Welcome to your new favorite autumn breakfast! This delightful Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe brings all the cozy flavors of the season right to your plate. Imagine warm, spiced pumpkin bread dipped in a rich custard, then griddled to golden perfection. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch. Get ready to embrace the ultimate taste of fall!
Why You’ll Love This Fall Breakfast Recipe
You’ll adore this easy and delicious breakfast for so many reasons:
- Rich, comforting fall flavors: The perfect blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
- Quick and easy to make: Even beginners can whip up this impressive dish in no time. Our step-by-step guide makes it simple.
- Impressive for any occasion: Serve it for a special holiday brunch or a cozy family breakfast. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Customizable with favorite toppings: Drizzle with syrup, add whipped cream, or pile on fresh fruit for a personalized touch.
- A true seasonal delight: Embrace autumn with every delicious bite of this pumpkin French toast.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe:
- Wet ingredients: 3/4 cup half and half, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh), 4 eggs, 2 1/2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Dry spices: 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp cloves.
- Bread: 9 slices (1-inch thick) hearty white bread such as rustic French bread, or brioche.
- For cooking: Butter, for griddle.
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results with your pumpkin French toast, choose a hearty, slightly stale bread. Rustic French bread or brioche work wonderfully, soaking up the custard without falling apart. Many culinary experts agree that using slightly stale bread for French toast prevents it from becoming soggy and allows it to absorb the custard more effectively. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the half and half with your favorite lactose-free milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. If you don’t have individual spices, use 2 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend instead. Light brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note, but white sugar works too.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this delightful Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe. Here’s what to grab:
- A shallow dish (like a pie plate or baking dish) for dipping your bread.
- A whisk to thoroughly combine the custard ingredients.
- An electric griddle or a large non-stick skillet for cooking.
- A baking sheet to keep cooked slices warm in the oven.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe. Making pumpkin French toast is a breeze when you follow our simple guide.
- Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps your cooked French toast warm. Preheat an electric griddle to 350 degrees F. Alternatively, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- In your shallow dish, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until everything is well combined. Pour in the half and half and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. This creates your rich pumpkin custard.
- Dip one slice of bread into the egg mixture. Allow it to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side, ensuring it absorbs the delicious pumpkin custard without becoming overly soggy. Turn the bread to soak the opposite side evenly.
- Lightly butter the griddle area where you plan to place your French toast. Place the soaked bread slice onto the hot griddle. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, usually for several minutes. Lift the slice, butter the griddle again if needed, and flip to cook the opposite side until it’s also golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked French toast slices to the preheated baking sheet in the oven. This keeps them warm while you cook the remaining slices. The gentle heat also helps ensure they are fully cooked through the center.
- Serve your delightful Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe immediately. Drizzle with maple syrup or your favorite toppings as desired. Enjoy this cozy autumn treat!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best pumpkin French toast, always use slightly stale, hearty bread. This prevents it from getting too soggy when soaked. When soaking bread, aim for 15-20 seconds per side. Too little won’t absorb enough flavor; too much makes it fall apart. Maintain even griddle heat for consistent browning and cooking. If French toast gets soggy, your bread might be too fresh or soaked too long. Ensure the griddle isn’t too hot, which can burn the outside before the center cooks. Cook until golden on both sides and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This amazing Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe is versatile and easy to adapt.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your pumpkin French toast with a variety of delicious toppings. Classic pure maple syrup is always a winner. Add a dollop of creamy whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. For crunch, sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts. Fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or a handful of berries complements the pumpkin spice beautifully. Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast.
Storage
Store leftover Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. Reheat refrigerated French toast in a toaster oven or microwave. For frozen slices, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Make Ahead Tips
You can easily prepare the pumpkin custard mixture the day before. Simply whisk all ingredients together, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Give it a quick whisk again before dipping. For convenience, slice your bread the day before as well; slightly stale bread is best for French toast.
Variations
Try a baked pumpkin French toast casserole: arrange soaked bread in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and set. For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free bread. Dairy-free? Use almond or oat milk in the custard. Transform this into a sweet dessert French toast by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.
Nutrition Information
This delicious Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe is a wonderful way to start your day, offering a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 203 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 26 g |
| Protein Content | 7 g |
| Fat Content | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 4 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 87 mg |
| Sodium Content | 290 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 7 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 3 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and is for informational purposes only. It may vary depending on preparation methods and specific brands.
The Best Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 225°F and an electric griddle or non-stick skillet to 350°F.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined; then add half and half and whisk until blended.
- Dip bread into the egg mixture, soaking both sides, then butter the griddle and place the soaked French toast on it.
- Cook until golden brown on the bottom, then butter the griddle again, flip the French toast, and cook until golden brown on the opposite side.
- Transfer slices to the preheated oven on an oven rack to keep warm for up to 10 minutes, which also helps them cook through.
- Serve warm, with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
According to Healthline, pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including high amounts of Vitamin A and C, which can support immune function and vision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pumpkin French toast dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the half and half with an equal amount of your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk. The flavor will still be fantastic.
How long should I bake pumpkin French toast if not using a griddle?
If you prefer to bake your French toast, arrange the soaked slices on a buttered baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?
Always use 100% pure canned pumpkin puree. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor of your delicious Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe.
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, you can! While brioche or French bread are ideal, challah, Texas toast, or even thick-cut white bread work well. Just ensure it’s a hearty bread that can absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.
Conclusion
This Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe is the ultimate way to savor the autumn season. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, and delivers a comforting burst of pumpkin and spice in every bite. Whether for a special brunch or a cozy morning, this recipe is sure to become a cherished fall tradition. Give it a try, and share your delightful creations in the comments below!
