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Pumpkin French Toast - Cozy, Spiced, and Perfect for Breakfast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Bread: Brioche, challah, or thick-sliced French bread (day-old is best)
  • Eggs: Large eggs for the custard
  • Milk or cream: Whole milk, half-and-half, or a mix for richness
  • Pumpkin puree: Canned 100% pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg (or pumpkin pie spice as a shortcut)
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness
  • Brown sugar or maple syrup: To lightly sweeten the custard
  • Butter: For the skillet or griddle
  • Optional toppings: Pure maple syrup, whipped cream or yogurt, toasted pecans or walnuts, sliced bananas, or powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Prep the bread: Slice bread into 3/4- to 1-inch thick pieces. If it’s fresh, let slices sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to dry slightly. This helps them soak up the custard without getting soggy.
  2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk 3 large eggs, 1 cup milk (or half-and-half), 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and no streaks of pumpkin remain.
  3. Heat the pan: Warm a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and let it melt and foam.
  4. Dip the bread: Working with one or two slices at a time, dip bread into the custard for 10 to 15 seconds per side. Let excess drip off so the slices aren’t drenched.
  5. Cook until golden: Place slices on the hot, buttered pan. Cook 2 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges. Adjust heat if they’re browning too fast.
  6. Repeat: Add more butter as needed between batches. Keep cooked slices warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the rest.
  7. Serve: Top with maple syrup, a spoonful of yogurt or whipped cream, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. A little powdered sugar or sliced bananas is great too.