Pumpkin French Toast: the perfect breakfast recipe

Make decadent Pumpkin French Toast by drenching fluffy, airy bread in a custard-like mixture of eggs, milk, pumpkin, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Then sear each piece so it’s crispy on the outside and moist and cake-like on the inside. The result is a stack of sweet, fall-spiced French Toast that makes every morning a good one. And the best part? This is an easy and quick recipe you can make on busy mornings too.

How to make Pumpkin French Toast

The steps for this French toast recipe are as straightforward as any. You’ll simply whisk together the batter of eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of salt. Next, take thick slices of bread (preferably something with a lot of air to soak up the sweet custard) and soak the bread into the egg mixture. Let the bread absorb as much liquid as possible by letting it sit for up to 1 minute. Meanwhile, have a skillet heating with a pat of butter. When the butter melts and the pan is hot, place your French toast into the skillet and sear. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Repeat with all of your slices of pumpkin French toast.

How to make Pumpkin butter

The key to turning this regular pumpkin French toast recipe up another level is creamy homemade pumpkin butter. To make pumpkin butter, simply combine room temperature butter with more pumpkin puree, maple syrup for sweetness, pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of kosher salt. The mixture should become light and fluffy. For best results, do this with an eclectic mixer and a paddle attachment.

How to serve the French Toast

It’s best to serve your French toast as soon as it comes out of the skillet. It should be piping hot, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Top each slice with pumpkin butter, a drizzle of maple syrup and any other toppings you like.

You can add crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans, or a touch of elegance with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar. The possibilities are endless, but however you serve this toast, it’s sure to put you in a good mood!

Best bread for homemade French Toast

The best bread for maximum absorption is challah or brioche. Both of these crusty breads have a bit of sweetness to them and a light and airy crumb that’s perfect for soaking up the pumpkin custard.

How to store French Toast

If you end up with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them on a hot skillet with another pat of butter before serving. Likewise, you can store the pumpkin butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can always use it to dress up regular toast too!

Instructions

In a pie plate or shallow baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin purée, and salt. Working with as many slices of bread as will easily fit into the dish.

Soak the bread for 1 minute.

Meanwhile, heat some of the butter in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted, add as many pieces of toast as will fit comfortably in your skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown, reducing the heat as necessary to avoid burning. Flip and repeat on the other side. Repeat with the remaining French toast slices.

To make the pumpkin butter, combine all of the ingredients.

Whisk until light and fluffy.

Serve the French toast while it’s hot with pumpkin butter, chopped nuts, maple syrup , whipped cream, or powdered sugar.