If you are looking for a cozy, delicious breakfast that feels like autumn in every bite, this Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine thick, golden slices of brioche soaked in a luscious pumpkin-spiced custard, cooked to perfection, and then drizzled with a warm, velvety pumpkin syrup made from scratch. It’s the perfect way to bring the rich flavors of pumpkin pie into a breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch or simply craving a special treat, this recipe will become your new favorite morning go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create a symphony of autumn spices, creamy textures, and sweet warmth. Each component is essential to capturing the true essence of pumpkin pie and that irresistible French toast experience.
- Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick, fluffy slices provide the perfect base to soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs: Act as the binding agent for the custard, adding richness and protein.
- Whole Milk: Creates a creamy custard mixture for a smooth texture.
- Canned Pumpkin Purée: Delivers authentic pumpkin flavor and beautiful color in both the custard and syrup.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness that enhances the pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and balances the spices perfectly.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The signature blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that makes this dish shine.
- Salt: A pinch heightens all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Butter or Oil: For cooking the French toast golden in a skillet.
- Maple Syrup (for syrup): Combines with pumpkin purée to create a luscious drizzle.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a shallow bowl or baking dish. This custard mixture is the heart of your French toast, so make sure everything is well combined to infuse every slice of bread with that seasonal magic.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard, coating both sides generously. Let it soak for a few seconds to absorb the flavors and moisture without becoming soggy. This soak ensures that your French toast will be moist and flavorful on the inside while still holding its shape.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat butter or oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each soaked slice for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is a gorgeous golden brown and cooked through. The result should be crispy on the outside and tender inside – a perfect texture contrast that makes this Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, pumpkin purée, butter, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk frequently over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes. This homemade syrup elevates the whole dish by adding an extra layer of pumpkin flavor and natural sweetness.
Step 5: Serve with Syrup
Serve your French toast warm, generously drizzling the homemade pumpkin syrup over each plate. This finishing touch will bring all the flavors together into a mouthwatering breakfast that tastes like a slice of autumn heaven.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and flavor by topping the French toast with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These touches not only add texture but also create that festive look perfect for special mornings.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich and flavorful French toast with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to add brightness and contrast, or serve alongside crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory breakfast spread that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the French toast into sticks and serve them as a finger food with small bowls of the homemade pumpkin syrup for dipping. Alternatively, stack the slices and layer between each with cream cheese frosting for a decadent brunch centerpiece that doubles as dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe left, store the French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the pumpkin syrup in a separate jar or container to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover French toast by layering the slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Freeze the pumpkin syrup separately in a small airtight container to preserve its rich taste without alteration.
Reheating
Reheat leftover French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Warm the pumpkin syrup gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use other thick, sturdy breads like Texas toast or sourdough. Just make sure it can hold the custard soak without falling apart.
Is canned pumpkin the best choice for this recipe?
Canned pumpkin purée is preferred because it has a consistent texture and flavor, making it easier to blend into the custard and syrup. Fresh pumpkin can work but requires cooking and pureeing first, which adds time and can alter the result.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacer and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. For cooking, use coconut oil or vegan butter. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be wonderful.
How spicy is the pumpkin pie spice in the dish?
The pumpkin pie spice used is mild and warming, blending cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a balanced way. It’s meant to enhance the pumpkin flavor without overpowering the dish, but you can adjust amounts to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the pumpkin syrup in advance?
Yes, the pumpkin syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat gently before serving. It’s a great way to save time on busy mornings and still enjoy an elevated breakfast.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe truly captures the heart of fall, blending comforting spices and rich pumpkin flavor into a breakfast that’s both special and simple to make. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily this delightful dish becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for cozy mornings and festive gatherings alike.
Print
Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup is a cozy fall breakfast treat that combines thick slices of brioche or challah soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard and pan-fried to golden perfection. Topped with a luscious pumpkin-infused maple syrup, it captures all the warm flavors of pumpkin pie in a decadent morning meal.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 6 thick slices brioche or challah bread
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter or oil for the pan
For the Pumpkin Syrup:
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.
- Dip the bread: Submerge each slice of brioche or challah into the pumpkin custard mixture, coating both sides and allowing it to soak for a few seconds to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the French toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter or oil. Place the soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the pumpkin syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, pumpkin purée, butter, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the cooked French toast and drizzle generously with the warm homemade pumpkin syrup. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra festivity.
Notes
- Top with whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Leftover pumpkin syrup can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated before serving.
