Pumpkin spice French toast is my go-to for crisp mornings wrapped in cozy nostalgia. I love how the pumpkin purée adds a tender, moist crumb and a softly sweet aroma that fills the kitchen. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, especially when the air turns crisp outside.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
It’s the perfect way to turn leftover bread into a decadent breakfast. The aroma of pumpkin and spices makes the house feel warm and inviting. Plus, it’s forgiving — a little extra soak or a touch more spice never hurts, and I always find new toppings to try.
The Heart of the Pumpkin Spice French Toast
- Eggs: Bind everything together, giving structure and richness.
- Pumpkin purée: Adds moisture, flavor, and a soft, tender crumb.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes it festive.
- Thick bread: Holds up well to soaking and stays tender inside, crispy outside.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar: Sweeten and finish with a drizzle of syrup and a dusting of sugar.
- Butter: Gives a golden crisp and a nutty aroma during cooking.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spices with a subtle sweetness.
Tools of the Trade for Pumpkin Spice French Toast
- Shallow dish: For dipping and coating the bread evenly.
- Whisk: To blend eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
- Non-stick skillet or griddle: For even, fuss-free cooking with minimal sticking.
- Spatula: To flip the toast gently without breaking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate spice and liquid ratios.
Step-by-Step to Pumpkin Spice Bliss
Step 1: Gather your ingredients and tools: a shallow dish, a whisk, a non-stick skillet or griddle.
Step 2: Whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in the shallow dish.
Step 3: Heat your skillet over medium heat (about 160°C/320°F). Add butter and let it melt until bubbly, with a nutty aroma.
Step 4: Dip slices of thick bread into the pumpkin mixture, soaking well but not so long that they fall apart.
Step 5: Cook each slice for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy at the edges.
Step 6: Check for doneness: the surface should be crisp, and the inside tender and steaming.
Step 7: Serve hot, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and maybe a few toasted pecans.
Cooking Checkpoints & Tips to Nail It
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough; a drop of water should dance and evaporate quickly.
- Watch the color: golden brown edges indicate perfect crispness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature steady and the toast crispy.
- Use fresh bread with some thickness—day-old bread can work too but may absorb too much liquid.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
- Burning the outside too quickly.? Use medium heat; too high and the toast burns before cooking through.
- Over-soaking leading to mushy toast.? Soak bread just enough to absorb liquid but not soggy.
- Uneven cooking or sticking.? Add butter or oil in small pieces, not a clump, for even browning.
- Soft, undercooked surface.? If the toast isn’t crisp, increase heat slightly or extend cooking time by 30 seconds.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast
Equipment
- Shallow Dish
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick bread (e.g., brioche or Texas toast) preferably day-old for better soaking
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée canned or cooked fresh pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves blend
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- to taste powdered sugar for dusting
- to taste maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and tools: a shallow dish, a whisk, and a skillet or griddle.
- In the shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You should see a slightly frothy, orange-tinted batter.
- Heat your skillet over medium heat until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly. Add the butter and let it melt, bubbling softly and giving off a nutty aroma.
- Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side, until it’s evenly coated but not soggy.
- Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet, pressing slightly to ensure contact. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- Check that the French toast is cooked through: it should be crisp on the outside and tender inside, with a warm aroma filling the air.
- Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving plate. Dust generously with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup for the perfect finish.
- Serve immediately while still warm, and enjoy the cozy flavors and crispy texture of your pumpkin spice French toast.
