Name: Pumpkin French Toast: Cozy Autumn Flavor in Every Bite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 8 slices Day-old ciabatta or sourdough bread (Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.); 3/4 cup Almond milk (Substitute with any non-dairy milk.); 1/2 cup Pumpkin puree (Fresh or canned works well.); 1 tablespoon Maple syrup (Plus more for serving; honey or agave can be alternatives.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Adjust to taste.); 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Freshly grated offers richer flavor.); 1/8 teaspoon Sea salt (Enhances overall flavors.); Coconut oil (For brushing the skillet.)

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As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, I find myself craving cozy breakfasts that celebrate the season. This Vegan Pumpkin French Toast is my go-to recipe, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful morning treat infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Not only is it quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy fall weekdays, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made gluten-free with your favorite bread substitute. With its custard-like texture and inviting aroma, this dish will surely elevate your breakfast game. Are you ready to embrace the flavors of autumn in your kitchen? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why is Pumpkin French Toast so special?

Seasonal Delight: This recipe highlights pumpkin’s rich flavor, making it perfect for autumn mornings when you crave cozy vibes.

Vegan-Friendly: With simple swaps like almond milk and pumpkin puree, it’s perfect for anyone following a plant-based lifestyle.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to adapt easily, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!

Quick and Easy: With a prep time that fits even the busiest schedules, you can whip up this tasty breakfast in no time.

Crowd Favorite: The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg provide comforting flavors that will have your family and friends coming back for more.

For a delightful twist, check out my post on Roll French Toast or try some delicious French Toast Sticks for brunch!

Pumpkin French Toast Ingredients

• Ready to create this cozy breakfast? Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bread Base

Day-old ciabatta or sourdough bread (8 slices) – This provides structure and absorbs the pumpkin mixture well; choose gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.

For the Pumpkin Mixture

Almond milk (¾ cup) – Acts as a creamy liquid base; feel free to substitute with any non-dairy milk of your choice.
Pumpkin puree (½ cup) – Serves as an egg replacer, creating a custard-like coating; fresh or canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully.
Maple syrup (1 tablespoon, plus more for serving) – Adds delightful sweetness and enhances the autumn flavor profile; honey or agave syrup can be a nice alternative.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – Infuses warmth and spice; adjust the quantity to match your taste preferences.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) – Complements the cinnamon and pumpkin flavors; freshly grated nutmeg offers a richer taste.
Sea salt (⅛ teaspoon) – Enhances overall flavors without overpowering the dish.

For Cooking

Coconut oil (for brushing) – Used to grease the skillet for cooking; other oils like vegetable or canola oil make effective substitutes.

Embrace the fall season by making this delicious Pumpkin French Toast!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Whisk the Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup of almond milk, ½ cup of pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon of sea salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a rich custard-like consistency perfect for your Pumpkin French Toast.

Step 2: Coat the Bread
Arrange 8 slices of day-old ciabatta or sourdough bread on a platter or in a baking dish. Gently drizzle the pumpkin mixture over each slice, using your hands to ensure all sides are evenly coated. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors, which enhances the taste and texture of your Pumpkin French Toast.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once warm, brush the skillet with coconut oil to create a thin, even layer that prevents sticking. This step is crucial for achieving a lovely golden-brown crust on your Pumpkin French Toast, ensuring a deliciously crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and custardy.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Carefully add the coated bread slices to the heated skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each slice for about 2 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Adjust the heat if the bread browns too quickly, striving for that perfect, evenly toasted finish on every slice of your Pumpkin French Toast.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the Pumpkin French Toast from the skillet and serve hot on plates. Drizzle with additional maple syrup and feel free to add your favorite toppings such as toasted nuts or fresh fruit. This final step is where your cozy autumn breakfast comes to life, inviting everyone to savor the inviting aromas and flavors.

What to Serve with Vegan Pumpkin French Toast

Cozy up your breakfast table with delightful pairings that enhance the warm, spiced flavors of this autumn-inspired dish.

Savory Veggie Frittata: A fluffy veggie frittata adds a savory balance, transforming breakfast into a satisfying brunch feast. Its vibrant colors and rich taste complement the sweetness of the toast perfectly.
Crispy Bacon or Sausages: For a heartier meal, serve with crispy vegan bacon or savory sausages, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft French toast.
Seasonal Fruit Salad: Brighten your plate with a fresh fruit salad made of apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds; their natural sweetness and acidity offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pumpkin flavors.
Maple-Infused Coffee: Pair with a warm maple-infused coffee or latte to echo the sweet notes of maple syrup on your French toast, creating a warm hug in a mug.
Cinnamon-Spiced Oatmeal: A bowl of cinnamon-spiced oatmeal on the side enhances the warm spice notes and offers a hearty texture, ensuring you stay full and satisfied.
Toasted Nuts and Granola: Sprinkling toasted walnuts or granola over your pumpkin French toast adds a delightful crunch and extra nutrition, making each bite even more rewarding.

