Description
This Pumpkin French Toast recipe offers a warm and comforting breakfast option perfect for fall or any time you crave a spicy, sweet twist on traditional French toast. Made with a blend of pumpkin puree, warming spices, and hearty white bread, it’s cooked on a griddle to golden perfection and kept warm in the oven before serving.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 4 eggs
- 2 1/2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp cloves
French Toast
- 9 slices (1-inch thick) hearty white bread (such as rustic French bread or brioche)
- Butter (for griddle)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat appliances: Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, heat an electric griddle to 350 degrees, or alternatively, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Prepare custard mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, packed light-brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined. Pour in the half and half and whisk again until the entire mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Soak bread: Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin-egg mixture, allowing it to soak up the custard thoroughly. Turn the bread to soak the opposite side equally well.
- Cook first side: Butter the griddle where you will place the soaked bread slices. Place each piece of soaked bread onto the griddle and cook until the bottom side turns golden brown, which should take several minutes.
- Cook second side: Lift the bread, butter the griddle again, flip the French toast slices, and cook the other side until golden brown as well.
- Keep warm: Transfer the cooked French toast slices to the oven rack to keep warm for up to 10 minutes. This resting step helps ensure the center is fully cooked and keeps them warm for serving.
- Serve: Serve the pumpkin French toast warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- You can use either canned or fresh pumpkin puree depending on seasonal availability.
- Rustic white breads like French bread or brioche are preferred for their thick, sturdy slices that soak custard well without falling apart.
- Keeping cooked French toast warm in the oven prevents sogginess and allows for even cooking through the center.
- Adjust spice levels according to taste; you may increase cinnamon or nutmeg for more warmth.
- Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
