Pumpkin French Toast

Pumpkin French Toast is the most delightful breakfast for the season. The soft, luscious Brioche bread soaked in sweet, cinnamon and pumpkin egg mixture and cooked to a golden perfection. It can only get better with a little powdered sugar, butter, and syrup on top. Or, add all three and enjoy this wonderful fall breakfast dish!

PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST RECIPE

If I had to choose one thing to eat for breakfast for the rest of my life, it would be French Toast. No need to think about it twice, it’s my absolute favorite breakfast dish. 

Classic French Toast is a wonderful breakfast but I also like to “dress it up” for the season. The minute we flip the calendar to the fall months, my pantry is full of pumpkin and we enjoy this pumpkin version of the classic breakfast for months. When it gets closer to the winter and eggnog is available at stores, my family starts asking for Eggnog French Toast. 

This pumpkin version is just amazing though. So much comforting fall flavor between the pumpkin and the pumpkin pie extract and spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and all those beautiful fall spices that bring the best flavor and aroma are in is this tasty breakfast treat. It’s great for a family breakfast together or every upcoming holiday. 

WHAT IS THE BEST BREAD TO USE

Hands down, the best bread for French toast is Brioche. I’ve tested out so many different breads (and you can read all about it in my post about THE French Toast recipe) and everyone agrees that Brioche is the way to go. 

If you can’t find Brioche, close runners up are French or Italian loaves or Challah bread. Try to get bread from the deli section of the grocery store. That bread is usually freshly baked and has a much better texture and flavor.

INGREDIENTS IN PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST

Brioche bread – as I already mentioned, this is the best choice but if you need to, substitute French baguette, Italian loaf, or Challah.

Eggs – four large eggs should be just right for the 8 oz. Brioche loaf.

Milk – whole milk is your best choice but if you need to, substitute 2% or low-fat milk.

Pumpkin puree – make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has a different taste and consistency.

Brown sugar – use either light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar just had a higher molasses content. 

Pumpkin spice extract – this is a great extract to have for all your fall baking so I highly recommend it. If you can’t get your hands on some, you can use additional spices instead. 

Spices – cinnamon and nutmeg is a must but you can also add a pinch of allspice. 

HOW TO MAKE IT

Slice the Brioche bread into slices that are about 3/4-1 inch thick. Out of a 8oz loaf, you can get 8 slices. 

In a deep and wide bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin extract, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth and set it aside.

Preheat a large cooking pan oven medium to medium-low heat first, before battering and adding the bread. You do not want to add the bread slices whole the pan is cold. (Note: you can also use a pancake griddle to make French Toast.)

Spread a couple of tablespoons of canola oil in the preheated pan. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture as well as the edges. Brioche bread is nice and quick to soak up the egg so don’t hold it in there too long. (Just batter as many slices as will fit into the pan. If you have to cook in two or more batches, batter bread right before adding it to the pan.)

Place battered slices into the pan and let it cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. (Repeat with remaining slices of bread if needed.)

Serve with your favorite topping.

RECIPE NOTES

Can I use dairy free milk?

For a lactose free option, you can use lactose free whole milk. If you need a dairy free option, use oat, almond, or soy milk substitutes but note that the flavor will change slightly. Personal recommendation for dairy-free milk is oat. Great flavor and no aftertaste! 

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Go for it! As a matter of fact, I have instruction on how to make homemade pumpkin puree you may want to check out. 

Do I have to use pumpkin spice extract?

No, you don’t have to use it but I think it’s a nice thing to have in the pantry for the fall season. Most grocery stores carry it in stock, especially in the fall, so it’s not difficult to find. But, if you don’t have any, you can always increase the amount of spices by doubling cinnamon and nutmeg. Feel free to add 1/2 tsp of ground ginger and 1/4 tsp of ground allspice as well.

What are good toppings for pumpkin French Toast?

Butter

Maple syrup

Powdered sugar

Cinnamon butter

Honey

MORE BREAKFAST IDEAS FOR THE FALL HOLIDAYS

As far as the fall flavors, you can’t go wrong with cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, pecan, and maple. 

Our favorite pancakes in the fall are, of course, Pumpkin Pancakes, Apple Pie Pancakes, and Pumpkin Pancakes with Maple Pecan Topping (this topping is the bomb)!

Don’t forget about donuts for breakfast like Apple Pie Donuts and Glazed Pumpkin Donuts.

Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole will make a great holiday family breakfast.

If you made any of my recipes and shared them on Instagram, make sure to tag me @willcookforsmiles and #willcookforsmiles so I can see all the things you tried!

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Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles on October 27, 2012. Updated September 22, 2020.