Pumpkin Spice French Toast Recipe

Bread: Thick-cut slices are ideal as they soak up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.

Eggs: These provide structure and richness to the French toast.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, helping to create a custard-like coating.

Pumpkin puree: Infuses the French toast with a subtle pumpkin flavor and moist texture.

Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that gives the dish its characteristic autumn flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the French toast.

Butter: Used for cooking, it adds a rich, golden crust to the French toast.

To ensure your French toast is perfectly cooked and doesn't become soggy, allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for just a few seconds on each side. This will help the bread absorb the flavors without becoming too saturated. Additionally, using thick-cut bread is crucial as it holds up better during cooking, providing a nice, crispy exterior while remaining soft inside.

• thick-cut bread - Substitute with brioche or challah: These types of bread are rich and absorb the egg mixture well, providing a similar texture and flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a common vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture needed for French toast.

• pumpkin puree - Substitute with sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree has a similar consistency and sweetness, making it a good alternative for pumpkin puree.

• pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg: A mix of cinnamon and nutmeg can mimic the warm, spicy flavor of pumpkin pie spice.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that can be used for cooking, offering a slight coconut flavor that pairs well with pumpkin spice.

• Allow the pumpkin spice French toast to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from making the toast soggy when stored.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful.

• If you wish to savor the pumpkin spice French toast at a later date, freezing is your best option. Lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy your pumpkin spice French toast, reheat directly from the freezer. For a crispy finish, use a toaster or toaster oven. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

• If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the toast to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the toast crispy on the outside while ensuring the inside is perfectly warm.

• Use a toaster oven for a quick and easy reheat. Set it to medium heat and pop in the French toast slices. Toast for about 3-5 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent burning. This method is perfect for maintaining that delightful crunch.

• For a stovetop approach, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter to the pan and let it melt. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method adds a touch of buttery goodness while reheating.

• If you're in a hurry, the microwave can be your friend. Place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking for warmth. While this method is quick, it may not retain the original crispiness.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the basket and heat for about 3-4 minutes. This method gives a nice crispy finish, almost like freshly made.

• Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used to combine ingredients like eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, and spices.

• Whisk: A tool used to blend the egg mixture smoothly and incorporate air.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the French toast on the stovetop.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices in the skillet to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the milk and pumpkin puree.

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

• Knife: Used to cut the butter for cooking.

• Plate: Used to serve the finished French toast with your favorite toppings.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a large skillet: Cook multiple slices of bread at once by using a large skillet, reducing the overall cooking time.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter is melted and the skillet is hot before adding the bread to achieve a perfect golden brown quickly.

Batch whisking: Double the egg mixture and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast the next day.