When the crisp autumn air sets in and the leaves begin to turn golden, few breakfasts feel more comforting than a warm, golden stack of pumpkin French toast. This cozy seasonal twist on a classic favorite brings together the best flavors of fall — cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin, and vanilla — to create a dish that’s indulgent, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a weekend brunch, spoil your family on a lazy Sunday morning, or simply celebrate pumpkin season in style, this pumpkin French toast recipe is your golden ticket to the ultimate fall breakfast experience. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, can be prepped ahead, and is endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast
This isn’t just any French toast. It’s autumn on a plate — a blend of creamy pumpkin purée, warm spices, and rich custard-soaked bread fried to golden perfection. Here’s why this recipe will become your new seasonal favorite:
- Rich Pumpkin Flavor: Every bite tastes like your favorite pumpkin pie but in breakfast form.
- Perfectly Spiced: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla delivers warm, cozy notes.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep — no special equipment needed.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for holiday mornings when you want maximum flavor with minimal stress.
- Freezer-Friendly: Store leftovers and reheat for a quick weekday breakfast treat.
- Customizable Toppings: From maple syrup to whipped cream or caramel drizzle, the options are endless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best pumpkin French toast, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a few seasonal ingredients. You probably already have most of them on hand!
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional but adds warmth)
- Pinch of salt
- 8–10 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- 2 tbsp butter for frying
Optional Toppings and Add-Ons
Here’s where you can get creative! Pumpkin French toast pairs beautifully with sweet, crunchy, and creamy toppings alike. Try mixing and matching these for a show-stopping brunch spread:
- Maple syrup (classic choice!)
- Whipped cream or whipped coconut cream
- Crushed pecans or candied walnuts
- Caramel drizzle or butterscotch sauce
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Powdered sugar for a snowy finish
- Crumbled Butterfingers for a sweet, chocolatey crunch (see special variation below!)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect golden slices of pumpkin French toast every time.
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Dip the bread: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, letting it soak for about 5 seconds per side. Don’t let it get too soggy or it may fall apart.
- Cook until golden: Place the soaked bread onto the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Repeat: Continue dipping and frying the remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve warm: Stack the French toast on plates and top with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin French Toast
- Use stale or day-old bread: Slightly dry bread soaks up the custard better without getting soggy.
- Control your heat: Medium heat ensures even browning without burning the pumpkin sugars.
- Whisk thoroughly: Pumpkin purée can clump — whisk well for a smooth, even batter.
- Try thick-cut bread: Brioche, challah, or Texas toast hold up beautifully and stay fluffy inside.
- Keep it warm: Store cooked slices in a 200°F (90°C) oven until ready to serve.
Butterfinger Peanut Butter Ball Variation
If you love a playful, indulgent breakfast twist, try topping your pumpkin French toast with Butterfinger peanut butter truffle bites. These little bites add a candy-bar crunch and peanut butter richness that’s absolutely addictive.
How to Make Butterfinger Peanut Butter Balls
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed Butterfingers, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened butter.
- Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls for about 30 minutes to firm them up for dipping.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and a bit of shortening (if desired) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, then place back on parchment to set.
- Chill until firm, then crumble over your pumpkin French toast for a dessert-style breakfast you’ll dream about.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions
To Make Ahead:
- Prepare the pumpkin custard up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
- When ready to cook, whisk again before dipping the bread.
To Freeze:
- Cook the French toast as directed and let it cool completely.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin French toast is versatile enough to serve as a casual breakfast or a luxurious brunch centerpiece. Try these serving ideas:
- Classic style: Butter, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Gourmet style: Topped with vanilla bean whipped cream, caramel sauce, and candied pecans.
- Family-friendly platter: Arrange slices with fresh fruit, yogurt, and peanut butter drizzle.
- Dessert-style: Top with ice cream and crumbled Butterfinger peanut butter balls for a fall-inspired treat.
Healthier Variations
Looking to lighten things up? You can still enjoy pumpkin French toast with a few easy swaps:
- Use whole-grain bread or gluten-free bread.
- Substitute almond milk or oat milk for dairy milk.
- Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Cook with coconut oil or ghee instead of butter.
- Add chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the custard for extra nutrition.
Pairing Ideas
Complete your breakfast with some cozy sides and drinks that complement the warm fall flavors:
- Hot Drinks: Pumpkin spice latte, chai tea, caramel cappuccino, or hot chocolate.
- Fresh Sides: A fruit salad with apples, pears, and pomegranate.
- Savory Balance: Crispy bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs for a hearty contrast.
- Dessert-Inspired Pair: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.
Common Questions About Pumpkin French Toast
Can I make pumpkin French toast overnight?
Yes! Assemble your soaked bread slices in a casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or pan-fry as usual. This is perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving morning.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin purée so you can control the sweetness and spices. Pumpkin pie mix contains added sugar and spices, which can make the custard too sweet.
What’s the best bread for French toast?
Brioche and challah are top choices because they’re rich, soft, and absorb the custard beautifully. Texas toast or thick-cut French bread also works well.
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Use slightly stale bread, dip briefly (not soak), and cook on medium heat to allow the interior to set before the outside browns too much.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop in the toaster or oven for the best texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make it soggy.
- Freeze: Store cooled slices in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months.
Creative Pumpkin French Toast Variations
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast: Spread a sweet cream cheese filling between two slices before dipping and frying.
- Pumpkin French Toast Casserole: Cube the bread, mix with custard, and bake — perfect for crowds.
- Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups: Roll bread slices with pumpkin butter inside, then dip and cook for a fun hand-held version.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin French Toast: Add chocolate chips to the custard for a dessert-inspired breakfast.
How to Serve for Brunch or Holidays
Hosting a fall brunch or Thanksgiving breakfast? Here’s how to turn your pumpkin French toast into a stunning centerpiece:
- Layer it: Stack slices in a tiered presentation topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
- Serve family-style: Arrange slices on a large platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon sticks for décor.
- Add toppings bar: Set out syrups, fruit, nuts, and chocolate chunks so everyone can customize their plate.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values will vary depending on ingredients used.
- Calories: 280–350
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
Pinterest-Worthy Presentation Tips
Want your pumpkin French toast to go viral on Pinterest? Follow these tips for mouthwatering, scroll-stopping visuals:
- Lighting: Shoot in natural morning light to highlight the golden tones.
- Angle: Capture flat lays of your toppings or side shots showing syrup drizzle.
- Props: Use rustic plates, warm-colored linens, and fall décor like cinnamon sticks or mini pumpkins.
- Action shots: A syrup pour or powdered sugar dusting shot is irresistible!
Expert SEO Tips for Food Bloggers (Bonus for Creators)
- Target Keywords: “pumpkin French toast,” “fall breakfast recipes,” and “pumpkin brunch ideas.”
- Include Alt Text: Use descriptive keywords for your food photos.
- Internal Links: Link to other seasonal recipes like pumpkin pancakes or apple cinnamon muffins.
- External Links: Reference reputable food sources or ingredient brands for credibility.
- Schema Markup: Add Recipe Schema for better Google snippet visibility.
Final Thoughts
This pumpkin French toast is everything you love about fall — cozy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you serve it with maple syrup and butter or take it up a notch with Butterfinger peanut butter truffles, it’s the kind of breakfast that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you crave a taste of autumn.
Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s not just a recipe — it’s a fall tradition in the making. So grab your whisk, warm up your skillet, and let your kitchen fill with the scents of pumpkin and spice. Breakfast will never be the same again.
Save this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again next weekend — and don’t forget to share it with your fellow pumpkin lovers!