Pumpkin Spice French Toast

When the leaves start to crunch underfoot and the mornings turn crisp, I crave one thing: pumpkin spice French toast. It takes me right back to those chilly October Saturdays in Arkansas, when Mom would warm the house with cinnamon and nutmeg and serve us up thick slices of toast, golden and fragrant, dripping with syrup.

This isn’t just breakfast — it’s fall on a plate. I’ve added a luscious cheesecake whip and brown butter maple syrup that make it a little extra, but still easy enough for a weekday treat. You’ll want this recipe on repeat all season long. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, pumpkin spice French toast brings warmth and comfort with every bite.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin spice French toast is autumn’s breakfast darling, and for good reason. The custard-soaked brioche bakes up light and puffy, with cozy spice in every forkful. It’s warm, inviting, and just the thing for slow fall mornings.

You’ll love how simple this dish is to prepare. Instead of standing over a skillet, you’ll bake the slices all at once — hands off and fuss-free.

It’s a family favorite that even picky eaters can’t resist. The cheesecake whip adds just the right touch of indulgence, while the brown butter maple syrup ties it all together beautifully.

Versatility? Absolutely. This recipe works equally well for brunch gatherings or a solo breakfast treat with coffee. And yes, it’s make-ahead friendly too.

With a prep-and-bake approach, even beginners can master this festive, feel-good dish. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the perfect cozy start to your day.

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Ingredient Overview

This pumpkin spice French toast is pure fall comfort with every bite — golden, spiced, custardy, and sweet. Each element brings depth and warmth, from the brioche base to the cinnamon-kissed whip on top.

• Brioche Bread: Rich and buttery, this soaks up the pumpkin custard like a dream without falling apart.

• Eggs & Whole Milk: The foundation of the custard base — creamy, soft, and essential for the right texture.

• Pumpkin Puree: Not pie filling — just pure pumpkin for that earthy sweetness and iconic fall flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Adds a molasses that complements the spices beautifully.

• Vanilla & Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves): These classic pumpkin pie spices bring warmth and depth to every slice.

• Salt: Just enough to balance out the sweetness.

• Butter: Melted and brushed on the pan to help the slices bake up golden and crisped on the edges.

  
  

Food Styling Tip: Dust the top with powdered sugar and a little extra cinnamon for a bakery-worthy finish.

For toppings:

• Cream Cheese Whip: A light, fluffy tang that pairs perfectly with the warm toast.

• Brown Butter Maple Syrup: Nutty, rich, and slightly caramelized — it’s a game-changer.

With just the right blend of flavors, this pumpkin spice French toast turns any autumn morning into something special.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and brush each with melted butter. This helps the pumpkin spice French toast crisp up beautifully while keeping cleanup easy.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Custard

In a large bowl or shallow baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This is your flavorful soaking mixture — the secret to richly spiced, custardy pumpkin spice French toast.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of brioche into the custard, letting it soak for about 1–2 minutes on each side. You want the slices to absorb plenty of that spiced goodness without falling apart.

Tip: Use thick-cut day-old brioche for best results — it holds the custard without turning soggy.

Step 4: Bake the French Toast

Place the soaked slices evenly on the baking sheets (six per sheet). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and slightly crisp at the edges. This method keeps your stovetop clean and gives each slice of pumpkin spice French toast that lovely, oven-baked texture.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cheesecake Topping

While the toast bakes, prepare your cheesecake whip. Beat the cream cheese and whipping cream until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, then whip until fluffy. Pop it in the fridge until ready to serve.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Maple Syrup

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling often. Once it turns golden and smells nutty, remove from heat and whisk in the maple syrup. Serve warm for that rich, nutty drizzle every pumpkin spice French toast slice deserves.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Plate each slice warm from the oven, top with a generous dollop of cheesecake whip, and finish with a healthy pour of brown butter maple syrup. It’s a picture-perfect way to enjoy pumpkin spice French toast.

Now that your dish is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

A quick warm-up for the bread helps it absorb custard evenly. I like to toast slices lightly before dipping — it adds just the right structure for pumpkin spice French toast that’s never soggy.

Use real pumpkin puree — not pie filling. Pie filling is sweetened and spiced already, which throws off the balance of the pumpkin spice French toast flavor. Pure pumpkin gives you full control over your spice blend.

Don’t skip the brown butter in the syrup! That extra step adds incredible nutty richness. It’s what elevates your pumpkin spice French toast from good to restaurant-worthy.

Leftovers? Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can even freeze baked pumpkin spice French toast and toast it straight from frozen.

Pair with a fall-inspired drink. A warm chai or cinnamon latte plays beautifully with the spiced flavors of your pumpkin spice French toast, and helps round out the whole brunch experience.

Want more fall brunch ideas? You might also love our pumpkin cinnamon rolls (easy) — soft, gooey, and just as cozy!

Variations

Swap out brioche for challah or Texas toast — anything thick, tender, and slightly sweet works well for pumpkin spice French toast. Just steer clear of very soft sandwich bread.

Make it dairy-free by using almond milk in the custard and vegan cream cheese for the whip. Your pumpkin spice French toast will still be rich, warm, and deeply satisfying.

Add crunch with chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking. It gives your pumpkin spice French toast a rustic, nutty finish — so good!

Want a gluten-free version? Use thick slices of your favorite gluten-free loaf. The custard works beautifully with most hearty GF breads.

In the mood for more seasonal treats? Don’t miss our pumpkin muffins recipe or this reader-favorite fall baking roundup full of cozy ideas just like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

There’s nothing better than starting a crisp fall morning with a plate of pumpkin spice French toast. It pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or savory sausage links if you want to balance out the sweetness. For something lighter, add a side of fresh apple slices or spiced pears. Hosting brunch? Brew a pot of cinnamon coffee or serve a maple chai latte alongside. And don’t forget a cozy playlist in the background! If you’re building out a full fall brunch board, pair this dish with our pumpkin cookies or soft pumpkin muffins to round out the table in the most festive way.

Conclusion

This recipe brings all the heart of fall to your breakfast table. With every tender, custard-soaked bite of pumpkin spice French toast, you get the feeling of slowing down and savoring the season. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a crisp weekday treat, this dish invites you to pour a little more syrup, sit a little longer, and share a moment over something warm and homemade. I hope it inspires not just full bellies, but full hearts too.

Give this pumpkin spice French toast a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below — I’d love to hear how you served it! If you added your own twist or made it part of a fall gathering, tag your photos on instagram so I can cheer you on. Sharing recipes makes the season even sweeter.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!