Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Recipe

If you love cozy breakfasts that make your whole kitchen smell like fall, you are going to adore this Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter. It’s a delightful twist on classic French toast, where the warmth of pumpkin and spices in the custard soak perfectly into slices of rich brioche or challah bread. Then, just when you think it can’t get any better, you top it off with a luscious, melting brown sugar cinnamon butter that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. It’s absolutely perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any day you want your breakfast to feel special and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter truly sing. Each component plays its part—rich eggs and creamy milk create a perfect custard base, while pumpkin and aromatic spices bring that unmistakable fall flavor and a beautiful golden hue. The bread choice, whether brioche or challah, ensures a soft yet sturdy texture that holds up beautifully to the soaking and cooking process.

• 10 slices of brioche or challah bread: These breads are ideal because of their soft crumb and slight sweetness, which absorb the custard beautifully without falling apart.
• 3 eggs: Eggs provide structure and help the custard set with a rich, creamy texture.
• 3/4 cup milk: Milk keeps the custard smooth and tender, balancing the eggs perfectly.
• 6 oz. canned pumpkin: Adds moistness, natural sweetness, and that essential pumpkin flavor that makes this French toast special.
• 2 tsp. vanilla: Enhances sweetness and gives a lovely, fragrant depth.
• 2 tbsp. flour: Helps to thicken the custard, preventing soggy bread and ensuring a nice coating.
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon: Offers warm spice notes that perfectly complement the pumpkin flavor.
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel sweetness for the custard.
• 4 tbsp. softened butter (for the butter): This is the base for creating that incredible brown sugar cinnamon butter topping.
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for the butter): Gives the butter a warm, sweet spice kick.
• 1 tsp. brown sugar (for the butter): Sweetens the butter and helps create a melting glaze effect.
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg (for the butter): Adds a hint of earthy spiciness to round out the flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter

Start by placing your softened butter in a small bowl and whisk in the cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg until everything is evenly combined. This butter is what truly elevates this dish, providing a sweet, spicy, creamy finish. Once mixed, pop it into the freezer to firm up while you move on to the French toast itself. Chilling the butter will make it easier to slice and spread when serving.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whip together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Separately, mix the flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar, then slowly whisk these dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture. This custard is thick enough to coat the bread without making it soggy, and the spices infuse it with irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

One at a time, dip each slice of brioche or challah into the pumpkin custard. Make sure to coat both sides well, but be sure to shake off any excess. You want the bread to be nicely soaked but not dripping wet, which protects it from falling apart and ensures a perfectly cooked slice with a golden crust.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown

Heat a skillet over medium-high and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they develop a beautifully golden crust. The bread should be crisp on the outside but tender and moist inside. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning—adjust as needed to reach that perfect shade of golden.

Step 5: Serve With Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter

Slice pieces of the chilled brown sugar cinnamon butter and scatter them on top of the hot French toast so they melt slowly, creating a beautifully spiced, sweet glaze over each slice. This finishing touch makes the Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter utterly irresistible and rich with autumn flavor.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter

Garnishes

Toppings can take this dish from fantastic to unforgettable. Freshly whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balance. Sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the warm, cozy vibe of this breakfast treat.

Side Dishes

Pair Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter alongside fruity options like fresh berries or apple slices for brightness and freshness. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage bring savory richness that complements the sweetness, creating a well-rounded morning meal. A hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced hot apple cider makes the perfect beverage accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, serve the French toast stacked high on a pretty platter, layered with the brown sugar cinnamon butter between slices. You can also cut the cooked toast into sticks for a fun, shareable breakfast “finger food.” Another lovely idea is to dust each plate with cinnamon and nutmeg before placing the slices to add a warm aroma as guests dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the butter separate and slice it fresh before reheating your toast to maintain its wonderful texture and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the pumpkin custard-soaked bread tends to become soggy once thawed. For the best flavor and texture, it’s easier to enjoy fresh or refrigerate leftovers rather than freeze them.

Reheating

To warm up your refrigerated French toast slices, use a toaster oven or regular oven at a medium temperature to restore some crispness to the exterior without drying out the inside. Microwave reheating can make the bread a bit soggy, so it’s best to avoid that method if possible. Add fresh brown sugar cinnamon butter when serving to revive that delicious, melty flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread than brioche or challah?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their softness and sweetness, you can substitute with thick-sliced white bread or even a sturdy whole wheat bread. Just keep in mind that sturdier bread holds up better to the custard soak.

Is canned pumpkin the only option for this recipe?

Canned pumpkin is preferred because it’s convenient and gives a smooth texture. However, you can use homemade pumpkin puree if you have some on hand. Just make sure it’s thick and not too watery for the best results.

Can I make the brown sugar cinnamon butter ahead of time?

Yes, the butter can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature or slice it directly from the fridge before serving.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?

The key is to not over-soak the bread in the custard mixture. Dip each slice just enough to coat, then shake off the excess custard before placing it in the skillet. Also, using slightly stale or day-old bread works best for absorbing custard without falling apart.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. Use a plant-based butter substitute for the brown sugar cinnamon butter to keep it vegan-friendly and dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a breakfast that wraps you in the magic of fall, Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter is your new go-to. The combination of pumpkin-spiced custard, golden toasted bread, and that dreamy cinnamon butter topping is pure comfort on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make your mornings a little sweeter, cozier, and more delicious.

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