Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast: A Delicious Fall-Inspired Recipe to Start Your Day

French toast is already a comfort food classic, but when you add the seasonal magic of pumpkin and warm spices, it transforms into a dish that feels like autumn on a plate. This Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast combines the richness of bread soaked in a custard-like pumpkin spice mixture with the sweetness of maple syrup and the comforting aroma of cinnamon.

In this long-form guide, we’ll explore not only how to make this dish but also tips, variations, serving ideas, nutritional insights, and creative pairings to elevate it into a memorable fall breakfast or brunch centerpiece.

Ingredients

• Thick slices of brioche or challah bread (day-old preferred)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, for stronger spice)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
• Maple syrup (for serving)
• Powdered sugar (optional garnish)
• Whipped cream (optional garnish)
• Toasted pumpkin seeds or pecans (optional topping)

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter to coat the surface.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.
4. Place the soaked bread slices onto the heated skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Transfer to a plate and keep warm while cooking the remaining slices.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and optional toppings like toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds.

Creative Sections

Why Pumpkin French Toast is Perfect for Fall

The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg is the essence of autumn flavors. This recipe brings those notes together in a breakfast that feels festive, comforting, and indulgent without being overly complicated.

Best Bread Choices

The key to perfect French toast is using bread that holds up to soaking. Brioche, challah, or thick-cut sourdough work wonderfully. Day-old bread is ideal because it absorbs the custard without falling apart.

Topping Ideas

• Classic: Maple syrup + powdered sugar
• Nutty: Chopped pecans or walnuts + caramel drizzle
• Fresh: Sliced apples, pears, or berries on top
• Decadent: Cream cheese glaze or pumpkin butter spread

Pairing Suggestions

• Hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks
• Pumpkin spice latte
• Fresh fruit salad with pomegranate seeds

Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast

A cozy fall-inspired breakfast featuring pumpkin puree, warm spices, and golden-brown French toast slices served with maple syrup and whipped cream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American, Fall

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 slices brioche or challah bread day-old preferred
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 eggs large
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp cloves optional
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter for cooking

For Serving

• maple syrup
• powdered sugar optional garnish
• whipped cream optional garnish
• toasted pumpkin seeds or pecans optional topping

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Nonstick skillet or griddle
• Spatula

Method

 

1. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and salt.
2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter.
3. Dip bread slices into pumpkin custard mixture, soaking both sides.
4. Cook slices on skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and toppings.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon or rum extract to the custard.

Variations

• Vegan Pumpkin French Toast: Use almond milk, flax eggs, and coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin French Toast: Use gluten-free sandwich bread or brioche.
• Stuffed Pumpkin French Toast: Spread cream cheese between two slices before dipping and frying.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the toaster oven or skillet for best texture.
• Freeze cooked slices between parchment paper and reheat in the oven for a quick breakfast.