How To Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast

Pumpkin spice French toast is a warm, cozy breakfast that combines classic French toast with the flavors of fall.
 
It’s an easy recipe that takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and it uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
 
Whether you’re craving a pumpkin spice French toast breakfast on a crisp October morning or just want a pumpkin spice French toast recipe that feels like a hug on a plate, this one delivers.
 
The secret is a rich custard flavored with real pumpkin, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make pumpkin spice French toast, the best bread to use, key ingredients, and tips for a batch that turns out golden and custardy every time.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast

Making pumpkin spice French toast comes down to building a flavorful custard and cooking each slice to golden perfection.
 
Here’s how to make pumpkin spice French toast step by step:
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

For this pumpkin spice French toast recipe, you’ll need eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt.
 
You’ll also need thick slices of bread and butter for the pan.
 
Real pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is what gives pumpkin spice French toast its body and earthy flavor, so don’t skip it.
 

2. Whisk the Custard

In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs until smooth, then add the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices.
 
Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps of pumpkin remain.
 
Letting the custard rest for a few minutes helps the spices bloom and makes your pumpkin spice French toast taste even better.
 

3. Choose the Right Bread

The best bread for pumpkin spice French toast is thick, slightly stale bread like challah, brioche, or Texas toast.
 
Day-old bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, which is key when you make pumpkin spice French toast.
 
So if you’re wondering how to make pumpkin spice French toast that holds its shape, start with sturdy slices.
 

4. Soak Each Slice

Dip each slice into the custard for about 20 to 30 seconds per side.
 
You want it coated but not soggy, so let the excess drip back into the dish before it hits the pan.
 
This brief soak is why homemade pumpkin spice French toast comes out custardy in the middle and crisp at the edges.
 

5. Cook Until Golden

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook each slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
 
The goal when you make pumpkin spice French toast is a deep golden crust and a center that’s set but still tender.
 
Serve it hot with maple syrup, a dusting of cinnamon, or a spoon of whipped cream.
 

Best Bread and Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice French Toast

The ingredients make or break your pumpkin spice French toast, so a few smart choices go a long way.
 

1. Thick, Day-Old Bread

Challah, brioche, sourdough, and Texas toast are all great for pumpkin spice French toast because they’re sturdy and absorbent.
 
Fresh bread tends to turn mushy, so slightly stale slices are actually ideal here.
 

2. Real Pumpkin Puree

Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.
 
About a third of a cup is enough for four to six slices of pumpkin spice French toast.
 

3. Warm Spices and Vanilla

Cinnamon is the star, but nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves add that classic pumpkin spice depth.
 
A splash of vanilla rounds everything out and makes your pumpkin spice French toast smell incredible.
 

4. Whole Milk or Cream

Whole milk gives pumpkin spice French toast a rich custard, while a splash of cream takes it over the top.
 
Either way, avoid skim milk here because you want that silky texture.
 

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice French Toast

These little tricks will help your pumpkin spice French toast turn out great every single time.
 

1. Don’t Over-Soak the Bread

Over-soaking is the number one reason pumpkin spice French toast turns out soggy, so keep the dip short and quick.
 

2. Use Medium, Not High, Heat

Medium heat lets the custard cook through before the outside burns, which matters when you make pumpkin spice French toast with a thick slice.
 

3. Keep Finished Slices Warm

Set cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest so every piece of pumpkin spice French toast is warm at serving time.
 

4. Wipe the Pan Between Batches

Burnt butter can make your pumpkin spice French toast taste bitter, so a quick wipe and fresh pat of butter keeps each batch golden and clean.
 

So, How Do You Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast?

You make pumpkin spice French toast by whisking a pumpkin-spiced custard, soaking thick slices of day-old bread, and cooking them in butter until golden.
 
With the right bread and a short soak, your pumpkin spice French toast will come out crisp outside and custardy inside every time.
 
Give this pumpkin spice French toast recipe a try this fall, and it just might become your new favorite weekend breakfast.