Dessert

Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

Introduction

Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this cozy Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast. Infused with warm spices and pumpkin puree, this dish offers a deliciously comforting start to your day. It’s perfect for sharing with family or enjoying a special weekend treat.

Two thick slices of golden-brown French toast stacked on a white plate, with a syrup pool spreading around the base. The top slice is decorated with small caramelized apple pieces that have a shiny, sugary glaze, and a dollop of soft butter melting in the middle. A light dusting of powdered sugar covers the toast and the plate edges. The toast texture looks crisp on the outside but soft inside. The whole plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
4 large eggs
1 cup milk (can substitute with almond or oat milk)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
8 slices of bread (thick-cut, such as brioche or challah)
Butter or oil for cooking
Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, soaking about 30 seconds on each side.
Step 3: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter or oil.
Step 4: Place soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
Step 5: Transfer cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm while cooking the remaining slices.
Step 6: Serve warm topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh roasted pumpkin instead of canned puree for a richer, fresher flavor.
Try different breads like sourdough or cinnamon-raisin for unique taste variations.
Adjust spices to your preference; adding cloves or allspice enhances fall warmth.
Prepare the pumpkin mixture the night before and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
For a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use non-dairy milk.
Create savory French toast by adding salt and pepper to the mixture and serving with cheese and herbs.
Make stuffed French toast by adding cream cheese or mascarpone between bread slices before dipping.
Use almond flour bread for a gluten-free, grain-free alternative.

Storage

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster for best texture. To freeze, place slices flat in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Frozen French toast can be kept for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

A stack of two thick slices of golden brown French toast sits in the center of a white plate, with a shiny amber syrup pooling around the base. The top slice is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar, and topped with a dollop of creamy butter. Small, caramelized cubes of cooked fruit, with a dark caramel glaze, are scattered over the butter and toast. The background shows a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How can I ensure my French toast doesn’t get soggy?

Soak the bread just until it’s coated, about 30 seconds per side. Over-soaking can make the bread too soft and soggy during cooking.

Can I use whole grain bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole grain bread adds a pleasant nutty flavor and is a healthier option that works well with these fall spices.

What can I use as a substitute for milk?

Unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk are excellent dairy-free alternatives that won’t compromise the flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

You can reduce or skip the maple syrup in the pumpkin mixture, serve without syrup, or use less powdered sugar when dusting.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs while keeping the same delicious flavors.

Gabriel Langdon