As the leaves start to change and crisp fall mornings roll in, it’s time to bring cozy flavors back to the breakfast table. This Pumpkin French Toast recipe is the ultimate way to celebrate autumn — with warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a golden, custardy finish on every slice. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or prepping an indulgent weekend brunch, this easy fall French toast recipe is a must-try.
Not only is this dish comforting and flavorful, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make. Plus, we’ll share ideas for Pumpkin French Toast Sticks, how to customize it for dietary needs, and even suggest fall-inspired sides and drinks to serve with it.
If you love fall breakfasts, you’ll also enjoy our Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes or Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
This isn’t your average French toast. Infused with real pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spices, this recipe is:
- Rich and flavorful with every bite
- Easy to make in 15–20 minutes
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Versatile for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert
- A great way to use up leftover pumpkin purée
Want more cozy ideas for autumn? Our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies and Pumpkin Twists are also crowd favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This pumpkin breakfast recipe uses pantry staples and comes together fast. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6–8 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
- Butter or oil for cooking
Optional toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Crushed pecans
- Powdered sugar
- Greek yogurt
Want a protein boost? Pair this with a Cottage Cheese Egg Bake for a balanced meal.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Follow these easy steps for perfect fall French toast every time:
1. Make the Pumpkin Custard
In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, milk, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. Dip the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, coating both sides. Don’t soak too long if your bread is thin, or it may fall apart.
3. Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter or oil. Cook each slice for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
4. Serve Warm
Top with maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a spoonful of Pumpkin Fluff Dip for extra sweetness.
Pumpkin French Toast Sticks (Kid-Friendly)
To make Pumpkin French Toast Sticks, slice the bread into thick sticks before dipping in the batter. Cook as usual, flipping with tongs to get all sides crispy. Serve with a side of syrup for dipping — perfect for little hands!
Looking for a Halloween twist? Try serving these with Pumpkin Truffles on the side or a spooky drink like Strawberry Cream Soda.
Serving Ideas for Fall French Toast
Make it a full brunch with these cozy pairings:
- Sweet sides: Apple Crisp with Oatmeal, Pumpkin Protein Muffins
- Savory pairings: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, Loaded Breakfast Hash
- Drinks: Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew, Lavender Lemonade
Hosting a fall brunch?
Don’t forget a fun treat like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups to add variety to the table.
Recipe Variations
Want to customize your Pumpkin French Toast Recipe? Here are some tasty twists:
Crusty Bread Only
Use day-old French or sourdough bread for crispier edges and firmer texture.
Dairy-Free Version
Use almond or oat milk and cook with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Low-Carb Version
Try it with keto-friendly bread and serve with sugar-free syrup. Or make Mini Keto Pumpkin Pies for dessert.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling
Make a stuffed version by spreading sweetened cream cheese between two bread slices before dipping in the custard.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer to get that crispy edge again.
- Freeze it: Flash freeze cooked French toast on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen as needed.
- Make-ahead tip: Prep the custard the night before and soak bread in the morning.
FAQs About Pumpkin French Toast
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?
No, pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices. Use 100% canned pumpkin for best results.
What type of bread works best?
Thick, sturdy breads like challah, brioche, or French bread hold up best when dipped in the custard.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Make the batter ahead and store in the fridge. You can also cook the French toast and reheat before serving.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze in layers with parchment paper in between and reheat as needed.
More French Toast Recipes & Fall Breakfast Ideas
Craving more cozy morning dishes? Try these favorites from the Lyndy’s Kitchen collection:
- Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes
- Mini Pancake Cereal
- Croissant Breakfast Boats
- High-Protein Overnight Oats
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about Pumpkin French Toast in the fall. It’s a warm, inviting breakfast that fills the kitchen with pumpkin spice aroma and brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weekday breakfast or making a special fall brunch, this easy pumpkin French toast recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Need more pumpkin breakfast recipes? Start with our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, or explore autumn recipes that make every morning a little cozier.
Print
Fall Pumpkin French Toast (Easy Pumpkin Breakfast Recipe for Cozy Mornings)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cozy, spiced, and irresistibly comforting—this Fall Pumpkin French Toast blends real pumpkin purée with warm cinnamon and nutmeg for the ultimate autumn breakfast. Ready in under 30 minutes and easy to make dairy-free or gluten-free, it’s perfect for crisp weekend mornings or festive brunches.
Ingredients
- 6 thick slices bread (brioche or Texas toast works best)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for the skillet
- Maple syrup or sugar-free syrup, for serving
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, pecans, pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Prep the custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
- Soak the bread: Dip each slice into the pumpkin mixture, 15–20 seconds per side, until well coated but not soggy.
- Cook: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat with butter or oil. Cook soaked slices 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and set.
- Serve: Plate warm with maple syrup. Add whipped cream, toasted pecans, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar if desired.
Notes
- Bread picks: Brioche, challah, or Texas toast absorb custard beautifully; choose a dense gluten-free loaf if needed.
- Flavor boosts: Add a pinch of clove or allspice, a dash of pumpkin spice extract, or stir a spoonful of cream cheese into the custard.
- Make-ahead: Mix the custard the night before; soak and cook in the morning.
- Variations: Slice into sticks for kid-friendly dippers; bake as a casserole for brunch; use low-carb bread and sugar-free syrup for a keto-leaning option.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months (layer with parchment). Reheat in toaster, oven, or skillet.
- Avoid pitfalls: Don’t over-soak, use medium heat to prevent burning, and cook through to avoid a raw, eggy center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Fall Pumpkin French Toast, pumpkin french toast, easy pumpkin breakfast, autumn breakfast recipe, pumpkin spice french toast
