Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast | Cozy Fall Morning Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast is the perfect way to bring cozy fall flavors to your morning table. With its warm spices, creamy custard, and golden-brown crust, this dish captures everything you love about autumn in one comforting bite. It’s rich, fluffy, and lightly sweetened with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin purée. I tried this with brioche bread, and it soaked up the pumpkin custard beautifully without falling apart—soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. Whether you serve it for a leisurely weekend brunch or a festive holiday breakfast, this Pumpkin French Toast is sure to impress. Top it with whipped cream, maple syrup, or candied pecans for an unforgettable seasonal treat.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bread – Thick slices of brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best for absorbing the custard without becoming soggy. Day-old bread is ideal for perfect texture.

Pumpkin purée – Adds rich flavor, natural sweetness, and that beautiful autumn hue. Use pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling).

Eggs – Help create the custard mixture that gives the French toast its signature creamy interior.

Milk – Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute almond, oat, or half-and-half for a different texture or flavor.

Heavy cream – Enhances the custard’s creaminess, creating a luxurious texture once cooked.

Brown sugar – Adds warmth and a subtle caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.

Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor and complements the fall spices.

Ground cinnamon – The essential spice for any pumpkin dish, giving warmth and depth.

Nutmeg and cloves – These spices add complexity and enhance the pumpkin flavor without overpowering it.

Butter – Used to cook the French toast, giving the slices a golden, crispy exterior and rich flavor.

Maple syrup – For drizzling on top and adding that classic breakfast sweetness.

Whipped cream (optional) – A light and creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish wide enough to dip your bread slices.

Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter to coat the surface. Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin custard, allowing it to soak for 10–15 seconds per side. Shake off any excess and place the slices on the hot skillet.

Cook each slice for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Serve warm, topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings (8 slices). Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is 15 minutes, totaling 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to 1 month—reheat in the oven or toaster before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Stuffed Pumpkin French Toast – Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese or Nutella between two slices before dipping for a decadent version.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Twist – Mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the custard for a subtle coffee flavor.

Healthier Option – Use whole-grain bread, low-fat milk, and reduce the sugar slightly.

Caramelized Banana Topping – Sauté sliced bananas with brown sugar and butter, then spoon over the French toast.

Apple Cinnamon Version – Top with warm cinnamon apples for a cozy fall-inspired variation.

Pecan Crumble Topping – Add a sprinkle of crushed candied pecans or granola for extra crunch.

Vegan Pumpkin French Toast – Use plant-based milk, omit the eggs, and add cornstarch or flaxseed meal to thicken the custard.

Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole – Layer bread slices in a baking dish, pour over the custard, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Chocolate Drizzle – Finish with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a dessert-worthy twist.

Pumpkin Caramel Delight – Drizzle with salted caramel sauce instead of maple syrup for a rich, indulgent topping.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?

No, pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which would alter the flavor and sweetness.

What’s the best bread for French toast?

Brioche or challah are ideal for their soft yet sturdy texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, mix the custard in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Dip and cook the bread fresh in the morning.

Can I bake instead of pan-frying?

Yes, arrange soaked slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes per side.

How do I prevent soggy French toast?

Use slightly stale bread and don’t over-soak—it should be moist but not falling apart.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely, almond, soy, or oat milk all work well in this recipe.

What toppings pair well with pumpkin French toast?

Maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce all complement the flavors beautifully.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze cooked slices between parchment paper and reheat in the toaster or oven.

Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar or skip sweet toppings if you prefer a more subtle flavor.

What’s the best way to serve it for brunch?

Arrange slices on a platter, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with small bowls of syrup, fruit, and whipped cream.

Conclusion

Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast is a cozy, flavorful way to start your day, especially during the cooler months. With its perfectly spiced pumpkin custard, soft interior, and crisp golden exterior, it delivers everything you love about fall in one delicious bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for weekend mornings, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a warm, comforting breakfast. Pair it with hot coffee or cider and enjoy a taste of autumn any time of year.