Dive into this seasonal breakfast experience and indulge in the perfect autumn morning!

Make Ahead Options

This Vegan Pumpkin French Toast is a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy mornings! You can prepare the pumpkin mixture up to 24 hours in advance by whisking together the almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can coat the bread slices in the mixture and let them soak for about 15 minutes before storing them in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Pumpkin French Toast, simply heat your skillet with coconut oil, cook for about 2 minutes per side, and savor the warm flavors with less effort. This way, you’ll have a cozy breakfast ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends!

Variations for Pumpkin French Toast

Feel free to adjust this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread instead of ciabatta or sourdough for a gluten-free delight, making sure no one misses out on this cozy breakfast.
Nut-Free: Substitute almond milk with oat milk or coconut milk to create a nut-free version that’s creamy and delicious.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth and complexity in flavor. These spices accompany pumpkin beautifully, enhancing the autumnal feel.
Sweeten the Deal: For a sweeter profile, consider drizzling the cooked French toast with chocolate syrup or adding a sprinkle of brown sugar before cooking for a caramelized crunch.
Savory Twist: Try topping your French toast with sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a savory variation that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spices.
Fruit Fest: Add slices of banana or pear into the cooking process for a fruity twist, bringing fresh flavors that contrast beautifully with the pumpkin.
DIY Pumpkin Spice Mix: Combine your favorite spices to create a personalized pumpkin spice mix for an aromatic kick. This can really set your French toast apart from the standard.
Casserole Style: Transform this recipe into a breakfast casserole by layering the soaked bread in a baking dish and baking it at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. This is perfect for brunch gatherings!

For an even cozier breakfast experience, you might want to explore my recipes for Roll French Toast or try some delightful French Toast Sticks that are fun for the whole family!

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin French Toast

Room Temperature: Serve your Pumpkin French Toast fresh for the best taste. If necessary, keep it out for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, drizzling with a touch of maple syrup for added moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat thawed slices on a skillet over low heat, allowing them to warm thoroughly; drizzle with maple syrup or your favorite toppings for a cozy breakfast treat!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin French Toast

Optimal Bread Choice: Use day-old bread for the best texture; it absorbs the pumpkin mixture without becoming soggy.
Adjustment of Heat: If the French toast browns too quickly, lower the heat to ensure a thoroughly cooked, golden exterior without burnt edges.
Even Coating: For a more traditional French toast feel, immerse the bread in the pumpkin mixture for uniform coverage and maximum flavor.
Add Spices Wisely: Feel free to adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste; a little extra spice can elevate your Pumpkin French Toast to new heights!
Versatile Toppings: Experiment with toppings like fresh fruit or yogurt; they can enhance both texture and flavor, making your breakfast even more delightful.

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for Pumpkin French Toast?
Absolutely! Day-old ciabatta or sourdough bread is ideal as it absorbs the pumpkin mixture beautifully without getting soggy. If you’re going gluten-free, simply opt for your favourite gluten-free bread variety. Just make sure it’s a bit stale, which helps it soak up all those delicious spices!

How long can I store leftover Pumpkin French Toast in the fridge?
Very! You can keep any leftover Pumpkin French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in a skillet or microwave, and I love to drizzle a little extra maple syrup over it to revive the flavors!

Can Pumpkin French Toast be frozen?
Certainly! To freeze, first, lay the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze for about 2-3 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the skillet for that freshly made taste.

What if my French toast doesn’t get golden brown?
Don’t worry! If your Pumpkin French Toast isn’t browning as expected, check the skillet temperature. Lower it slightly to allow for even cooking without burning. You can also lightly press down on the bread with a spatula to help it brown better, so don’t hesitate to adjust as needed!

Is this Pumpkin French Toast suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly with simple substitutions like almond milk and pumpkin puree. It’s perfect for anyone following a plant-based lifestyle. If you’re watching for allergies, just make sure to check the labels on the bread and maple syrup to ensure they’re allergen-free for your needs.

Can I prepare Pumpkin French Toast as an overnight bake?
You bet! To make it an overnight baked dish, soak the slices in the pumpkin mixture and layer them in a baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and set. A comforting autumn breakfast with zero morning stress!