The First Bite That Started It All
The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin hit me as I walked into my aunt’s kitchen. Golden toast sizzled in the pan, crisp edges glistening with syrup. One bite and I was hooked—warm, cozy, and just sweet enough. Ever wondered how you could turn breakfast into something unforgettable? This recipe does it. Now I make it every fall, and my kids beg for seconds.My Messy (But Delicious) First Try
My first batch was a disaster. I soaked the bread too long, and it fell apart in the pan. But the crispy scraps? Still amazing. Cooking teaches patience—and that even “flops” can taste great. Now I time the soak just right. Share your first kitchen fail below!Why This Recipe Works
– The pumpkin adds creaminess without making it soggy. – Cinnamon and brown sugar create a caramel-like crunch. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Try it with whipped cream or pecans for extra fun.A Slice of History
French toast dates back to ancient Rome, where stale bread got a second life. Pumpkin spice became popular in the U.S. in the 1900s. *Did you know? The term “French toast” first appeared in England, not France.* What’s your favorite way to use pumpkin?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | 3/4 cup | |
| Pumpkin puree | 1/2 cup | |
| Eggs | 3 | |
| Light brown sugar | 2 tbsp | |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 tsp | |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp | |
| Bread | 9 slices | |
| Butter | As needed | for cooking |
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Step 1 Whisk milk, pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and spices in a dish. Mix until smooth. No lumps! Use a fork if needed. (Hard-learned tip: Warm the milk first for smoother blending.)
Step 2 Dip bread slices into the custard. Soak 30 seconds per side. Don’t oversoak or it’ll get soggy. Stale bread works best.
Step 3 Melt butter in a skillet on medium-low heat. Cook 2-3 slices at a time. Flip after 3-4 minutes. Golden brown is perfect.
Step 4 Repeat until all slices are cooked. Keep finished toast warm in the oven. Top with syrup and enjoy! What’s your favorite fall breakfast? Share below!
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes Total Time: 25–30 minutes Yield: 4–5 servings Category: Breakfast, Fall
Fun Twists on Pumpkin French Toast
Chocolate Chip Press mini chocolate chips into the bread after soaking. Melty and sweet!
Nutty Crunch Roll the edges in crushed pecans before cooking. Adds a crispy texture.
Savory Swap Skip the sugar. Top with goat cheese and honey. Unexpected but delicious! Which twist would you try? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas for Pumpkin French Toast
Pair with crispy bacon or fresh fruit. A dollop of whipped cream never hurts. Drink ideas: Hot apple cider (non-alcoholic) or a pumpkin spice latte with a shot of bourbon. Which would you choose tonight?
Make It Last
Store leftover French toast in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet for crispness. Freeze slices with parchment between them for up to 1 month. *Fun fact: My grandkids sneak frozen slices straight from the freezer!* Double the batch—this recipe scales easily for crowds. Why this matters: Wasting food wastes money and time. Ever tried freezing French toast? Share your tricks below!Fix It Fast
Soggy toast? Soak bread just 30 seconds per side—no longer. Burning outside but raw inside? Lower the heat and cook slower. Custard not sticking? Use stale bread or lightly toast slices first. Why this matters: Small tweaks make big flavor wins. Which issue trips you up most? Tell me in the comments!Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free bread and check spice labels for gluten.
Q: How far ahead can I prep the custard?
A: Mix it the night before—just whisk again before soaking.
Q: What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
A: Mix 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp ginger.
Q: Can I use almond milk?
A: Absolutely. Any milk works here.
Q: What’s the best bread for French toast?
A: Brioche or challah adds richness, but sandwich bread works too.
Let’s Stay Connected
I’d love to see your pumpkin French toast creations! Tag@SpoonSway on Pinterest so I can cheer you on. Fall flavors taste better shared. Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.
Easy Pumpkin French Toast for Fall Breakfast
Description
Enjoy a cozy fall breakfast with this delicious pumpkin French toast, featuring warm spices and a custardy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a shallow baking dish whisk the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, light brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon together until combined.
- Soak each slice of bread in the custard for 30 seconds per side.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat then melt some butter on it.
- Cook 2-3 slices of bread at a time, giving them about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat until all the slices are cooked.
- Top with powdered sugar, cinnamon butter, and maple syrup and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, use brioche or challah bread. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
Pumpkin, French Toast, Fall Breakfast, Cinnamon
