Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast is the perfect way to welcome the cozy season. This dish brings together soft, fluffy bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced pumpkin batter, making each bite warm and comforting. The subtle pumpkin flavor mixed with a hint of nutmeg and cloves instantly reminds me of crisp autumn mornings and crunchy leaves outside.
I love making this pumpkin French toast on slow weekend mornings when there’s plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast. I usually sprinkle it with a little powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, which adds that perfect touch of sweetness. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped pecans or fresh apples for extra crunch and flavor—it’s a simple twist that makes it feel special.
This breakfast always brings smiles at my table because it feels both festive and homey without any fuss. It’s a great pick-me-up on chilly mornings and a nice change from the usual plain french toast. If you’re a fan of pumpkin in any form, I think you’ll have fun adding this one to your fall breakfast routine!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for a smooth texture and easy mixing. If you prefer fresh, roast and puree pumpkin, but canned is convenient and consistent. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which is sweeter and spiced already.
Bread: Thick-cut bread like brioche or Texas toast works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If you don’t have thick bread, use regular sandwich bread but soak carefully to avoid sogginess.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring warm fall flavors. If you don’t have cloves, you can skip or add a pinch of ginger instead. Adjust spices to your taste for a milder or stronger pumpkin spice flavor.
Milk & Eggs: Whole milk gives creaminess, but you can substitute with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for dairy-free options. Eggs are key for binding and structure; flax eggs won’t work well here.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture on Pumpkin French Toast?
Balancing the soak and cooking time is key to fluffy yet firm French toast. Here’s how:
- Dip the bread gently, about 15-20 seconds each side. Don’t over-soak or the bread will fall apart.
- Preheat the pan to medium heat before cooking so the outside crisps evenly without burning.
- Cook about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Flip carefully with a spatula to keep the shape.
- Use butter or oil to lightly grease the pan; butter adds flavor but burns fast, so watch heat.
- Serve right away for best texture—French toast tends to get soggy as it cools.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like using a big bowl so you can whisk everything without splashing.
- Whisk – helps combine the eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
- Flat baking dish or shallow plate – perfect for dipping the bread evenly.
- Skillet or griddle – non-stick or seasoned cast iron works great for browning the toast.
- Spatula – easy to flip the slices without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Swap pumpkin puree for mashed sweet potato or apple sauce for a different fall twist.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for an adult version.
- Top with caramel sauce or toasted pecans to make it extra special and crunchy.
Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Batter:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 15 minutes to cook the French toast. In total, you can expect around 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a cozy fall morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.
2. Prepare the Cooking Surface:
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil to prevent sticking and to add a nice golden crust to your toast.
3. Soak the Bread Slices:
Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin batter, soaking for about 15-20 seconds on each side. Make sure the bread absorbs enough mixture but isn’t too soggy to hold together during cooking.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices onto your hot skillet or griddle. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they become beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your cooked French toast to plates. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top, and drizzle warm maple syrup over everything for that sweet finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting fall breakfast!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the pumpkin puree is fully thawed before you use it. Give it a good stir to smooth out any separated liquid before mixing it into the batter.
What’s the Best Bread for Pumpkin French Toast?
Thick-cut breads like brioche, Texas toast, or challah work best because they hold up well when soaked. If you only have thinner bread, soak for less time to prevent it from falling apart.
Can I Make This French Toast Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pumpkin batter the night before and keep it refrigerated. For best texture, cook the French toast fresh in the morning. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven for a crispy finish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to maintain its crispness.
