The Ultimate Autumn Indulgence: Irresistibly Custardy Pumpkin French Toast

Embrace the flavors of fall with this exquisite Pumpkin French Toast recipe, a seasonal twist on my beloved Custard French Toast. As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting breakfast to start your day. This recipe takes that classic comfort and infuses it with the rich, spicy essence of pumpkin, creating a truly unforgettable breakfast experience. The secret to its unparalleled tenderness lies in the custard base, specifically the use of egg yolks, which guarantees a luxuriously smooth interior without any unwanted “eggy” texture. This added warmth and delightful spice profile make autumn mornings all the more enjoyable and delicious.

This Pumpkin French Toast isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine waking up to the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mingling with the sweet scent of vanilla and pumpkin. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy custard, soft bread, and a perfectly caramelized, crisp exterior. It’s the ideal treat for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or any time you crave a taste of pure autumnal bliss. Prepare to elevate your breakfast game with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that’s sure to become a cherished fall tradition.

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Crafting the Perfect Custard: Key Ingredients for Pumpkin French Toast

The foundation of any great French toast begins with quality ingredients, and this pumpkin-spiced version is no exception. While the lineup might seem familiar – cinnamon sugar, milk, vanilla – it’s the specific choices and the star additions that truly set this recipe apart. Let’s delve into what makes these ingredients essential for an extraordinary fall breakfast.

The Bread: Brioche is Best

My go-to bread for French toast, and especially for this pumpkin rendition, is brioche. This rich, buttery French bread transforms into an incredibly tender and flavorful French toast. Its naturally soft and slightly sweet crumb absorbs the custard beautifully, leading to a moist and luxurious interior. In early fall 2021, I was lucky enough to discover a pumpkin spice swirl brioche bread at Trader Joe’s Grocery Stores. If you can get your hands on that seasonal gem, it will undoubtedly take this French toast to an even higher level of pumpkin perfection. If not, a good quality, plain brioche is still an excellent choice. When selecting your bread, always opt for a thick-cut loaf – roughly 3/4 to 1 inch thick – as this allows for ample custard absorption without becoming soggy and provides a satisfying bite.

The Heart of Fall Flavor: Pumpkin Puree and Pumpkin Pie Spice

The magic of autumn truly comes alive with the addition of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. It’s crucial to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced. The puree provides that authentic earthy pumpkin flavor and contributes to the custard’s creamy texture. The pumpkin pie spice blend is where the “spicy fall touch” really shines. It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice, creating that quintessential warm, aromatic profile we associate with autumn. Together, these two ingredients infuse the French toast with a seasonal depth that is utterly delicious and comforting.

The Secret to Custardy Perfection: Egg Yolks Only

This is arguably the most important ingredient to note, and the true game-changer for French toast texture. While many recipes call for whole eggs, using only egg yolks delivers a superior custardy middle. This technique ensures that your finished product boasts a rich, velvety interior that melts in your mouth. Furthermore, by omitting the egg whites, you eliminate the possibility of an “eggy” crust or a rubbery texture on the outside of your bread, which can sometimes result from overcooked egg whites. It’s a small but significant detail that elevates this French toast from good to absolutely phenomenal, making it incredibly indulgent and delightful.

For precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post or scroll directly to the bottom of the page to view the full recipe card.

Method: Crafting Your Pumpkin French Toast from Start to Finish

Creating this irresistible Pumpkin French Toast is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly custardy interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior.

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

Begin by combining your liquid and flavoring ingredients in a wide, shallow bowl – this shape is ideal for easily dipping the bread. Whisk together the whole milk, those precious egg yolks, pumpkin puree, vanilla bean paste (or extract), pumpkin pie spice, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and slightly frothy. This forms the rich, aromatic custard base that will infuse your brioche with all the wonderful fall flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Your Skillet

Next, place a large skillet, preferably a cast iron pan, over medium-low heat. It’s important to keep the heat moderate to prevent the butter from burning too quickly, which can impart a bitter taste. Once the skillet is warm, add a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter and a drizzle of vegetable oil. The vegetable oil has a higher smoke point than butter, effectively helping to prevent the butter from scorching while still providing that rich, buttery flavor and golden-brown crust.

