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Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

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4 from 58 reviews

This Pumpkin French Toast recipe is a delicious autumn-inspired twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Made with a spiced pumpkin and egg custard soaked into hearty white bread slices, then griddled to golden perfection and kept warm in the oven, this dish delivers a comforting and flavorful start to your day. Perfect for fall mornings or festive brunches.

Ingredients

Custard Mixture

  • 3/4 cup half and half
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp cloves

French Toast

  • 9 slices (1-inch thick) hearty white bread (such as rustic French bread or brioche)
  • Butter, for griddle

Instructions

  1. Preheat Cooking Surfaces: Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C) to keep the cooked French toast warm later. Heat an electric griddle to 350°F (175°C); alternatively, a non-stick skillet over medium heat works well for cooking.
  2. Prepare Pumpkin Custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until smooth and fully combined. Pour in the half and half, then whisk again to blend everything evenly.
  3. Soak Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard mixture, allowing it to soak thoroughly on one side, then flip and soak the other side to ensure the bread absorbs the flavorful custard.
  4. Cook French Toast: Butter the area of the preheated griddle where you will place the bread. Lay the soaked bread slices on the griddle and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about several minutes. Then lift each piece, butter the griddle again, flip them to cook the other side until golden brown as well.
  5. Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked French toast slices onto the oven rack to keep warm for up to 10 minutes. This step also helps the toast finish cooking through the center if needed.
  6. Serve: Serve the pumpkin French toast warm, ideally with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Use thick, hearty bread like rustic French bread or brioche to hold up well when soaked in the custard.
  • Adjust spices according to your taste preference; more nutmeg or cinnamon can enhance the warmth.
  • Keeping the finished French toast warm in the oven prevents it from becoming soggy and ensures it stays at an optimal serving temperature.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with coconut milk or almond milk.
  • Serve with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or nuts for added texture and flavor.