Fall-inspired Pumpkin Spice French Toast is crisp on the outside, tender and fluffy inside, and simple to prepare. A drizzle of maple syrup highlights the pumpkin and warm spice flavors in every bite. Make this cozy breakfast for your next weekend brunch or any morning you want something special.
There’s an annual debate: pumpkin spice or apple for fall? You don’t have to choose—both are wonderful. For French toast, pumpkin puree creates a festive orange hue and a delightful crisp on the bread that the whole family will enjoy.
Why Make Pumpkin French Toast
- French toast with more flavor. Pumpkin spice French toast is more exciting than plain French toast — it browns beautifully and gets crisp and flavorful.
- Dairy-free friendly. This recipe works well without dairy when you use plant-based butter and milk.
- Easy and approachable. The recipe is quick and simple; kids can help dunk the bread, making it a fun weekend activity.
Ingredients Needed
- Bread of choice. Use sandwich bread for quick, even cooking, or opt for French bread or sourdough for a heartier slice.
- Eggs. Eggs help create the light, airy interior of the French toast.
- Pumpkin puree. Adds pumpkin flavor, color, and helps form a crisp exterior.
- Pumpkin spice. A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Store-bought or homemade works fine.
- Butter. Use vegan butter to keep it dairy-free, or regular butter if you prefer. Coconut oil is another dairy-free option.
- Vanilla extract. Adds warm sweetness and aroma—pure vanilla gives the best flavor.
- Almond milk. Unsweetened almond milk adds moisture to the soaking mixture; any unflavored, unsweetened milk will work.
Variations
- Egg-free or vegan. You can omit the eggs, but the texture will change noticeably.
- Cinnamon raisin. Use cinnamon-raisin bread for extra sweetness and cinnamon flavor.
- Nutty finish. Top with toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
How To Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast
Step 1: Make the soaking liquid. Whisk eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a wide bowl. Dunk two slices of bread at a time and let them soak for about 1 minute so they absorb the mixture.
Step 2: Add to the pan. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Add soaked bread without overlapping—cook in batches if needed.
Step 3: Cook the French toast. Cook each piece about 4–5 minutes per side on medium-low heat, flipping as needed for an even, golden crust. Add a bit more butter if the pan stops sizzling.
Step 4: Serve. Transfer to a plate and finish with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and pepitas or pumpkin seeds if desired.
Expert Tips
- Cook low and slow. Give the toast time to cook through without burning the exterior; flip more than once if needed for even browning.
- Soak thoroughly. Let slices soak enough to absorb the mixture but not so long they fall apart.
- Preheat the skillet. Make sure the pan is warm and the butter is sizzling before adding the bread.
- Simple toppings work best. Maple syrup and pepitas are classic; try caramel or butter-pecan syrup for a richer finish.
- Serve with savory sides. Pair with chicken apple sausage, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, or another favorite breakfast side.
More Sweet Pumpkin Recipes
Dessert
Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies
Dessert
Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
Appetizers
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
Breakfast
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Thank you for reading and happy cooking.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast
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Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 4 slices sandwich bread — your favorite bread will work; sandwich bread cooks quickly and evenly.
- ½ cup almond milk — unsweetened preferred
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
- 2 tbsp butter, divided — vegan butter is lactose-free
Optional Toppings
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 4 tbsp pepita seeds
Instructions
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In a wide bowl, whisk eggs, almond milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Dip two slices of bread at a time and let them soak about 1 minute so they absorb the mixture.
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Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Add soaked bread without overlapping; cook in batches if needed.
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Cook each slice 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting heat and adding butter if the pan stops sizzling, until golden and crisp.
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Serve warm with maple syrup and pepitas or your preferred toppings.
Notes
- Be patient when cooking. Cooking low and slow ensures even doneness and a consistent crust.
- Soak the bread. Allow the slices to absorb enough of the mixture for a tender interior.
- Preheat the skillet. Start with a warm pan and sizzling butter for the best crust.
- Toppings. Keep it simple with maple syrup and pepitas, or try caramel or butter-pecan syrup for variety.
- Serving suggestions. Pair with savory sides like chicken apple sausage, scrambled eggs, or turkey bacon.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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