Step 3: Dip and Cook the Bread

Take each thick slice of brioche and gently immerse it in the custard base. Allow it to soak for about 20-30 seconds per side, or until the bread is thoroughly saturated but not falling apart. You’ll want it to absorb plenty of the custard without becoming overly soggy. Carefully place the soaked bread slices into the preheated skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook only two slices at a time to ensure even cooking and proper browning.

Step 4: The Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Finish

Here’s where an extra layer of deliciousness comes in. Once the bread is in the pan, immediately sprinkle the raw, uncooked side generously with cinnamon sugar. Cook until the bottom side is golden brown and beautifully caramelized. Then, carefully flip the bread. Now, dust the freshly cooked side with another sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Cook this side until it’s also golden and caramelized. For the ultimate crisp and sweet crust, flip the toast one more time, allowing the second sugared side to get a final touch of caramelization. You’re aiming for a deep golden-brown hue, indicating that the sugar has melted and crystalized into a delightful, slightly crisp layer. Continue this process for all your brioche slices, adding more butter and oil to the pan as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once all your Pumpkin French Toast slices are perfectly cooked with their beautiful caramelized cinnamon sugar crusts, it’s time to serve. Stack them high on a plate, top with a generous pat of unsalted butter, and drizzle with plenty of pure maple syrup. For an extra boost of fall flavor and a touch of visual appeal, finish with an additional sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Other delightful toppings could include a dollop of whipped cream, toasted pecans, candied walnuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve immediately and savor every warm, custardy bite!

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin French Toast

To truly master this Pumpkin French Toast and ensure it’s nothing short of perfection, keep these valuable notes and tips in mind:

The Egg Yolk Advantage: Unlocking Ultimate Custardiness

As highlighted before, the singular most important tip for achieving an incredibly custardy French toast is to use only egg yolks. This seemingly small alteration has a profound impact. If you’ve ever experienced French toast with an “eggy” taste or a rubbery, firm crust on the outside from egg whites setting too quickly, using just the yolks will eliminate these issues. The yolks impart a richness and a silken texture that whites simply cannot. This makes the French toast significantly more indulgent and provides that melt-in-your-mouth quality that defines truly exceptional French toast.

Achieving the Perfect Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Crust

The caramelized cinnamon sugar coating is a true highlight of this recipe, adding a delightful crispness and bursts of sweetness. Don’t be timid with the heat or the sugar. As the toast cools slightly, this sugary crust becomes wonderfully crisp – it’s often my favorite part! While cooking, don’t be afraid if you see a few really dark or even slightly black spots on the sugar. These bits contribute a subtle bitterness that wonderfully balances the overall sweetness of the French toast, preventing it from being cloyingly sweet and adding depth of flavor. Patience is key here; let the sugar truly caramelize for the best results.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Pumpkin Pie Spice

While a good quality store-bought pumpkin pie spice blend will work perfectly, I often mix up my own version. I prefer to make mine extra spicy, emphasizing cinnamon, ginger, and a touch more cloves for an enhanced aromatic kick. If you’re keen to customize your spice level and create a blend that perfectly suits your palate, you can find my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe here. Adjusting the spice blend allows for a personalized touch that can make this French toast even more special.

Optimal Pan Temperature

Maintaining a medium-low heat is crucial. Too high, and your sugar will burn before the bread cooks through and the custard sets. Too low, and you won’t get that desirable golden-brown caramelization. Aim for a consistent, gentle sizzle when the bread hits the pan.

Keep it Warm

If you’re making a large batch, you can keep cooked French toast warm by placing it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in an oven preheated to its lowest setting (around 200°F / 90°C). This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy while you finish cooking the remaining slices.

