There’s something magical about autumn mornings. The crisp air, the golden leaves fluttering down, and the warm aroma of spices drifting from the kitchen. On days like these, comfort food takes center stage, and what better way to embrace the season than with Pumpkin Pie French Toast Roll Ups?
This recipe combines the coziness of pumpkin pie with the nostalgic joy of French toast, all wrapped up in a bite-sized treat. Whether you’re serving them at a fall brunch, indulging in a holiday breakfast, or surprising your family on a weekend morning, these roll-ups are a surefire way to bring smiles to the table. Imagine golden-crisp bread filled with spiced pumpkin goodness, coated in cinnamon sugar, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar—every bite feels like fall wrapped in a blanket.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the recipe step by step, share helpful tips, answer common questions, and give you serving ideas that will make this dish the star of any gathering.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- ⅔ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 10–12 slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cinnamon-sugar coating)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more as needed for cooking)
- Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting before serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. The mixture should be smooth, thick, and fragrant. This pumpkin-spiced blend is what transforms ordinary bread into a festive treat.
2. Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Blend
In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will add that final sweet crunch after the roll-ups are cooked.
3. Whisk the Egg Wash
In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until smooth. This mixture will coat the roll-ups before they hit the skillet, giving them that golden French toast finish.
4. Flatten and Fill the Bread
Place each slice of bread on a cutting board and flatten with a rolling pin. Spread about 1–2 teaspoons of the pumpkin filling evenly over the surface, leaving a border around the edges. This keeps the filling from spilling out when rolled.
5. Roll Them Up
Starting from one end, carefully roll each slice into a tight cylinder. Press lightly to seal the edge. Set the finished rolls aside on a plate as you continue.
6. Cook the Roll Ups
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each roll into the egg wash, coating all sides, then place seam-side down in the pan. Cook 3–4 at a time, turning every 60–90 seconds, until golden brown on all sides (about 4–5 minutes).
7. Coat and Serve
While still warm, roll each French toast roll-up in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. For a lighter touch, dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
🍁 Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie French Toast Roll Ups
- Perfect for fall gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving breakfast or a cozy Sunday brunch, these roll-ups fit the season.
- Kid-friendly and fun: The handheld size makes them easy for little ones to enjoy.
- Customizable: Add cream cheese, Nutella, or apple butter for a twist.
- Quick to make: With simple ingredients and a fast cooking process, you’ll have a warm treat on the table in under 30 minutes.
🕒 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 roll ups
- Calories (per roll-up, approx.): 110–130 kcal
🔑 Tips for Success
- Use fresh bread: Stale bread tends to crack when rolled. Soft, fresh sandwich bread works best.
- Don’t overfill: A little pumpkin mixture goes a long way—too much will ooze out during cooking.
- Seal tightly: Press the edge of the bread after rolling to prevent unrolling while cooking.
- Cook over medium heat: Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low and they’ll turn soggy.
- Work in batches: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give each roll-up room to crisp evenly.
🎃 Variations to Try
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and spread it under the pumpkin filling for a cheesecake vibe.
- Nutella Twist: Replace or combine the pumpkin filling with Nutella for a chocolate-pumpkin flavor.
- Apple Pumpkin Fusion: Add thinly sliced apples inside before rolling for a fall harvest treat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free sandwich bread. Make sure it’s soft enough to roll.
- Air Fryer Roll Ups: Cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, turning once, for a lighter option with less butter.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate them:
- With Maple Syrup: Classic, rich, and warming.
- Whipped Cream & Cinnamon Dusting: Perfect for a holiday brunch presentation.
- Caramel Drizzle: Adds a decadent, dessert-like finish.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Pairing: The ultimate fall combo.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll-ups the night before, cover them tightly, and store in the fridge. Cook them fresh the next morning for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked roll-ups on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw slightly and cook as directed.
Q: Can I use whole wheat bread?
Yes, though it may be trickier to roll. Stick with soft varieties for best results.
Q: How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
Avoid soaking the bread in the egg wash. A quick dip is enough. Also, make sure the skillet is hot enough to crisp the surface.
🥄 Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Microwave works but may soften the texture.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works
This dish is all about balance:
- Texture: Crispy outside, soft and spiced inside.
- Flavor: A perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla.
- Convenience: Easy steps with ingredients you probably already have.
It’s essentially dessert disguised as breakfast, but still light enough to enjoy with your morning coffee.
📌 Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Pie French Toast Roll Ups are the kind of recipe that makes mornings memorable. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat, but festive enough to serve at a holiday brunch. With their cozy flavors, fun presentation, and irresistible taste, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
So, grab a can of pumpkin puree, a loaf of bread, and a skillet—you’re only minutes away from creating a recipe that tastes like pure fall comfort.