Pumpkin Spice French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably thick slices to absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.

Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients and create a rich custard for the toast.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth custard mixture.

Pumpkin puree: Provides the distinct pumpkin flavor and adds a creamy texture.

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

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

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast to a golden brown perfection.

When preparing French toast, ensure that the bread is slightly stale or dried out. This allows it to absorb more of the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by placing it in a low oven for a few minutes.

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

• bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a soft texture, perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This works well for a vegan option.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical flavor and is also dairy-free.

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

• 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 the flavor of pumpkin pie spice.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but equally delightful flavor.

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

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that works well 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. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are firm. This step ensures that the slices do not stick together.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster or toaster oven for a quicker option.
• For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the refrigerated slices in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in 20-second intervals until warm.
• To keep the French toast moist and flavorful, consider adding a small pat of butter on top before reheating. This will help maintain its delicious texture.
• If you have leftover egg mixture, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Use it to make a fresh batch of Pumpkin Spice French Toast the next day.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Pumpkin Spice French Toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely 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.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method helps to maintain the crispy texture while reheating.

• Microwave Method: Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is quick but may result in a 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 achieving 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, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through. This method is quick and helps maintain a crispy texture.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and whisk the ingredients for the egg mixture.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract together smoothly.

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

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

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

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

• Butter knife: Used to spread the butter onto the skillet for cooking.

• Plate: Used to serve the cooked French toast slices.

• Serving utensils: Used to add toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar to the French toast.

Prepare the egg mixture in advance: Mix the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract the night before. Store in the fridge for quick use in the morning.

Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet heats evenly and reduces the need for extra butter, speeding up the cooking process.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the butter and bread. This helps achieve a golden brown crust faster.

Opt for thick bread: Thick slices of bread soak up the egg mixture quickly, reducing prep time.