Hey there! If there’s one dish that has become a family favorite in our home, it’s this delightful Pumpkin French Toast. I remember the first time I made it—my kids were coming home from school, and the aroma of pumpkin and spices filled the air. They walked in and immediately asked, “What’s for dinner, Mom?” It felt like a little moment of magic in our busy day.
This recipe is super easy to whip up, and it’s a great way to use pumpkin puree, especially during the fall. My husband loves it with a drizzle of maple syrup, while I can’t resist a little extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It’s perfect for breakfast, but honestly, we sometimes enjoy it for dinner too! And the best part? It makes the kitchen feel cozy and inviting.
As you prepare this dish, feel free to make it your own. You can play around with the spices or even the toppings, but trust me, the creamy pumpkin butter really takes it to another level. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe with your family!
Making Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole or low-fat milk
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup softened butter (salted or unsalted)
- 12 slices of Texas toast or French bread
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree for topping
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping)
Directions
In a shallow dish, combine the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until everything is smooth and well-blended.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Melt a small amount of butter in the pan.
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Place the soaked slices onto the hot skillet.
Cook each slice for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. Repeat this process until all slices are cooked.
For the pumpkin butter, beat the softened butter in a bowl until it’s fluffy, roughly 2 minutes. Mix in the extra pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until creamy.
Serve the French toast warm, topped with the delicious pumpkin butter, and enjoy your cozy meal!
Storing Suggestion
If you have leftovers, store the French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a toaster or microwave until warmed through.
Cooking Tips
Feel free to substitute almond milk for a dairy-free version or use whole grain bread for a healthier option. If you’re out of pumpkin puree, you can use mashed banana for a different flavor twist. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or bananas. A cup of warm chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte makes for the perfect drink pairing!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can use sweet potato puree or even applesauce. For those avoiding eggs, a flaxseed meal mixed with water can work as an excellent substitute, maintaining the texture and flavor.
Seasonal Variations
In the spring, consider using fresh strawberries or blueberries in place of pumpkin. You can also switch the spices to lemon zest and vanilla for a refreshing take. In winter, adding a dash of peppermint extract can make for a festive treat!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten from the bread. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. If you have dairy allergies, substitute with plant-based butter and milk alternatives to enjoy this dish safely.
FAQ
Can I make this Pumpkin French Toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the egg mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just dip the bread and cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great time-saver for busy mornings!
What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can create your own mix using cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Just use equal parts of each to mimic the flavor profile of pumpkin pie spice perfectly.
Can I freeze the Pumpkin French Toast?
Yes! Once cooled, you can wrap the French toast in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! This Pumpkin French Toast is a kid-friendly dish that most children enjoy. It’s packed with flavor, and they can even help with the dipping process, making it a fun family activity!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using whole grain bread, reducing the butter, and substituting some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or mashed bananas. You can also add chia seeds for extra nutrition.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the recipe?
Yes! If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey. You can always add more on top when serving, allowing everyone to customize their sweetness.
Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole or low-fat milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup softened butter salted or unsalted
- 12 slices Texas toast or French bread
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree for topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- In a wide shallow dish, whisk the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together until smooth.
- Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and melt a bit of butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Then, place the soaked bread on the hot skillet.
- Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining slices.
- For the pumpkin butter, beat the softened butter in a small bowl until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in the additional pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, and continue to beat until creamy.
- Serve the French toast warm, topped with the pumpkin butter, and enjoy!
