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Cozy Pumpkin French Toast

Section: Morning Favorites

This variation of classic French toast incorporates creamy pumpkin puree and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create a warm, inviting flavor profile. The custard mixture slowly soaks into hearty bread slices, which are cooked golden brown on a griddle and finished warm in the oven. Ideal for serving with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar, this dish brings a comforting, seasonal twist that's perfect for chilly mornings.

Using half and half adds richness to the custard, while the combination of aromatic spices enhances the pumpkin's natural sweetness. For best results, choose a sturdy bread like brioche or challah to soak up the custard without falling apart. This simple technique transforms an everyday breakfast into a flavorful experience.

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Lindsey
Created By Lindsey
Most recently updated on Fri, 03 Oct 2025 03:12:23 GMT
French toast with butter and syrup on a plate. Save
French toast with butter and syrup on a plate. | cookbing.com

This pumpkin French toast brings cozy autumn flavors to the breakfast table with a comforting blend of pumpkin puree and warming spices. It is a lovely twist on the classic recipe that transforms your morning into a special occasion without any fuss.

I first prepared this for an early fall brunch with close friends and it instantly became a crowd favorite for its cozy nostalgic taste.

Ingredients List

  • Half and half: adds creaminess making the custard rich yet smooth go for fresh half and half from the dairy section
  • Pumpkin puree: is the heart of the dish choose unsweetened pumpkin puree for natural flavor
  • Large eggs: help bind the custard and provide structure select farm fresh eggs if possible for best color and texture
  • Packed light brown sugar: offers a mild molasses note to complement the pumpkin pick a soft uncrusted sugar for easy mixing
  • Vanilla extract: enhances the overall warmth and depth choose pure vanilla extract rather than imitation
  • Ground cinnamon ground nutmeg ground ginger and ground cloves: bring layers of warming spice use fresh ground spices for the best aromatics
  • Hearty white bread: hold the custard well Brioche or challah can be used for extra richness and softness
  • Unsalted butter for cooking: allows control over salt and browning use good quality butter for deep flavor

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Oven And Pan:
Preheat the oven to 110 degrees Celsius to keep finished slices warm. Warm an electric griddle to 175 degrees Celsius or heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat for cooking.
Mix The Custard:
In a shallow bowl whisk together pumpkin puree eggs brown sugar vanilla extract cinnamon nutmeg ginger and cloves until fully combined. Gradually whisk in half and half to form a smooth custard.
Soak The Bread:
Dip each slice of hearty white bread into the custard mixture allowing it to absorb evenly on both sides without becoming too soggy.
Cook The First Side:
Butter the griddle surface place the soaked bread slices onto it and cook until the bottoms turn a golden brown color this usually takes several minutes.
Flip And Cook The Other Side:
Butter the griddle again to prevent sticking gently flip each slice and cook until the other side also turns golden brown.
Keep Warm In The Oven:
Transfer cooked slices onto the oven rack to keep warm for up to 10 minutes this step ensures the center cooks completely and the toast stays crisp on the outside.
French toast with butter and syrup.
French toast with butter and syrup. | cookbing.com

I love the way cinnamon and nutmeg bring back memories of cool fall mornings in my family kitchen. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Best Storage Practices

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet to keep the edges crisp. Freezing is possible by laying slices flat separated by parchment paper and thawing thoroughly before reheating.

Ingredient Swaps

Swap half and half for whole milk for a lighter version or use coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative which adds a subtle sweetness. Brioche or challah instead of hearty white bread will give a richer softer texture. Adjust spice quantities to your preference for a milder or bolder flavor.

Serving Pairings

Serve warm with classic maple syrup or a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness. Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for creamy contrast. Fresh berries or sliced apples also complement the pumpkin spices beautifully.

French toast with whipped cream and pumpkin.
French toast with whipped cream and pumpkin. | cookbing.com

This recipe captures the essence of autumn in a warm comforting dish. It’s simple to prepare yet delights every time.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What type of bread works best for French toast here?

Sturdy breads like brioche or challah absorb the custard well without breaking apart, making them ideal choices.

→ Can I adjust the spice levels to suit my taste?

Absolutely, you can increase or decrease cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves according to your preference.

→ Why is the bread finished in the oven after cooking on the griddle?

Placing the bread in a low oven keeps it warm and ensures the center cooks fully without burning the outside.

→ What’s the purpose of using half and half in the custard?

Half and half enriches the custard mixture, producing a creamier texture and more flavorful toast.

→ How can I serve this dish to enhance its flavor?

Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to complement the warm spices and pumpkin.

Pumpkin French Toast Delight

Soft and flavorful French toast enriched with pumpkin and warm spices for a cozy start.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created By: Lindsey

Type of Recipe: Morning Favorites

Cooking Difficulty: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yielded: 5 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian Option

Ingredients List

→ Custard Mixture

01 180 ml half and half
02 120 g pumpkin puree
03 4 large eggs
04 32 g packed light brown sugar
05 7.5 ml vanilla extract
06 3.1 g ground cinnamon
07 1.0 g ground nutmeg
08 0.5 g ground ginger
09 0.3 g ground cloves

→ Main

10 9 slices hearty white bread

→ For Cooking

11 Unsalted butter as needed

Detailed Cooking Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 110°C. Heat an electric griddle to 175°C or warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Step 02

In a shallow bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until homogeneous. Gradually incorporate half and half, whisking until smooth.

Step 03

Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, ensuring even absorption on both sides.

Step 04

Butter the griddle surface and arrange soaked bread slices on it. Cook until the bottoms achieve a golden brown color, approximately several minutes.

Step 05

Apply butter to the griddle again, flip the slices, and cook until the opposite side turns golden brown.

Step 06

Place the cooked slices on the oven rack to maintain warmth for up to 10 minutes, ensuring the center is fully cooked. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by maple syrup.

Helpful Hints

  1. For enhanced richness, substitute hearty white bread with brioche or challah.
  2. Adjust spice quantities according to personal taste preferences.
  3. Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flavor.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • Electric griddle or non-stick skillet
  • Oven
  • Shallow mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and ask a doctor if unsure.
  • Contains eggs and dairy
  • Contains gluten from bread

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

These nutritional values serve as a guide and don’t replace advice from healthcare experts.
  • Calorie Count: 375
  • Fat Content: 17.5 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 50 grams
  • Protein Amount: 13.5 grams