Description
This delightful Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and autumn spices with caramelized apples for a cozy morning treat. Thick-cut bread slices are soaked in a spiced pumpkin-egg batter and cooked to golden perfection, then topped with sweet, cinnamon-scented sautéed apples, butter, and maple syrup for an irresistible seasonal twist on classic French toast.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Batter
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- Butter or neutral oil for frying
Caramelized Apples
- 2 apples peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Splash of lemon juice
To Serve
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, canned pumpkin puree, whole milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the pumpkin-egg mixture into a shallow dish, then soak each slice of thick-cut bread for 20 to 30 seconds per side, allowing the bread to absorb the flavorful batter without becoming too soggy.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or a neutral oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated skillet and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully to maintain their structure.
- Caramelize the apples: While the French toast cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice. Sauté until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the French toast and top generously with the warm caramelized apples. Add a pat of butter and drizzle with maple syrup. Optionally, garnish with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Notes
- Thick-cut breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best for soaking without falling apart.
- Adjust the spice levels to your preference, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger fall flavor.
- Caramelized apples can be made ahead and gently reheated for faster breakfast preparation.
- Use whole milk for richer flavor, but you can substitute with any milk of choice.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk.
