Dessert

Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe

BySarah Summers October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

Introduction

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin French Toast recipe. It’s a perfect way to start your morning, combining the sweet spices of pumpkin with golden, buttery bread. This breakfast will warm you up and delight your taste buds all season long.

A stack of two thick, golden brown slices of French toast sits at the center of a white plate, soaked slightly with amber maple syrup pooling around the base. The top slice is dusted lightly with powdered sugar, adding a delicate white contrast to the toasted surface. Atop it, a dollop of creamy butter melts slowly, surrounded by small, caramelized cubes of what appears to be cooked apple, giving a rich, deep amber and burnt orange color with a glossy texture. The background features a white marbled texture, adding a clean, elegant look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
4 large eggs
1 cup milk (can substitute with almond or oat milk)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
8 slices of bread (thick-cut, such as brioche or challah)
Butter or oil for cooking
Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds on each side.
Step 3: In a skillet or griddle, melt a tablespoon of butter or oil over medium heat.
Step 4: Place the soaked bread slices on the skillet. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
Step 5: Transfer cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm while you continue cooking the remaining slices.
Step 6: Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts, if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh pumpkin for a richer flavor by roasting and blending it before adding to the batter.
Try different bread types like sourdough or cinnamon-raisin for a unique twist.
Adjust spices according to taste; add cloves or allspice to enhance fall flavors.
Prepare the pumpkin mixture the night before and refrigerate for easy morning cooking.
For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use non-dairy milk.
Try a savory twist by adding pepper and serving with cheese and herbs.
Create stuffed French toast by adding cream cheese or mascarpone between two bread slices before dipping.
Use almond flour bread for a grain-free and lower-carb alternative.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster for best texture. To freeze, lay slices flat in a freezer-safe bag separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking; freeze up to 2 months.

How to Serve

Two thick slices of golden brown French toast are stacked neatly on a white plate, each slice showing a slightly crisp, caramelized surface with a warm, soft texture inside. On top, there is a small dollop of creamy butter that is beginning to melt, surrounded by several chunks of caramelized, golden apple pieces dusted with powdered sugar. The plate is modestly covered with a shiny amber syrup that pools around the base of the toast. The scene is set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is convenient. For deeper flavor, fresh homemade pumpkin puree is a great alternative.

What type of bread is best for pumpkin French toast?

Thick-cut bread like brioche or challah is ideal as it soaks up the mixture well without falling apart. Sourdough or cinnamon-raisin breads also add interesting flavors and textures.