Easy Pumpkin French Toast: A Delicious Fall Treat

Okay, mom tribe, let’s talk about a breakfast (or dinner!) that’s a total game-changer in my house: Pumpkin French Toast. Yes, you heard right. We’re taking that classic comfort food and giving it a cozy, autumnal twist.

It all started on a particularly chilly Sunday morning. The kids were begging for French toast, but I was craving something a little more… exciting. I had a can of pumpkin puree leftover from a failed attempt at pumpkin pie (don’t ask!), and a lightbulb went off. I thought, “Why not?” I threw some pumpkin puree into the egg mixture, added a dash of pumpkin spice, and crossed my fingers.

The result? Pure breakfast bliss! My kids, who are usually suspicious of anything “healthy-ish,” devoured it. My husband even went back for seconds. That’s when I knew I had struck gold.

This Pumpkin French Toast has become a family staple, especially during the fall. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover pumpkin puree, and it fills the house with the most amazing aroma. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weekday morning. If I can whip it up with two toddlers clinging to my legs, trust me, you can too!

So, if you’re looking for a way to add some excitement to your breakfast routine and impress your family, give this Pumpkin French Toast a try. You might just find yourself making it all year round. This recipe brings smiles to my crew every time and I’m sure your family will be the same! Let’s get to it, fellow kitchen warriors!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Alright, let’s gather our supplies! Trust me, this Pumpkin French Toast ingredient list is short because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 6 slices of your favorite bread: Brioche, challah, or even plain old sandwich bread work great. I usually use whatever I have on hand.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: You can grab a can at Target while doing your regular grocery run, or even use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
• 1/2 cup milk: Any kind of milk works – dairy, almond, soy, you name it! My kids don’t notice the difference, so I usually go with whatever’s in the fridge.
• 2 large eggs: Free-range if you can! I always keep some on hand.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness. You can use maple syrup or honey as a substitute.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This is where the magic happens! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a little extra flavor. Don’t skip it!
• 2 tablespoons butter: For greasing the pan. You can also use cooking spray.

No worries if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice – I use cinnamon all the time in my Pumpkin French Toast. It will still give it that warm, cozy flavor. And if you’re out of regular milk, almond milk works just as well. This Pumpkin French Toast doesn’t have to break the bank!

Here’s a mom hack that saved my sanity: I usually prep the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. That way, all I have to do in the morning is dip the bread and cook it. Talk about a time-saver!

My family loves when I add a little extra cinnamon to the Pumpkin French Toast. It just makes it extra cozy and delicious. And if you have any leftover pumpkin puree, you can use it to make pumpkin muffins or pumpkin soup. Waste not, want not, right?

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, kitchen warriors, let’s get cooking! This Pumpkin French Toast is so easy, even your kids can help (with supervision, of course!). For more sanity-saving breakfast ideas, check out this recipe.

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the wet ingredients: In a shallow dish or baking pan, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Heat your griddle or frying pan: Melt the butter in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot enough so the Pumpkin French Toast cooks evenly.
3. Dip the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Don’t soak the bread for too long, or it will become soggy.
4. Cook the French toast: Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot griddle or skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Your Pumpkin French Toast should smell amazing by now!
5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the Pumpkin French Toast from the pan and serve immediately. Top with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Pumpkin French Toast usually takes about 15-20 minutes to make from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Pumpkin French Toast – I would overcrowd the pan! This would cause the temperature to drop and the French toast would end up soggy. Now, I cook it in batches and it comes out perfectly every time.

Don’t panic if your Pumpkin French Toast looks a little dark – the pumpkin puree tends to brown quickly. Just keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.

While your Pumpkin French Toast is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! You deserve it, mama!

If you’re looking for even more ways to enjoy pumpkin, check out these Pumpkin French Toast roll-ups!

How We Love to Eat This!

Alright, let’s talk about how my family loves to devour this Pumpkin French Toast. I’ve got some kid-approved side dishes that make it a complete meal!

The kids devour this Pumpkin French Toast when I serve it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory. I also like to add a bowl of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, for a healthy boost. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for this Pumpkin Spice French Toast.

This Pumpkin French Toast is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy. I’ll often serve it with a simple side salad or a bowl of soup. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread, too!

For a fun and festive presentation, I like to cut the Pumpkin French Toast into strips and arrange them on a platter with a bowl of maple syrup for dipping. The kids love it!

Here’s a leftover idea: If you have any Pumpkin French Toast leftover, you can cut it into cubes and use it to make a bread pudding. Just toss it with some custard and bake it in the oven until golden brown. It’s a delicious and comforting dessert.

We also love to make a Pumpkin French Toast casserole for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning. It’s a great way to feed a crowd and it can be prepped ahead of time.

My husband is a big fan of the Pumpkin Spice French Toast, while my kids prefer it with just a dusting of powdered sugar. I personally love it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

I have been known to make this and top it with my own Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, mom tribe, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making Pumpkin French Toast. I’ve been there, I get it!

• Can my picky eater handle this Pumpkin French Toast?It’s worth a try! The pumpkin flavor is subtle, and the pumpkin pie spice adds a warm, comforting taste. You can also try serving it with their favorite toppings, like syrup or fruit, to make it more appealing.
• What if I burn my Pumpkin French Toast? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If you burn your Pumpkin French Toast, simply scrape off the burnt parts and try again. You can also lower the heat and cook it for a little longer to prevent burning.
• Can I make this Pumpkin French Toast ahead for meal prep?Yes! You can prep the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also cook the Pumpkin French Toast ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or oven.
• Can I use different types of bread?Absolutely! Brioche, challah, and even plain old sandwich bread all work great. I’ve even used croissants before!
• Can I make this recipe vegan?Yes! Use plant-based milk and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make a Vegan Pumpkin French Toast.
• What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?No problem! You can make your own by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Or, just use cinnamon for a simple and delicious flavor.
• Can I add chocolate chips to this?You bet! My kids love when I add a handful of chocolate chips to the Pumpkin French Toast batter. It’s like a pumpkin spice chocolate chip pancake!

If you decide to try the Vegan Pumpkin French Toast route – you can also check out Pumpkin Vegan French Toast Casserole • The Healthy Toast or Pumpkin French Toast Casserole (vegan, oil-free, refined sugar free…!

Final Thoughts:

This Pumpkin French Toast is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a memory of that chilly Sunday morning when I stumbled upon a breakfast that brought smiles to my family’s faces. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest. It’s a symbol of the cozy, comforting moments we share together in our chaotic kitchen.

Here are my Pumpkin French Toast Mom Hacks:

• Prep ahead: Make the egg mixture the night before to save time in the morning.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the French toast in batches to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Get the kids involved: Let them help with dipping the bread and sprinkling on the toppings.

Here are some family-tested Pumpkin French Toast variations:

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip French Toast: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
• Pumpkin Pecan French Toast: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before cooking for a crunchy texture.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast: Spread a layer of cream cheese on the bread before dipping for a tangy twist.

My husband loves the Pumpkin Chai French Toast, while my kids prefer the classic version with just maple syrup. I encourage you to experiment and find your own family favorites! You can find this kind of creativity within some Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls!

I hope you give this Pumpkin French Toast a try and create your own mealtime magic. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. And most importantly, don’t stress about perfection. Just have fun and enjoy the process! If you want to try out another amazing recipe, Pumpkin French Toast – Nora Cooks will not dissapoint.

You got this, fellow kitchen warriors! Now go make some memories!

 

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