October 28, 2025 | Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Patricia Valbrun

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast turns ordinary morning bread into a heavenly, spiced treat that's ideal for lazy weekends or holiday mornings. 

With pumpkin bread soaked in a custard of pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla, and oat milk, then pan-fried and finished in the oven, you'll get a French toast thats crisp on the edges.

When autumn's crisp air and golden leaves arrive, it's the perfect time for a breakfast that feels like comfort in a plate.

What Is Pumpkin French Toast?

Pumpkin French Toast is a cozy fall twist on a breakfast classic. Thick slices of pumpkin bread are soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, then pan-fried and baked until golden. It's like enjoying pumpkin pie for breakfast, warm, fluffy, and full of autumn flavor.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice French Toast

It's not just breakfast it's a mood. Grab your pumpkin bread, whisk up that custard, and get ready to delight in each sweet, spiced bite!

• Pumpkin Bread: Thick, soft slices of pumpkin bread soak up all that spiced custard while keeping their shape.
• Eggs: The base of the custard — they help the mixture cling to every slice for that classic French toast texture.
• Pumpkin Purée: Brings natural pumpkin flavor, color, and moisture to the custard.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and depth, pairing perfectly with pumpkin spice.
• Brown Sugar Oat Milk: Sweet, Creamy, slightly nutty, and a lighter alternative to dairy milk, it makes this French toast extra tender.
• Pumpkin Spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that defines the flavor of fall.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds warmth and a touch of luxury with its rich vanilla flavor and flecks of vanilla.
• Salt: Just a dash brings balance and enhances every flavor.
• Butter + Avocado Oil: The perfect blend for pan-frying, butter for flavor, avocado oil for a golden, crisp finish without burning.

How to make Easy Pumpkin Spice French Toast 

Learn how to make this easy yet indulgent pumpkin-infused french toast, why it works, what ingredients are key, step-by-step instructions, fun variations, and how to serve it for a breakfast that wows.

1. Make the custard – In a wide mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, vanilla bean paste, brown sugar oat milk and a dash of salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Dip the bread – Lay out the pumpkin bread slices. Dunk each slice into the custard mixture, coating both sides evenly but don't over soak. You want them moist and soaked but still holding shape.
3. Pan-fry the slices – Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a mix of butter and avocado oil. Once hot, add the soaked slices and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until each slice is golden brown and crisp around the edges.
4. Finish in the oven – Transfer the cooked slices of French toast to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 10-12 minutes. This step sets the custard inside and ensures a tender, perfectly cooked interior.
5. Serve and enjoy – Stack the slices on plates and generously drizzle with the Trader Joes Maple Butter and a touch of agave. Add optional toppings like powdered sugar, toasted pecans or whipped cream if you like. Serve immediately while still warm.

This recipe is the kind that fills the room with warmth, laughter, and that sweet sense of comfort we all crave this time of year. Whether it's shared over slow weekend mornings, brought to a friend's holiday brunch, or enjoyed solo with your favorite playlist on repeat, this dish sets the tone.

Why This Recipe Works

By using pumpkin bread instead of plain bread, you get built-in flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice. The custard soak helps infuse flavor throughout, while the pan-frying creates crisp edges that make every bite satisfying.

Finishing in the oven ensures the inside stays silky and cooked just right, no raw middle or overly soggy texture. And finishing with the Maple Butter and agave elevates it from just breakfast to holiday brunch treat.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, lucky you! Store your Pumpkin Spice French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. 

You can also freeze cooked slices, just layer parchment between each piece, seal tightly, and reheat straight from frozen in the oven for an easy fall breakfast anytime.

Fun Variations to Try

• Nuts & Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a toasty crunch.
• Berry Burst – Serve with fresh raspberries or a warm berry compote for a tart contrast to the sweet.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top for a dessert-style twist.
• Savory-Sweet – Top with a spread of whipped ricotta, drizzle lightly with hot honey, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Vegan Option – Use non-dairy milk, vegan butter and flax “eggs” (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoon water per egg) to make it vegan-friendly.

What to Pair with Your Pumpkin French Toast

Let's make this brunch extra fun! For drinks, consider:

• A hot medium-roast coffee — its bitter edge plays perfectly against the sweet, spiced toast.
• A spiced chai latte — the warm cinnamon and ginger in chai mirror the pumpkin spice and bring cozy vibes.
• A refreshing sparkling cider — bright and bubbly, adding a festive note and cutting through richness.
• An orange mimosa — its citrus pop highlights the vanilla and spice in the toast for a brunch that feels celebratory.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Pumpkin Spice French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the custard and soak your bread slices the night before. In the morning, simply pan-fry and bake as directed. You can also fully cook and refrigerate the slices—then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warm and crisp.

2. What's the best bread to use for pumpkin spice french toast?
Pumpkin bread is ideal because it's soft, flavorful, and holds the custard beautifully. If you don't have any, try brioche, challah, or thick Texas toast. Just add a touch more pumpkin purée to keep the flavor cozy and seasonal.

3. Can I skip the oven step?
You can but baking gives your french toast the perfect finish. Pan-frying alone creates a nice crust, but baking sets the custard inside so it's tender without being soggy. If you're short on time, you can reduce the soak time slightly and cook a bit longer on the stove.

4. How do I keep french toast from getting soggy?
The key is balance: don't over soak the bread, and always preheat your skillet before adding the slices. Baking afterward also helps dry the surface just enough to make each bite crisp outside and fluffy inside.

5. What toppings go best with pumpkin bread french toast?
Trader Joe's Maple Butter and a drizzle of agave are my go-to pairings. You can also add toasted pecans, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for a fall-inspired brunch that feels indulgent yet balanced.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap oat milk for your favorite plant-based milk, use vegan butter in place of regular, and substitute each egg with a flax “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). It'll still be rich, spiced, and totally delicious.

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How did you like this recipe? Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Looking for another dessert recipe ? Try this Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Danish next!