Start Your Morning Right with Pumpkin Pie French Toast and Delicious Pumpkin Syrup Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

As the cool breeze of fall settles in and the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of orange and red, there’s no better way to embrace the flavors of the season than with a cozy, autumn-inspired breakfast. Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup is a perfect dish to satisfy your fall cravings. Combining the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the comforting texture of French toast, this breakfast offers a seasonal twist on a beloved classic.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and rich flavor. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a pumpkin-spiced mixture, grilled to golden perfection, and then drizzled with warm pumpkin syrup. Each bite is a taste of fall, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup that come together to create a breakfast treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

The Magic of Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin spice isn’t just a trendy flavor; it’s a blend that evokes the warmth and coziness of autumn. Made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, pumpkin pie spice brings out the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree in this French toast recipe. By incorporating the pumpkin directly into the egg mixture, the bread soaks up the rich flavors, making each bite moist and flavorful.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup

The recipe is straightforward and can be whipped up for a weekend breakfast or special brunch. The key is to use thick slices of bread, like Texas toast, to absorb the pumpkin mixture without falling apart.

Ingredients:

For the French Toast:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 slices of bread (preferably thick, like Texas toast)

For the Homemade Pumpkin Syrup:

• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring each side is well-coated and soaked for a few seconds.
3. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
4. Cook the soaked bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. For the syrup, combine the maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.
6. Serve the French toast warm, topped with the pumpkin syrup. Optional toppings include powdered sugar, extra cinnamon, whipped cream, or even fresh fruit for added flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about breakfast—it’s about capturing the essence of fall in every bite. The homemade pumpkin syrup elevates the dish, offering a rich, slightly spiced topping that complements the French toast beautifully. The combination of the pumpkin puree and warm maple syrup creates a velvety, smooth drizzle that’s the perfect finishing touch.

Whether you’re serving it to guests during a cozy weekend brunch or simply enjoying it with your family on a crisp morning, Pumpkin Pie French Toast is a comforting and delicious way to start the day. The familiar flavors of pumpkin pie paired with the soft, golden-brown toast make for an unforgettable meal that celebrates the best of fall.

I found several sources that provide variations of the Pumpkin Pie French Toast recipe with homemade pumpkin syrup, each adding their own touch to the fall classic.

For instance, one recipe suggests making the French toast by soaking thick slices of bread in a custard mix made with pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and then frying them to golden perfection. The homemade syrup is a blend of maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and warm spices, simmered to create a rich topping​My Incredible Recipes​recipestasteful.

Another version highlights the importance of using bread like brioche or challah to absorb the custard without getting too soggy, and offers tips for making a cinnamon-brown sugar butter for an extra indulgent layer​Moribyan.

If you're looking for tips on how to adjust the sweetness or variations like gluten-free options, there are plenty of creative ideas too, such as substituting the bread or adjusting the spices​recipestasteful.