Pumpkin Spice French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably thick-cut, this will soak up the egg mixture and provide a hearty base for the French toast.

Eggs: These help to bind the ingredients together and give the French toast its rich texture.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making the French toast tender.

Pumpkin puree: Provides the distinct pumpkin flavor and adds moisture to the mixture.

Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that gives the French toast its signature autumn flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, adding a rich, buttery flavor and helping to achieve a golden-brown crust.

To ensure your French toast has a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining soft and custardy inside, use day-old bread or slightly stale bread. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. Additionally, make sure the skillet is properly preheated and the butter is melted and slightly bubbling before adding the bread slices. This will help achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and prevent sticking.

• thick-cut bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent choice for French toast.

• thick-cut bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is another soft, slightly sweet bread that absorbs the egg mixture well.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in French toast.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

• pumpkin puree - Substitute with sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree has a similar texture and sweetness to pumpkin puree.

• pumpkin puree - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash puree offers a similar consistency and flavor profile.

• pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Use ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to mimic pumpkin pie spice.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of vanilla-like flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the French toast.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• Allow the Pumpkin Spice French Toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.

• Place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step is crucial to avoid the slices sticking together.

• Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the slices for about 1-2 hours. This initial freezing helps maintain the shape and texture of the French toast.

• Once the slices are frozen solid, remove them from the baking sheet and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, you can reheat the frozen Pumpkin Spice French Toast directly from the freezer. Simply place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the slices in a toaster or toaster oven. This method is quick and helps to restore the crispiness of the French toast.

• For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep well for up to 3 days.

• To reheat refrigerated Pumpkin Spice French Toast, you can use a microwave, toaster, or oven. If using a microwave, heat on high for about 30-45 seconds per slice. For the toaster or oven, follow the same instructions as for reheating from frozen.

• If you prefer to prepare the egg mixture in advance, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good whisk before using to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Pumpkin Spice French Toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures the French toast remains crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the leftover French toast slices in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until warmed through. This method helps to retain the original texture and flavor.

• Microwave Method: Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly. This method is quick but may result in a slightly softer texture.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices directly on the toaster oven rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is great for maintaining a crispy exterior.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. This method is quick and ensures a delightful texture.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients in the mixing bowl until smooth.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the French toast slices over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure out the milk and pumpkin puree accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract.

• Butter knife: A knife used to spread butter on the skillet for cooking.

• Plate: A dish used to serve the cooked French toast.

• Serving utensils: Tools like a fork and knife used to enjoy the French toast with toppings.

Prepare the mixture ahead: Mix the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use thick-cut bread: Opt for thick-cut bread as it absorbs the mixture better and cooks more evenly.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the butter to save cooking time.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple slices of bread at once if your skillet is large enough to speed up the process.