Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast is a cozy start to any crisp autumn morning. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a rich pumpkin-spiced custard, then lightly fried until golden and perfectly soft inside. The warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring a welcoming seasonal twist that makes each bite so comforting.
I love making this when the leaves start to turn because it instantly feels like fall on my plate. One little tip I have is to use day-old bread — it soaks up the pumpkin custard better without falling apart, which makes the texture just right. Plus, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup makes it extra special.
This breakfast always brings smiles at my table, especially when shared with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s my go-to treat when I want something easy to make but still feels like a little celebration of the season. If you like pumpkin and a sweet, tender French toast, this one’s for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super handy and consistent in flavor. If you want to keep it fresh, homemade pumpkin puree works great too. Just roast pumpkin pieces and mash them. You can also try sweet potatoes for a different twist.
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or challah is my favorite because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread is even better since it holds together well. If you can’t find these, a sturdy white bread or sourdough will work, too.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give it that warm fall vibe. I recommend fresh spices if you have them, but pre-ground works fine. You can skip ginger if you’re not a fan, or add a pinch of allspice for a nice flavor boost.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk keeps the custard rich but you can swap for almond, oat, or any milk you like for a dairy-free option. Heavy cream is optional but adds creaminess—feel free to skip or replace it with more milk.
How Do You Get French Toast Perfectly Soaked But Not Soggy?
It’s all about soaking time and bread choice. Here’s what I do:
- Use thick slices of day-old bread. Too fresh makes it fall apart; too old and it won’t soak up enough.
- Dip bread for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You want it soaked but still firm when picked up.
- Keep the custard mixture smooth and well combined—that helps even soaking.
- When cooking, use medium heat so the outside browns nicely without burning while the inside cooks through.
With these tips, your pumpkin French toast turns out soft and flavorful, with a nice crust that holds it all together!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like using a wide bowl so I can whisk everything easily without splashing.
- Whisk – keeps your custard smooth and well combined.
- Skillet or griddle – a non-stick surface works best for easy flipping and less sticking.
- Tongs or spatula – helps gently flip the bread without tearing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Serving platter – to display your beautifully cooked French toast.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cream cheese or ricotta inside the bread before dipping for extra richness and creaminess.
- Top with chopped pecans, walnuts, or caramelized apples for added texture and flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a boozy twist that’s perfect for weekend mornings.
- Splash in some maple extract or vanilla bean for a flavor boost that complements the pumpkin nicely.
Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the French Toast:
- 6 to 8 thick slices of bread (brioche, challah, or thick white bread works best)
- Butter or oil for cooking
For Serving and Garnishing:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the pumpkin custard and another 15 to 20 minutes for cooking the French toast. So, you’ll need around 30 minutes total for a cozy breakfast ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger (if using), and salt until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2. Heat Your Cooking Pan:
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to coat the surface so the French toast won’t stick.
3. Soak the Bread:
Dip each slice of bread gently into the pumpkin custard. Let it soak for about 20 to 30 seconds on each side so the bread absorbs enough flavor but doesn’t become too soggy.
4. Cook Until Golden:
Put the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook each side about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and cooked through. Adjust your heat if the bread is browning too fast.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Stack your cooked French toast on plates. Top with a swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and don’t forget a good drizzle of warm maple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, flavorful fall breakfast!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen pumpkin puree works just fine! Make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge or at room temperature before using. Give it a good stir to smooth out any watery separation before mixing into the custard.
What Kind of Bread Works Best for Pumpkin French Toast?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast are ideal as they soak up the custard without falling apart. Using day-old bread helps it absorb the mixture better without becoming too soggy.
Can I Make Pumpkin French Toast Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread a few hours ahead, then refrigerate. Cook just before serving for best texture. Leftover cooked French toast keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheats nicely in a toaster or oven.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for cooking. The flavors will still be rich and delicious!
