Pumpkin French Toast – A Stunning Fall Breakfast Favorite

Every fall, I find myself craving this Pumpkin French Toast the minute leaves start crunching underfoot. It all began with a leftover brioche loaf and a can of pumpkin I didn’t want to waste—and now it’s become a weekend tradition. The warmth of cinnamon, the slight crisp on the outside, and that custardy pumpkin center? Pure autumn comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast

This Pumpkin French Toast is everything you want on a chilly fall morning—rich, golden, and full of cozy flavor. The pumpkin puree blends seamlessly into the spiced egg custard, wrapping every bite of fluffy brioche in a hug of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s easy to prep, quick to cook, and perfect for lazy brunches or busy mornings that need a little warmth.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something special, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy results without the fuss. And trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cozy breakfast together:

• Brioche bread – Thick slices hold up well when soaked and fry up with crisp edges and custardy centers. Challah or deli-style French bread are great substitutes.
• Pumpkin puree – Make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pie filling.
• Eggs – They create the base of the custard and help bind everything.
• Whole milk – Rich and creamy; feel free to swap with oat or almond milk.
• Brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses depth. Light or dark both work.
• Pumpkin spice extract or spices – Use the extract if you have it, or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
• Canola oil – For crisp, even browning without burning.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance sweetness.

Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Tips

• Dairy-free? Go with oat milk for best flavor. Almond or soy milk work too.
• No pumpkin spice extract? Use ½ tsp ground ginger and ¼ tsp allspice instead.
• Gluten-free? A thick-cut gluten-free bread will still soak up the custard beautifully.
• Low-sugar? Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup at the end.

How To Make Pumpkin French Toast

Here’s how to make this warm and fluffy fall favorite:

Whisk the custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, spices or extract, and salt until completely smooth.

Soak the bread
Dip each slice of brioche into the pumpkin custard. Coat both sides and the edges, but don’t let it sit too long—just enough to soak without falling apart.

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Cook on medium heat until golden
Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle on medium to medium-low. Add a bit of canola oil and lay down the soaked slices. Cook each side for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and the centers are set.

Serve with toppings
Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy the cozy pumpkin magic!

Tips for the Best Results

• Use day-old or slightly dried bread—it absorbs the custard better without getting soggy.
• Preheat your pan fully before adding the toast. This helps it cook evenly and develop a crisp edge.
• Cook on medium to medium-low heat to ensure the center cooks through before the outside burns.
• If you’re batch-cooking, keep finished slices warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.

Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Toast

There’s no wrong way to top your Pumpkin French Toast, but here are a few cozy favorites:

• Classic maple syrup (try pumpkin-spiced syrup for bonus fall vibes)
• A dollop of cinnamon whipped cream or bourbon whipped cream
• Toasted pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for crunch
• A drizzle of honey or apple butter
• A dusting of powdered sugar or a pat of cinnamon butter
• Pumpkin butter for a rich, double-pumpkin punch

Mix and match based on what you have—this recipe is forgiving and flexible.

Pumpkin French Toast FAQs

More Fall Breakfast Favorites

If you loved this recipe, try these other cozy fall breakfasts next:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – a deliciously moist fall loaf with a hint of chocolate
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – soft, spiced muffins with a rich cream cheese center

For even more inspiration, check out our fall favorites on Pinterest or join the cozy breakfast convo on Facebook.

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