Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast that captures the essence of fall, you’ll love this Pumpkin French Toast recipe.
It’s not just about the warm spices; it’s the way the pumpkin blends perfectly with the egg mixture, creating a custardy delight.
I can’t get enough of the rich, autumn flavors that make each bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, the aroma wafting through my kitchen while it’s cooking sets the perfect mood.
It’s an easy dish to whip up for family gatherings or lazy weekends.
Trust me, this will become your go-to fall breakfast favorite!
Ingredients of Pumpkin French Toast
When it comes to making a delightful Pumpkin French Toast, gathering the right ingredients is key to ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. It’s really straightforward, but be sure to pay attention to the details—like using stale bread for that perfect texture. I mean, nobody wants soggy French toast, right?
Let’s explore what you’ll need for this tasty dish that’s perfect for brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (nonfat, whole, or half n’ half)
- 2 heaping tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 whole loaf bread (stale, or left out to get stale)
Now, let’s talk about a few considerations while you’re gathering these ingredients. First off, the type of bread you use can really change the game. A hearty loaf, like challah or brioche, works wonders because they soak up that custard beautifully without falling apart.
And if you’re like me, you might wonder if you can just skip the staleness step. Well, I’d say giving your bread some time to dry out is worth it. It helps create that lovely crisp crust while keeping the inside soft and custardy.
Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen? It’s basically fall in a dish. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up something that’ll make everyone smile.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Making Pumpkin French Toast is both fun and rewarding, especially when you see the delight on everyone’s faces as they take their first bite. To kick things off, you’ll want to gather your ingredients, as we discussed earlier. It’s important to have everything ready—after all, no one likes a frantic kitchen scramble.
Start by grabbing those 8 eggs and crack them into a large mixing bowl. Then, toss in the 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin. This is where the magic begins—the pumpkin adds not just flavor but also a lovely creaminess that will make your French toast truly special.
Next, whisk in 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. This combo might seem a little odd at first, but trust me, it helps create that perfect custard texture. Now, pour in 1 1/2 cups of milk—nonfat, whole, or half n’ half—whatever floats your boat. Stir in 2 heaping tablespoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Feel free to take a moment to enjoy that heavenly aroma. Now, to finish off the custard base, add in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and give everything a good whisk until it’s smooth and well-combined.
Now comes the fun part—soaking the bread. If you’ve followed the earlier advice and let your loaf of bread sit out to get stale, you’re in good shape. Slice the bread if you haven’t already, and soak each slice in that luscious custard mixture until it’s soaked through but not falling apart. This step is essential, and while you might be tempted to rush it, don’t. Letting the bread absorb that custard will make all the difference.
Once your slices are ready, grease a frying pan and set it over medium heat. Fry each slice until it’s golden brown on both sides. This is where the magic happens—the smell of pumpkin spice dancing through the air is sure to draw everyone into the kitchen, and you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar.
If you’re making these for a crowd, don’t sweat it; you can keep the finished slices warm in a 180°F oven until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy!
Pumpkin French Toast Substitutions & Variations
While traditional Pumpkin French Toast is delightful as it is, there’s always room for creativity and personalization.
I love experimenting with different types of bread, like brioche or challah, for added richness. If you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk works perfectly in the custard.
Spice it up by adding a dash of ginger or cardamom. For a healthier twist, substitute sugar with maple syrup or honey.
You can even toss in some chocolate chips or nuts for a crunchy texture.
Whatever variation you choose, these simple tweaks make your Pumpkin French Toast experience uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Pumpkin French Toast
To elevate your Pumpkin French Toast experience, consider pairing it with complementary sides that enhance the flavors.
I love serving it with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit, like sliced bananas or berries, adds a revitalizing touch that balances the richness.
Drizzling maple syrup over the toast brings out its sweetness, while a dollop of whipped cream makes it feel indulgent. You might also try a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added crunch.
These sides not only complement the pumpkin spice but also create a delightful brunch spread that everyone will enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
If you want to take your Pumpkin French Toast to the next level, consider these additional tips.
First, add a pinch of nutmeg to your batter for an extra spice kick. You can also use day-old bread for better absorption; stale bread works wonders!
For a gourmet touch, try topping your French toast with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
If you’re making this for a crowd, keep the cooked slices warm in a low oven.
Finally, don’t be shy with the maple syrup—it’s the perfect finishing touch for that sweet, fall flavor. Enjoy every bite!