If you’ve been searching for that perfect fall breakfast to cozy up your mornings, look no further than this glorious Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite—the rich pumpkin flavor blends effortlessly with fragrant spices, and the luscious brown sugar cinnamon butter simply elevates it all to breakfast perfection. This recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s a celebration of autumn mornings, perfect for lazy weekends or impressing loved ones with a homemade treat that feels both special and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating your perfect Pumpkin French Toast experience. Each one plays a crucial role—from the creamy pumpkin that adds moisture and vibrant color, to the warm spices that fill the kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- 4 large eggs: These eggs provide the structure and richness needed to hold the batter together and coat the bread perfectly.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth custard base for soaking the bread.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Brings that signature fall flavor and beautiful orange hue to elevate your French toast.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the spices and pumpkin’s earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet, aromatic layer of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth that perfectly complements the pumpkin and brown sugar.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that deepens the autumnal taste.
- 8 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah): Thick slices soak up the pumpkin custard beautifully, offering a tender yet tenderly crisp texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, for cooking: Essential for frying the toast to a golden finish without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- For the Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter: Combines 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon—this buttery spread is the ultimate finishing touch for melting over your warm french toast.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Pumpkin Custard
In a large mixing bowl, combine your eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed. This custard base is where all the magic begins, providing that moist and flavorful soak your bread will adore.
Step 2: Preheat and Butter Your Cooking Surface
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a knob of unsalted butter. This step ensures your pan is hot enough for cooking while the butter adds a lightly golden crust and silky richness to your French toast slices.
Step 3: Dip the Bread in the Pumpkin Mixture
Carefully dip each thick slice of bread into the pumpkin custard, coating both sides evenly. Make sure not to oversoak, or your toast might become too soggy and tricky to flip. Let any excess drip off gently before transferring the bread to the pan.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Custardy
Place the soaked bread slices onto your preheated skillet. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms. The result is French toast that’s crispy on the outside yet soft and custardy inside—absolutely addictive.
Step 5: Whip Up the Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter
While your French toast cooks, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable. This delightful cinnamon butter is the perfect sweet and spiced companion to your pumpkin-infused toast.
Step 6: Keep Cooked Toast Warm
After cooking each batch, transfer the French toast to a warm plate or keep it in a low oven covered lightly with foil. This keeps your slices hot and ready, so you can serve all at once without losing any crispness or warmth.
Step 7: Serve with Your Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter
Present your Pumpkin French Toast with a generous dollop of that heavenly cinnamon butter on top. If you like, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced fruits like strawberries or bananas add bright colors and natural sweetness that brighten this rich dish beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts also adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts with the velvety toast and butter.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your pumpkin French toast with crispy breakfast bacon or savory sausage links to balance the sweetness. A side of creamy Greek yogurt with honey can also add a refreshing contrast that complements the buttery cinnamon flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful brunch presentation, stack the slices in a neat tower and spear with a cinnamon stick or fresh herb sprig like rosemary for that seasonal flair. Serving on rustic wooden boards or with mini jars of the cinnamon butter invites your guests to spread and savor the dish themselves, making the meal even more fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply place the cooled Pumpkin French Toast in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this warm breakfast on busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then storing them in a zip-top freezer bag. This method locks in moisture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy pumpkin French toast any time—just thaw and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat your Pumpkin French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain that crispy exterior and warm custardy center. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the toast soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is what most people use. Just make sure it is plain pumpkin puree without added spices or sweeteners to control the flavor in your French toast.
What type of bread works best for Pumpkin French Toast?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast are ideal because they soak up the pumpkin custard without falling apart, resulting in a crisp outside and soft inside.
Is there a dairy-free option for the milk and butter?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. For the butter, use plant-based alternatives or coconut oil. The flavors might shift slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I make the brown sugar and cinnamon butter ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the cinnamon butter a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it soften before spreading it on your warm French toast for the best effect.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
The key is not to soak the bread for too long—just enough to coat it evenly—and to cook over medium heat until each side is golden. Also, using thicker bread helps keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about starting the day with this Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of cozy autumn flavors and comforting textures that makes breakfast feel like a celebration. Whether for a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, crank up the stove, and let this warm, spiced delight bring joy to your mornings!
Print
Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter is a cozy, autumn-inspired breakfast treat. The custard-like pumpkin batter is infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a flavorful twist on classic French toast. Served with a luscious cinnamon-spiked brown sugar butter, it’s perfect for a comforting morning or holiday brunch.
Ingredients
French Toast Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 slices thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for cooking)
Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until fully combined to create a smooth, flavorful custard base.
- Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, then add a small amount of the unsalted butter and allow it to melt and coat the surface to prevent sticking.
- Dip the bread: Take each slice of thick bread and dip it into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated but not soaking wet. Let any excess mixture drip off before cooking.
- Cook the French toast: Place the coated bread slices onto the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, creating a crisp exterior and tender interior.
- Make the cinnamon butter: While the French toast cooks, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth and creamy, ready to be served as a decadent topping.
- Keep warm: Once cooked, remove the French toast from the skillet and keep warm by covering them or placing them in a low oven as you finish cooking the remaining batches.
- Serve: Plate the Pumpkin French Toast hot and top with a generous dollop of the brown sugar and cinnamon butter. Optionally, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use thick slices of bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and to hold up well in the pumpkin batter.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative such as almond or oat milk if desired.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter substitutes for cooking and the cinnamon butter.
- Leftover brown sugar cinnamon butter can be stored in the refrigerator and used on other breakfast items like pancakes or muffins.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste by adding more or less cinnamon and nutmeg.
