If you are looking for a cozy, autumn-inspired breakfast that will warm your soul and brighten your morning, Pumpkin French Toast is an absolute must-try. This delightful spin on classic French toast combines the creamy richness of pumpkin puree with fragrant pumpkin pie spices and subtle sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether you are serving it for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this Pumpkin French Toast feels like a comforting hug on a plate — luscious, warmly spiced, and perfectly golden. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite fall treats to share with family and friends.

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin French Toast lies in its simply elegant list of ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build a rich custard that’s flavorful but never overpowering. From the earthiness of pumpkin puree to the cozy notes of pumpkin pie spices and the smooth texture provided by your choice of milk or yogurt, every ingredient plays a crucial role.

Pumpkin puree: The heart of the dish, adding moisture, natural sweetness, and that iconic fall flavor.

Regular or non-dairy yogurt: Helps create a creamy custard base without eggs, or swap for eggs if you prefer.
Unsweetened oat or almond milk: Adds creamy texture with a subtle nutty undertone; regular milk or cream can work too.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the spicy pumpkin notes beautifully.
Pumpkin pie spices: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that instantly transports you to autumn.

Maple syrup (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to the custard, but leave it out or drizzle on top as you like.
Bread (regular or gluten-free): Choose a sturdy loaf that can soak up the custard without falling apart—sourdough or brioche are excellent choices.
Butter or vegan butter for frying: Provides richness and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.

Cinnamon, powdered sugar, maple syrup (for topping): Classic finishing touches that elevate your Pumpkin French Toast to irresistible levels.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard

Start by whisking together the pumpkin puree, yogurt, milk, pumpkin pie spices, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. This custard is the flavor powerhouse, combining the creamy, sweet, and warmly spiced elements that soak deep into your bread slices, turning simple French toast into something truly magical.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Next, melt 1 to 2 teaspoons of butter or oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. It’s important to ensure the skillet is evenly coated with sizzling butter—that’s what will give your Pumpkin French Toast that irresistible golden crust and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Quickly dip 2 to 3 slices of your bread into the custard, one at a time, letting each piece soak just long enough to absorb the pumpkin mixture without becoming soggy. Timing matters here because you want the custard to cling to the bread, not make it fall apart in the pan.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until a rich golden brown forms. Flip gently with a spatula so your French toast retains its shape and cooks evenly. Repeat this process until all slices are beautifully cooked and your custard is fully used up—about 16 slices worth of breakfast heaven.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Remove the cooked Pumpkin French Toast from the skillet and plate it immediately. This will ensure each slice remains warm and inviting when served.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

To take your Pumpkin French Toast to the next level, add a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar right before serving. A drizzle of maple syrup adds both sweetness and a glossy finish, making every bite melt in your mouth. If you want to get fancy, toss a handful of toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin French Toast pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to add brightness and a natural juicy contrast. For those who want a protein boost, crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage round out the meal perfectly and balance the sweetness effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Pumpkin French Toast slices with layers of cream cheese or mascarpone spread and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a decadent brunch centerpiece. You can also cut the French toast into sticks, creating pumpkin-flavored French toast “fingers” for dipping into maple syrup or cream-based dips—fun for kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the texture from becoming soggy, place parchment paper between layers of the French toast.

Freezing

This Pumpkin French Toast freezes wonderfully. Lay slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen slices will keep for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this autumn treat anytime you want.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, pop the frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular eggs instead of yogurt?

Absolutely! If you prefer, replace the yogurt with 2 eggs to create a more traditional custard. The eggs will provide richness and help bind the pumpkin flavor into the French toast.

What type of bread works best for Pumpkin French Toast?

Choose a sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or sourdough. These varieties absorb the pumpkin custard well without falling apart, resulting in a perfectly tender interior and crispy edges.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use non-dairy yogurt, plant-based milk, and vegan butter for frying. These substitutions will keep the dish completely dairy-free and just as delicious.

How do I adjust the spice level?

You can easily tweak the pumpkin pie spices to your liking. Add more cinnamon for warmth, or increase ginger and cloves if you want a spicier kick. The recipe is very forgiving, so customize to suit your taste.

What other toppings complement Pumpkin French Toast?

Besides maple syrup and powdered sugar, consider fresh fruit compotes, whipped cream, crushed nuts, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something utterly comforting about Pumpkin French Toast that makes it feel like a celebration of everything cozy and delicious about fall. This recipe invites you to slow down, savor the spices, and enjoy a breakfast that feels both special and reassuringly familiar. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this one again and again whenever pumpkin season rolls around.

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 16 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Pumpkin French Toast recipe offers a cozy and delicious twist on traditional French toast by incorporating pumpkin puree and warming pumpkin pie spices. Perfect for fall breakfasts or brunches, it uses a blend of pumpkin puree, yogurt, and oat or almond milk to create a rich custard mixture that soaks into bread before being pan-fried to a golden brown. Topped with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and maple syrup, this comforting dish is both flavorful and inviting.

Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, non-dairy yogurt (or eggs if using), unsweetened oat or almond milk, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. Whisk well until fully blended and smooth.
Heat the skillet: Place a medium skillet over medium heat and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegan or regular butter. Once the butter is sizzling and evenly coats the skillet, it’s ready for cooking the French toast.

Soak the bread slices: Quickly dip 2 to 3 pieces of bread (depending on skillet size) into the pumpkin custard, ensuring both sides are well-coated but not overly soaked to avoid sogginess.
Cook the French toast: Immediately place the soaked bread slices in the hot skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through.
Repeat cooking: Continue soaking and cooking the remaining bread slices until all custard is used and you have about 16 slices cooked perfectly.

Serve with toppings: Serve the pumpkin French toast warm, sprinkled with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and drizzled with maple syrup as desired.

Notes

You can substitute non-dairy yogurt with 2 eggs if preferred for the custard base.
Use either regular or gluten-free bread depending on dietary needs.

Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the custard or as a topping to suit your sweetness preference.
For a richer custard, whole milk or cream can be used instead of plant-based milk.
Cooking time per side may vary depending on the thickness of the bread slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast

Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 slices

Calories: 220
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 320mg

Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Pumpkin French Toast, autumn breakfast, pumpkin puree, fall recipe, vegetarian breakfast, gluten free French toast option