If you’re craving a cozy, comforting breakfast that tastes like autumn in every bite, you absolutely have to try Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter. This dish brings together fluffy slices of brioche soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious butter infused with brown sugar and cinnamon. It’s sweet, warmly spiced, and just the kind of indulgence that makes mornings feel extra special. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a festive brunch star, this recipe is destined to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets you up for an irresistible breakfast. Each component plays a vital role—ripe pumpkin adds moisture and warmth, spices elevate the flavors, and brioche offers a soft, rich base that soaks up all the goodness beautifully.

10 slices of brioche or challah bread: Use slightly stale bread for the best absorption without falling apart.
3 eggs: The eggs create the creamy custard that coats the bread perfectly.
3/4 cup milk: Adds richness and lightness to the custard mixture.
6 oz. canned pumpkin: Brings natural sweetness and that unmistakable autumn flavor.
2 tsp. vanilla: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
2 tbsp. flour: Helps thicken the custard so it clings to the bread nicely.
1/2 tsp. cinnamon: Warms the dish with a classic spice note.
1 tbsp. brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the custard.
4 tbsp. softened butter (for the butter): Base of the brown sugar cinnamon butter that melts delectably over the warm toast.
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for the butter): Infuses the butter with a sweet spice aroma.
1 tsp. brown sugar (for the butter): Sweetens the butter perfectly.
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (for the butter): Adds depth and a subtle nutty warmth to the butter.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter

Start by softly whisking together the butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg in a small bowl until everything is beautifully incorporated. This butter is going to be the magic topper, so don’t rush it. Once mixed, pop it into the freezer to firm up while you prepare the rest of your French toast—it will melt so nicely when it hits the warm bread.

Step 2: Whisk the Pumpkin Custard

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla, and canned pumpkin. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. In a separate small bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, whisking continuously until you have a luscious, spiced custard that’s perfectly balanced and ready to soak those bread slices.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

Take your brioche or challah slices and gently dip each side into the pumpkin custard mixture. You want to coat the bread without letting it soak too long because soggy French toast is nobody’s favorite. A quick dip and shake off any excess is ideal to keep the bread firm but flavorful.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Brown Perfection

Heat a skillet sprayed lightly with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Carefully place each coated bread slice onto the hot pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a golden, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender with that wonderful pumpkin aroma. Flip gently and cook the other side until equally golden and inviting.

Step 5: Serve with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter

Plate your pumpkin French toast slices immediately and top with small pieces of the cold brown sugar cinnamon butter. Watch as it melts gloriously over the warm bread, creating a sticky, spicy, and sweet finish that elevates every bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter

Garnishes

Topping this Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter is where you can get creative! Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a creamy contrast, while chopped pecans or walnuts introduce a wonderful crunch that pairs beautifully with the softness of the toast.

Side Dishes

Complement this rich breakfast with lightly crisp bacon or sausage links for a savory edge. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears works perfectly, especially if you sprinkle them with a bit of cinnamon sugar to echo the spices in the French toast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch crowd, stack the slices into a beautiful tower and drizzle with warm maple syrup alongside small ramekins of butter. You can even dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch that looks cafe-worthy but is totally doable at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter, store the cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, which means another delicious breakfast awaits without any extra effort.

Freezing

To preserve your French toast longer, lay slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and make a quick meal solution for busy mornings.

Reheating

Simply warm leftover or frozen slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. Microwaving works too if you’re in a rush, but the toaster oven method keeps the texture perfect and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just roast and puree your fresh pumpkin until smooth to use the same amount, keeping in mind canned pumpkin is often a bit more concentrated. Fresh pumpkin may add a slightly fresher taste but will work beautifully in this recipe.

What’s the best bread for this Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter?

Brioche and challah are ideal because they’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart. If you don’t have these, a thick-cut white bread can work too, but avoid super thin or stale bread that might not hold up well.

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

Yes! It actually tastes even better after some time resting together. Prepare it a day in advance, keep it chilled, and slice it onto your toast right before serving for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make this gluten-free, simply swap the bread for a good-quality gluten-free loaf. Make sure your flour is gluten-free as well, or replace it with a suitable alternative like almond flour, though texture might vary slightly.

Can I add other spices to the custard mixture?

Definitely! Nutmeg, ginger, or allspice can complement the pumpkin beautifully if you want to experiment. Just be cautious not to overpower the delicate pumpkin flavor with too many spices.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter when you want a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The balance of cozy spices, that rich pumpkin custard, and the decadent cinnamon butter will keep you coming back for more. So go ahead and try this recipe — your mornings will thank you!

Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 20 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 10 slices (serves 4-5) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter is a perfect fall-inspired breakfast treat. Featuring rich brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy pumpkin-egg mixture spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, then topped with a decadent brown sugar cinnamon butter, it brings cozy autumn flavors to your morning table. Ideal for festive occasions or weekend brunch, this recipe combines a fluffy texture with warm spices for an irresistible start to the day.

Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Whisk until fully incorporated into a smooth mixture. Place the bowl in the freezer to firm up while you prepare the French toast batter.
Preheat the Skillet: Spray a skillet or griddle with cooking spray and heat it to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to give a nice golden crust without burning the bread.
Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until smooth and well blended. In a separate smaller bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined, forming a thick, spiced batter.
Dip the Bread: Take each slice of brioche or challah bread and dip it into the pumpkin batter, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess batter to avoid sogginess, but do not let the bread soak for too long.
Cook the French Toast: Place the coated bread slices onto the preheated skillet and cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully to maintain shape and even cooking.
Serve Immediately: Remove the French toast from the skillet and serve hot, topped with small pieces of the chilled brown sugar cinnamon butter for a melting, flavorful finish.

Notes

Use brioche or challah for best texture; these breads absorb the batter but hold their shape without becoming soggy.
Do not oversoak the bread to prevent mushy French toast.
For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the cinnamon butter.
You can prepare the cinnamon butter up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit for extra sweetness and texture if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American