Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh

As the crisp air of fall settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than waking up to the cozy aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through the kitchen. This Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect way to celebrate the season. The creamy pumpkin custard is perfectly spiced before soaking through the bread, to be cooked through.

If you’re craving a comforting breakfast on a chilly morning, this recipe brings all the flavors of autumn to your table with minimal effort. Grab your favorite syrup, a mug of hot coffee, and get ready to indulge in a seasonal twist on a breakfast classic.

Why We Love This Pumpkin French Toast

Pumpkin is a seasonal flavor that our family loves. It’s a sign that the weather is cooler and we’re celebrating the longer nights. As much as I love a French toast casserole (like my Banana French Toast Casserole) sometimes you want to keep it simple with single slice servings.

This flexibility allows you to make a few slices or serve the entire crew. If you want to make a small amount just keep the custard in the refrigerator to make more pumpkin French toast slices later.

Pumpkin French Toast Ingredients:

• Eggs: I used large-sized eggs.
• Pumpkin Puree: Find it in the baking section of your grocery store.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness.
• Pumpkin Spice: This will enhance the pumpkin puree.
• Whole milk: For the custard.
• Sliced Bread: Brioche or Challah Bread works best.
• Butter: As needed, to help with French toast sticking to the pan.

How To Prep Your French Toast Ahead of Time

I’d rather be sipping my coffee than stressing over French toast. Prep the ingredients ahead of time, if you want to keep things simple. Mix up the custard and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a whisk before using it the next morning. I’d slice the bread right before making the French.

How To Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight food storage container. Due to the custard, I recommend keeping the French toast refrigerated. For the best freshness, enjoy within 3-4 days of cooking. Reheat in the microwave, on high, for 30-45 seconds to reheat.

Topping Ideas For Extra Indulgence

This is where French toast becomes fun. Of course maple syrup is the standard topping, but let your creativity shine! Try making a Simple Southern Praline Pecan Sauce that poured hot over the French toast. Or whip up some Homemade Whipped Cream for the ultimate decadence, or toss some dried cranberries on top. I also love a dusting of powdered sugar, which looks so good.

How To Make Pumpkin French Toast

In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs and pumpkin puree until combined.

Add in the vanilla extract, followed by the sugar and pumpkin spice. Whisk well before adding the milk. Melt 1-2 Tablespoons of butter in a frying pan set over medium heat (or medium-low heat if your stove runs hotter).

Once the butter is hot and melted, dip each slice of bread individually into the pumpkin egg mixture, coating both sides of the bread. Allow the excess egg mixture to drip off of the bread, back into the container, before placing in the hot frying pan.

Cook for 3-5 minutes on the first side until well browned, then flip and cook until browned on the second side. (The second side will take less time, so check the cooking progress by using your spatula to lift up the corner and sneak a peek.)

Remove the bread slice to a clean plate and repeat with all bread slices, adding an additional 1/2 Tablespoon of butter to the pan between each slice.