Description
This Pumpkin French Toast features thick slices of brioche bread soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard mixture, then cooked until golden brown and finished with optional powdered sugar, pecans, and maple syrup. It’s a cozy and festive breakfast perfect for fall mornings.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk (2% recommended)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅙ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 10 to 12 slices brioche bread (or Texas toast/challah)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the skillet)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
- Finely chopped pecans (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk the eggs to break up the yolks. Add milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until fully combined.
- Butter the skillet or griddle.
- Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin custard, coating all sides and allowing the mixture to soak in. Let excess drip off.
- Place the soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove cooked slices and keep warm. Repeat with remaining bread, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
- Top with optional powdered sugar, pecans, and maple syrup before serving.
Notes
- Thoroughly whisk the custard mixture to ensure even texture.
- For best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb the custard without getting soggy.
- Mix in a bit of oil with butter to prevent burning and extend cooking time.
- Let bread sit briefly in the custard to absorb more flavor before cooking.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, to avoid overly sweet or spiced results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (without optional toppings)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.4g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
