Description
Easy Pumpkin French Toast! Challah or brioche bread soaked in spiced pumpkin batter, griddled to golden perfection. Top with your favorite toppings for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf challah bread, or brioche, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil, for greasing the griddle or pan
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add Spices: Add pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to the wet ingredients. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust spices or sweetness as desired.
- (Optional) Rest Batter: Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Soaking Station: Have your bowl of pumpkin French toast batter ready, and a clean plate or baking sheet nearby to place the soaked bread slices.
- Soak Bread: Gently place one slice of bread into the batter. Let it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side, or until the bread is nicely saturated but still holds its shape.
- Remove and Drain: Carefully lift the soaked bread slice out of the batter, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place the soaked slice on the prepared plate or baking sheet.
- Repeat: Repeat the soaking process with the remaining bread slices, making sure to keep an eye on the batter level. If you run out of batter, you can always whisk up a little more using the same proportions.
- Prepare Cooking Surface: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Add a pat of butter or a drizzle of oil to grease the surface.
- Cook French Toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle or skillet, leaving a little space between each slice.
- Cook Each Side: Cook the French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can use a spatula to gently lift a corner of the French toast to check for doneness. If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
- Check for Doneness: To make sure the French toast is cooked through, you can insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! If it’s still a little wet, cook it for another minute or two per side.
- Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re making a large batch of French toast, you can keep the cooked slices warm in a preheated oven (200°F) while you finish cooking the rest. This will prevent them from getting cold and soggy.
- Serve: Plate the French toast, add your favorite toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Challah or brioche bread works best, but sourdough, French bread, or day-old sandwich bread can be used. Adjust soaking time accordingly.
- Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom.
- Add chopped nuts or granola to the batter for extra texture.
- To make vegan, substitute milk with plant-based milk and use a vegan egg replacer.
- For a more decadent French toast, soak the bread in the batter overnight in the refrigerator.
- Turn this recipe into a baked French toast casserole by arranging the soaked bread slices in a baking dish, pouring any remaining batter over the top, and baking at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes