I’ve got a breakfast game-changer that combines two beloved classics into one extraordinary morning treat. Imagine the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie transformed into tender, custard-soaked French toast that’s crispy on the outside and pillowy within.
It’s fall comfort on a plate, ready in minutes with ingredients you probably have on hand right now. Perfect for chilly mornings when you need something special without the fuss. Curious about the secret to getting that perfect pumpkin pie flavor in every bite?
Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Three fantastic reasons you’ll love this Pumpkin Pie French Toast.
First, it transforms ordinary breakfast into a fall celebration with minimal effort. Just whisk, dip, and sizzle.
Second, the pumpkin puree adds moisture that creates the perfect texture—crispy edges with a custard-like center that melts in your mouth.
Third, it’s versatile enough for any morning situation, from lazy weekend brunches to quick weekday breakfasts.
Can you imagine anything better than the aroma of pumpkin pie spice wafting through your kitchen?
Plus, you can prep the mixture ahead of time for even speedier morning magic.
What Ingredients are in Pumpkin Pie French Toast?
To make this cozy fall breakfast, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that combine the best of French toast with the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie.
- 6 slices of bread (day-old works best)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Maple syrup for serving
The quality of your ingredients makes a difference here—real maple syrup creates that authentic fall experience, and using a good quality bread will help your French toast hold together while soaking up all that pumpkin-y goodness.
How to Make this Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Step 1: Prepare Your Pumpkin Custard Mixture
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
You want a consistent orange-hued mixture with no streaks of egg visible—this is the flavor foundation of your French toast.
Step 2: Select and Prepare Your Bread
Choose 6 slices of slightly stale bread, as day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart.
Wonder why restaurant French toast always tastes better? This little trick of using older bread is often their secret.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin mixture, making sure to coat both sides completely.
Allow the bread to soak for about 30 seconds per side—not too long or it’ll get soggy, not too short or it won’t absorb those delicious pumpkin flavors.
Step 4: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
The butter should be hot enough to sizzle gently when the bread touches it, but not so hot that it browns immediately.
For an even more delicious result, a premium cast iron dutch oven provides exceptional heat distribution for perfectly golden French toast.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the soaked bread slices in the buttered skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color that signals caramelization of the custard on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Step 6: Keep Warm While Cooking Batches
As you finish each slice, transfer it to a warm plate or place in a low oven (around 200°F) to keep warm while cooking the remaining slices.
Nobody wants cold French toast, after all.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your pumpkin pie French toast hot, drizzled with real maple syrup.
For an extra touch of fall decadence, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top—these optional garnishes take your breakfast from good to “can I’ve seconds?”
What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie French Toast
This fall-inspired breakfast deserves the perfect supporting cast. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage creates that irresistible sweet-savory balance we all crave in the morning.
For something lighter, a simple fruit salad with apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds echoes those autumn flavors beautifully.
A warm beverage is non-negotiable here—try a spiced chai latte or a mug of hot apple cider that mirrors the warming spices in your French toast.
And don’t forget about toppings! While maple syrup comes with the recipe, a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds wonderful texture contrast.
This hearty breakfast works wonderfully for weekend brunches when you have a little extra time to create a proper morning spread.
Pumpkin Pie French Toast Substitutions and Variations
• Creative Toppings: Try candied ginger, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.
For holiday mornings, cranberry compote makes this breakfast feel extra special.
Leftovers and Storage for this Pumpkin Pie French Toast
This French toast actually holds up surprisingly well as leftovers. To store properly:
- Allow slices to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers (prevents sticking). Will keep for 2-3 days.
- For freezer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
When reheating, avoid the microwave which can make your French toast soggy and sad. Instead, pop refrigerated slices in a toaster or toaster oven for a minute or two.
For frozen slices, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first.
While nothing beats the crispy edges of freshly made French toast, these pumpkin-infused slices maintain their flavor remarkably well. The pumpkin spice notes even seem to deepen overnight!
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pie French Toast transforms an ordinary breakfast into something truly special without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
The marriage of warm pumpkin spices with the comforting familiarity of French toast creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting. It’s perfect for crisp autumn weekends when you want something a little special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
This recipe shines particularly bright during the fall holiday season, when we naturally crave those warming pumpkin spice flavors.
There’s something deeply satisfying about cutting into these golden slices, watching the maple syrup pool around the edges while the aroma of pumpkin and spice fills your kitchen.
For the best texture and flavor absorption, consider using day-old bread which better soaks up the delicious pumpkin mixture.