpkin French Toast, let the slices cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days—perfect for busy mornings when you crave a good breakfast in a hurry.

Freezing

Pumpkin French Toast adapts wonderfully to freezing. Lay cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stack with parchment paper in a zip-top bag or airtight container. This keeps them from clumping together and ensures you can grab just one or two at a time for a quick breakfast.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat Pumpkin French Toast slices straight from the fridge or freezer. Use the toaster or a 350°F oven for the best texture—about 5–8 minutes should do it. You’ll get crispy edges and a warm, custardy center, just like freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use a different bread if I don’t have brioche or challah?

Absolutely! Any sturdy, slightly stale bread works well for Pumpkin French Toast. Try French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast. The key is that the bread can absorb the custard without falling apart.

Is canned pumpkin purée the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, these aren’t interchangeable. Pumpkin purée contains just pure pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling has sweeteners and spices already mixed in. For Pumpkin French Toast, stick with plain pumpkin purée so you can control the sweetness and spice levels.

Can I make the custard dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk—like almond, oat, or soy—which substitutes beautifully for regular milk in the custard. The result is just as creamy and flavorful for a dairy-free Pumpkin French Toast experience.

Why does slightly stale bread work better for French toast?

Stale bread is drier, so it soaks up the pumpkin custard without getting soggy or falling apart. Fresh bread tends to disintegrate, making for a mushier finished dish. For the best Pumpkin French Toast, let your bread sit out a day or two before using.

Can I prepare Pumpkin French Toast ahead of time?

Definitely! Make a batch and store cooked slices in the fridge or freezer, then reheat as needed. You can also make the custard the night before and give it a quick whisk before dipping and cooking the next morning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a breakfast that brings all the flavors of fall straight to your table, you can’t go wrong with Pumpkin French Toast. It’s warm, comforting, and sure to put everyone in the best autumn mood. Give it a try soon and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible scent of pumpkin spice magic!