Variations & Substitutions to Customize Your French Toast

While this recipe is designed for optimal flavor and texture, it’s also versatile enough to accommodate various preferences and dietary needs. Here are some excellent substitutions and variations you can try:

Bread Choices Beyond Brioche

Brioche is undoubtedly my favorite for its richness and texture, but you have options! Any thick-cut bread will perform well, as the thickness allows for proper absorption without becoming mushy. Other fantastic choices include:

• Challah: Similar to brioche in richness and texture, it makes a wonderfully soft French toast.
• Texas Toast: Its pre-sliced thickness is perfect for soaking up the custard.
• Stale French or Italian Bread: A day-old loaf that’s slightly dry will absorb even more custard without losing its structure.
• Sourdough: A friend of mine absolutely loves making French toast with sourdough. Its subtle tang offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin and cinnamon sugar.

Whatever bread you settle on, remember that a thickly sliced bread (at least 3/4 to 1 inch thick) is always best for that custardy interior.

Vanilla: Paste vs. Extract

I often recommend vanilla bean paste for its intense flavor and visible vanilla specks, which add an artisanal touch. However, if you do not have vanilla bean paste, vanilla extract will do the job perfectly. Simply double the amount of extract compared to paste to achieve a similar depth of flavor.

Making it Dairy-Free

Converting this recipe to be dairy-free is quite simple. You can substitute the whole milk for your favorite unsweetened alternative milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. For cooking, replace the butter with additional vegetable oil, coconut oil, or a dairy-free butter alternative. Additionally, be sure to swap the brioche for a dairy-free bread, as traditional brioche is made with butter and milk.

Gluten-Free French Toast

For those avoiding gluten, this recipe is easily adaptable. Simply use your favorite grain-free or gluten-free bread. Many excellent varieties are available on the market today that hold up well to soaking and cooking, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful fall treat.

Sweetener Alternatives

While cinnamon sugar is specified, you can experiment with other sweeteners in the custard, such as brown sugar, maple syrup, or even a touch of molasses for deeper flavor. Just be mindful of the liquid content if adding significant amounts of syrup.

More Delicious Fall-Inspired Pumpkin Treats

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of pumpkin during the autumn season, here are some other fantastic recipes to satisfy your cravings:

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Sugar-Free Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Lasagna

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Did you make this recipe and love it as much as I do? Let me know by leaving a review or comment below! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes fun!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8-10 slices

Pumpkin French Toast

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

This recipe for Pumpkin French Toast is based on my classic Custard French Toast, but for fall I like to give it a spicy pumpkin twist.

Ingredients

• 4 lg Egg Yolks
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste
• 2 cups Whole Milk
• 2 tablespoons Cinnamon Sugar + more for cooking
• 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice + more for serving
• 1 loaf thick cut Brioche Bread, 9-10 slices
• Vegetable Oil, for cooking
• Unsalted Butter, for cooking and serving
• Maple Syrup, for serving

Instructions

1. If you need to make some cinnamon sugar, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a bowl. Place it in a sugar shaker or empty spice jar for easy dusting during cooking. The addition of nutmeg and salt is also welcome in this mixture. To one cup of sugar add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. And to make is Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Sugar, add 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice if desired.
2. In a large bowl or shallow dish, combine the egg yolks, vanilla, half and half, cinnamon sugar, and pie spice. Whisk the mixture together until it becomes frothy creating your custard base.
3. Heat a 10-12 inch skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Dip each slice of brioche in the custard mixture for 20-30 seconds, turning it over 3-4 times until the bread is saturated in the custard.
4. Gently place two slices in the pan at a time and dust the tops of each slice with cinnamon sugar. Cook the toast until golden brown, then turn it over, sugar side down. Dust the cooked side with more cinnamon sugar, and when side two has become golden and caramelized, flip the toast again and cook until the cinnamon sugar has caramelized.
5. When both sides have been sugared and caramelized, remove the toast from the pan and continue the process until all the bread has been used.
6. Top with an additional dusting of cinnamon sugar, a pat of butter, and pure maple syrup to serve.

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