Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup

As autumn arrives and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a comforting breakfast that embodies the flavors of the season. Enter Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup—a delectable treat that combines the classic taste of pumpkin pie with the fluffy goodness of French toast. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also adds a touch of cozy fall flavors to your morning routine. Here’s how you can make this autumnal breakfast sensation.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Pie French Toast:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 8 slices of thick bread (e.g., brioche or challah)
• Butter or oil for cooking

For the Homemade Pumpkin Syrup:

• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Pie French Toast:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until well combined.
2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated on both sides.
4. Cook the coated bread slices on the skillet, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining slices.
5. Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving plate and keep warm while you prepare the syrup.

2. Make the Homemade Pumpkin Syrup:

1. In a saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is warm and the spices are well incorporated, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly before serving.

3. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Drizzle the warm pumpkin syrup generously over the Pumpkin Pie French Toast.
2. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious blend of pumpkin pie and French toast flavors.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie French Toast

• Bread Choice: Opt for thick slices of bread like brioche or challah to ensure the French toast soaks up the pumpkin mixture without becoming too soggy.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pumpkin pie spice mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for future use.
• Syrup Variations: Experiment with adding a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to the syrup for an extra layer of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup is more than just a breakfast; it’s a celebration of fall flavors in every bite. The rich pumpkin spice blend combined with the sweet, homemade syrup creates a memorable and comforting meal that’s perfect for crisp autumn mornings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Serving and Storage Tips for Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup

Serving Tips:

1. Warm and Fresh: Serve the French toast immediately after cooking to ensure it’s warm and crispy. The homemade pumpkin syrup should also be warm when drizzled over the toast.
2. Garnish Ideas: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or nutmeg, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh fruit such as berries or sliced bananas can add a touch of freshness.
3. Accompaniments: Pair with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a savory complement, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or apple cider makes a perfect drink pairing.
4. Plating: Arrange the French toast slices neatly on a plate and drizzle with pumpkin syrup. For a festive touch, consider serving on a decorative platter or adding a small sprig of mint for color.

Storage Tips:

1. Cooling: Allow any leftover French toast and syrup to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
2. Refrigeration: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pumpkin syrup can be stored in a separate airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
3. Freezing: You can freeze French toast slices for up to 2 months. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, reheat from frozen using a toaster or oven to retain crispness.
4. Reheating: Reheat French toast in a toaster, oven, or skillet. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the toast soggy. For the syrup, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
5. Prevent Sogginess: To keep the French toast from becoming soggy, avoid storing the syrup directly on the toast. Instead, store syrup separately and drizzle just before serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup remains delicious and enjoyable, even as leftovers!

1. Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bread for your Pumpkin Pie French Toast. While brioche and challah work particularly well due to their thickness and ability to soak up the mixture, you can also use sourdough, Texas toast, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold up to soaking without becoming too mushy.

2. Can I make the pumpkin syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the homemade pumpkin syrup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Pumpkin Pie French Toast gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Many stores offer gluten-free options that work well for French toast. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the syrup, are gluten-free by checking the labels.

4. Can I substitute the canned pumpkin with fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin in place of canned pumpkin. To do so, roast or steam fresh pumpkin until tender, then puree it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the puree to avoid making the French toast too soggy. The flavor will be equally delightful!