The mornings are getting cool, leaves crunching under my boots and i can smell cinnomon in the air makes me happy. I always loved pumpkin pie, but last weekend i figured, why not try it with french toast at brunch? So i mixed that familair pumpkin flavour with french toast and ended up with Pumpkin Pie French Toast—a cozy fall breakfast that mashes sweet pie spices into soft eggy bread we cant resist.
What is Pumpkin Pie French Toast?
Pumpkin Pie French Toast is basicly french toast meets pumpkin pie. You take thick slices of bread then soak em in a mix of eggs, pumpkin puree, milk and spices like cinnomon, nutmeg and cloves, then cook till golden. It kinda tastes like autumn on a plate.
Its flavor is a yummy combo of sweet and spiced. The pumpkin puree makes the custard rich and creamy and the spices give it that classic fall warmth. You can top it with maple syrup, whipped cream or even some chopped nuts if you like a bit of crunch.
Origin and History
French toast has been arround for ages—folks in different cultures would soak stale bread in milk and eggs to make it fresh again. Fast foward to today and we’ve got tons of fancy versions, like this pumpkin spin. Pumpkin has been a fall favorite for centuries, so mixing it into french toast just felt like the next logical step.
Seasonal Appeal of Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Every autumn you’ll smell cinnomon, nutmeg, clove and pumpkin spice everywhere you go. Those flavors scream fall, and they’re exactly what makes this french toast so special right now. It’s like a breakfast version of all your favorite fall recipes.
This dish is perfect for thanksgiving morning or any weekend when you wanna impress your friends. You can set up a little brunch table with fall decorations, let people add their own toppings and enjoy the cozy vibes together.
3. Benefits of Making Pumpkin Pie French Toast
3.1 Nutritional Highlights
Pumpkin Pie French Toast isn’t just tasty, it also packs some good stuff. Pumpkin is full of fibber, vitmans A and C, and antioxidants that help your body. The eggs give you protein and the bread’s carbs keep you going all morning.
3.2 Versatility
You can tweak this recipe lots of ways. Need gluten-free? Use gluten-free bread. Don’t do dairy? Swap in almond milk or another non dairy milk. You can even soak the bread ahead of time and cook it later, so it’s perfect for busy mornings.
4. Detailed Recipe for Pumpkin Pie French Toast
4.1 Ingredients List
- Base Ingredients:
- Bread (6–8 slices, day old works best)
- Eggs (4 large)
- Milk (1 cup, dairy or non dairy)
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup)
- Flavorings:
- Pumpkin pie spice (1½ teaspons)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Sugar (optional, 2 tabelspoons)
- Toppings:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Maple syrup or carmel sauce
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
4.2 Directions
Preparation of Mixture
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, sugar and pumpkin pie spice together till smooth. If it’s lumpy, give it another quick stir.
Dipping the Bread
Dunk each slice of bread in the mixture, letting it soak up as much custard as possible. Shake off the extra so it doesnt get soggy.
Cooking Instructions
Heat a skillet over medium heat and butter it lightly. Place the soaked bread on the skillet and cook about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Repeat with all slices.
Serving Suggestions
Stack the french toast on a plate, drizzle with maple syrup, add whipped cream and nuts. Eat it while it’s still warm.
4.3 Tips and Variations
Try sour dough or brioche for a richer taste. Add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the mix. If you want less fuss, bake the soaked bread on a sheet pan at 350°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
5.1 Ideal Drinks
A hot coffe or chai latte pairs great with all those spices. If you want something cold, a smoothie or fresh juice is a nice contrast.
5.2 Side Dish Ideas
Add some crispy bacon or sausage for a savory bite. Fresh fruits or yogurt makes it feel lighter and balances the sweetness.
6. Storage and Reheating Tips
6.1 Storing
Let leftovers cool, then place in an airtite container. Fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer. Put parchment paper between slices so they dont stick.
6.2 Reheating
Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. You can microwave it too, but be careful or it might get rubbery.
7. FAQs about Pumpkin Pie French Toast
7.1 Can i use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just cook and puree fresh pumpkin until it’s smooth before mixing it with the eggs.
7.2 How can i make this dish gluten-free?
Swap regular bread for gluten-free bread—you can find it at most stores now.
7.3 What’s the best bread to use for French toast?
Brioche, challah or any bread that’s a bit firm and can hold the custard without falling apart works best.
7.4 Can i make Pumpkin Pie French Toast ahead of time?
Sure, mix and soak the bread and keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking.
7.5 How can i make this dish healthier?
Use whole-grain bread, cut back on sugar, add extra pumpkin for fiber and top with fresh fruit instead of syrup.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Pie French Toast is a fun way to bring fall’s flavors to your breakfast table. It’s easy to tweak, perfect for sharing, and fills your kitchen with the best autumn scents. Give it a try and see how it becomes a new seasonal favorite for you and your family.
Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 griddle or non-stick skillet
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 knife for slicing bread
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread (thick-cut, such as brioche or Texas toast)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- as needed tablespoons butter for greasing the pan
- as needed to taste maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, canned pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
- Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Allow excess mixture to drip off.
- Place the coated bread slices onto the hot griddle or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the French toast to plates and keep warm while you finish the remaining slices.
- Serve the Pumpkin Pie French Toast warm with a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some powdered sugar or chopped pecans on top before serving.
