Pumpkin Spice French Toast, anyone? This simple, extra-delicious pumpkin french toast is perfect for crisp fall mornings and guaranteed to please a crowd.
If you’re a pumpkin lover, consider trying the Buttermilk Pumpkin Spice Waffles next.
This fall-inspired breakfast brings warm spices and creamy pumpkin together for a comforting start to the day.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice French Toast
- Easy to make
- Full of fall flavor
- Perfect for serving a crowd
Type of Bread to Use for French Toast
- Challah is a top choice: it slices thick, soaks well and holds up to the custard.
- Brioche is another excellent option for a rich, tender result.
Ingredients to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast
- Challah or brioche loaf
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
- Pumpkin puree
- Brown sugar
- Kosher salt
What to Pair with Pumpkin Spice French Toast
- Maple syrup — a classic choice that complements pumpkin and spice beautifully.
- Whipped mascarpone — creamy and slightly tangy, it elevates the dish into a decadent brunch item.
Bonus: Whipped Mascarpone
For an indulgent topping, make whipped mascarpone. It takes less than five minutes with only three ingredients and adds a luxurious finish to the french toast.
How to Make Whipped Mascarpone
Combine heavy cream, mascarpone and sugar in a food processor or mixer and blend until light and fluffy. Chill until ready to serve.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Your Secret Weapon
Pumpkin pie spice brings the warm, familiar fall aroma and flavor to this french toast. A small homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice will deliver the classic taste.
If you prefer making your own spice mix, use a quick five-ingredient blend for the freshest flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Whisk the custard well so the egg whites are fully incorporated and the texture stays smooth.
- Use butter plus a neutral oil — a combination of butter and a small amount of avocado or neutral oil prevents burning while keeping that buttery flavor.
- Slice thick — cut challah or brioche into about 1¼-inch slices so the french toast stays substantial and soaks properly.
- Soak sufficiently — give each side several minutes to absorb the custard so the center is tender and custardy.
- Preheat your skillet — a hot cast-iron skillet gives a golden exterior without pooling custard on the surface.
Special Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet
- 11×8 baking dish
- Food processor (if making whipped mascarpone)
Looking for More Pumpkin Recipes?
Try other pumpkin-spiced favorites that pair well with this recipe or make great additions to fall breakfasts and brunches.
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
- Buttermilk Pumpkin Spice Waffles with Whipped Mascarpone
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Loving this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Recipe!
Share your results and tag the creator on social media to show how your batch turned out. Enjoy this comforting fall breakfast with family and friends.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast
10
30
40
6
Jeri Mobley-Arias
Breakfast
American
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1½ tablespoons packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 loaf challah, cut into 1¼-inch slices
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Avocado oil or neutral oil spray
Whipped Mascarpone
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup mascarpone
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
-
In an 11×8 baking dish, add the eggs and whisk until no visible egg whites remain.
-
Stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, salt and brown sugar until combined.
-
Add the whole milk, heavy cream and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
-
Dip the challah slices into the custard. Set a timer for 4 minutes, turning or pressing the slices into the mixture after about 1 minute so they soak evenly.
-
After 4 minutes, flip the slices and soak the other side for the same amount of time. Preheat a cast-iron skillet while the bread soaks.
-
When the skillet is hot, add ½ tablespoon butter and spray with avocado oil. Once the butter melts, add the soaked slices and cook about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
-
Serve immediately with whipped mascarpone (optional), a dusting of pumpkin pie spice and warm maple syrup.
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a comment and share a photo on social media to show how your french toast turned out.