Crisp autumn mornings deserve something special—something warm, cozy, and irresistibly comforting. That’s exactly what you’ll find in this Pumpkin Pie French Toast recipe. Imagine the rich, creamy flavor of pumpkin pie baked into buttery brioche slices, finished with golden edges, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a cozy breakfast meets holiday dessert, and it just might become your favorite fall tradition.
This recipe was born one Thanksgiving weekend when leftover pumpkin puree was staring at me from the fridge. Instead of another round of muffins, I turned to my weekend go-to: baked French toast. With some seasonal tweaks—hello, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon—it became an instant classic. Now it’s a staple in my kitchen every fall, from cozy brunches to festive breakfasts with guests.
🧡 Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie French Toast
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this autumn-inspired twist on classic French toast:
- Easy to prep the night before: Make it ahead for stress-free mornings.
- Full of fall flavor: Pumpkin, warm spices, and vanilla come together for the perfect seasonal bite.
- Feeds a crowd: Baked in one dish, it’s ideal for holiday brunches or lazy weekends.
- Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruit, or a swirl of cream cheese for a personal touch.
- Kid-approved and adult-adored: Comfort food that pleases all palates.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving breakfast, a fall-themed brunch, or simply want to indulge on a Saturday morning, this Pumpkin Pie French Toast is the answer.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious baked French toast:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf (16 oz) brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
🍞 The Best Bread for French Toast
When it comes to baked French toast, bread matters—a lot. Here are some excellent choices:
- Brioche: Rich, buttery, and soft—ideal for absorbing the pumpkin custard.
- Challah: Slightly sweet with a beautiful structure, making it another perfect option.
- Texas Toast: A thick, sturdy option if you can’t find brioche or challah.
Tip: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best—it soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
👨🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Pie French Toast (Step-by-Step)
This baked French toast recipe is incredibly simple, especially with overnight prep. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the bread slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer. You want the dish full, but not overcrowded.
2. Make the Pumpkin Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Whisk until smooth and thoroughly blended—there should be no lumps of pumpkin or egg.
3. Soak the Bread
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the arranged bread slices. Press the bread down gently so each piece absorbs the liquid.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up all that pumpkin goodness.
4. Bake to Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap.
Brush the top of the soaked bread with 2 tablespoons melted butter for a golden, crisp finish.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:
- The custard is set (no more jiggling in the center),
- The top is golden brown and lightly crisp.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
🍁 How to Serve Pumpkin Pie French Toast
This dish is best served warm with your favorite toppings. Here are a few delicious ideas:
- Classic combo: Maple syrup + powdered sugar
- Whipped cream: Just like pumpkin pie!
- Toasted pecans or walnuts: Add a lovely crunch
- Caramel drizzle: For extra indulgence
- Fresh berries: A tart contrast to the richness
Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or a chai latte for the ultimate fall breakfast experience.
🥄 Make It Your Own: Variations & Add-Ins
Looking to personalize your Pumpkin Pie French Toast? Here are some tasty twists:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Dot softened cream cheese between the bread layers before baking.
- Nutty Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking.
- Cranberry Orange: Add a handful of dried cranberries and a bit of orange zest to the custard.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
This dish is very forgiving—feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand.
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual servings and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast, or pop it in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes for best results.
Make-Ahead Tip
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or holidays. Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—your house will smell amazing, and breakfast will be effortless.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! You can use dairy milk, half-and-half, or plant-based alternatives like oat milk or almond milk. Just note: full-fat options yield the richest texture.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own with this simple blend:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ginger
- ⅛ tsp cloves
- ⅛ tsp allspice
Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Technically yes, but it won’t hold up as well. Brioche, challah, or Texas toast are highly recommended for the best results.
Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
📸 How to Make It Instagram-Worthy
Pumpkin Pie French Toast is made for fall aesthetics! Here’s how to style and shoot your dish:
- Serve on a rustic wooden table with fall leaves or mini pumpkins nearby.
- Use a white plate to contrast the golden brown toast.
- Drizzle syrup just before taking the photo for that glossy finish.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar with a fine-mesh sieve for a snow-like effect.
- Capture it in natural morning light for the warm, cozy vibes.
Don’t forget to tag your photos with #PumpkinPieFrenchToast and @YourBlogHandle so we can feature your creation!
📌 Nutrition Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info per serving:
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Keep in mind, toppings like maple syrup or whipped cream will add extra calories.
🥞 Perfect for Holidays and Weekends
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving breakfast, a fall baby shower, or just a weekend treat, Pumpkin Pie French Toast is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s festive without being fussy, sweet without being too indulgent, and best of all—it’s incredibly easy.
Imagine waking up to the smell of cinnamon, pumpkin, and buttery brioche baking in the oven. The golden top, the soft, custardy center, the maple syrup trickling down the sides—it’s everything a cozy fall morning should be.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Pie French Toast brings together the best of breakfast and dessert in one easy, delicious dish. With minimal prep and