Description
Indulge in this delicious Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup recipe. Perfect for cozy fall mornings, brunch, or holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
Ingredients List (with Measurements)
For the Pumpkin Pie French Toast:
- 8–12 slices of thick-sliced bread (challah, brioche, or white bread)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the griddle/skillet)
For the Homemade Pumpkin Syrup:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
2. Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin custard, letting it soak for about 30 seconds per side. Ensure the bread absorbs the mixture evenly without becoming too soggy.
3. Cook the French Toast
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and grease it with butter or cooking spray. Place the soaked bread slices on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
4. Make the Homemade Pumpkin Syrup
While the French toast is cooking, prepare the pumpkin syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the French toast is ready, serve it hot, drizzled generously with the homemade pumpkin syrup. Add optional toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Storage Tips and Best Practices
Proper storage ensures that your Pumpkin Pie French Toast remains flavorful and enjoyable, even when made ahead or stored as leftovers.
a. Storing in the Refrigerator
- Short-Term Storage: If you plan to eat the French toast within a few days, it can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Method: Allow the French toast to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking together.
- Shelf Life: The French toast will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the pumpkin syrup separately in a sealed jar or container.
b. Freezing the French Toast
Freezing is an excellent option if you want to prepare Pumpkin Pie French Toast in advance or save leftovers for later.
- Preparation for Freezing: Once the French toast has cooled completely, place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Freezing Process: After the slices are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date.
- Shelf Life: The French toast can be frozen for up to 2 months. The pumpkin syrup can also be frozen in a separate container for the same duration.