If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn morning, look no further than this Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter. It’s the perfect balance of cozy spices, creamy pumpkin, and rich buttery sweetness, combined with fluffy brioche that soaks up all those flavors beautifully. Every bite delivers a nostalgic twist on classic French toast, making it an absolute showstopper whether you’re serving brunch to friends or treating yourself to something special.

Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a starring role in making your Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter taste absolutely irresistible. From the soft brioche that gives a tender crumb to the mixture of warming spices that brings that pumpkin flavor to life, every component works together for the best comforting stack.

Brioche or Challah Bread: Choose thick slices for the perfect soak without becoming soggy, adding a tender yet sturdy base.
Eggs: They bind the custard, creating a rich and fluffy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps keep the custard smooth and luscious.
Canned Pumpkin: Provides that beloved seasonal flavor plus moisture and a beautiful color.
Vanilla Extract: Brings out the sweetness and adds depth to every bite.
Flour: A little secret ingredient here to slightly thicken the custard, helping it cling perfectly to the bread.
Cinnamon: The quintessential warm spice that enhances both the pumpkin and brown sugar’s richness.
Brown Sugar (for the batter): Adds caramel-like sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the spices.
Butter (very softened): For the luscious cinnamon butter topping that melts into pockets of deliciousness.
Baking Spices (cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg for the butter): These transform simple butter into a dreamy, fragrant accompaniment.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Butter

Begin by blending together the softened butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients until fully combined into a smooth, fragrant butter spread. Then pop the bowl in the freezer while you work on the French toast itself—this way, the butter firms up perfectly and melts just right on your warm toast.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and canned pumpkin until smooth and creamy. Separately, mix the flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar, then stir these dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. This combined custard is thick, rich, and packed with the sweet-spicy flavors that will soak perfectly into your bread.

Step 3: Dip and Cook the Bread

Using your brioche or challah slices, dip each one into the pumpkin custard, coating both sides quickly but thoroughly. Be careful not to soak the bread too long—just a quick dip to avoid sogginess. Shake off any excess custard and place the slices onto a preheated skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The bread should develop a slight crisp outside while remaining tender inside.

Step 4: Serve with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter

As soon as your Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter is done cooking, pile it high on plates and top generously with the chilled cinnamon butter pieces. Watch as they melt and mingle with the warm toast, creating pockets of sweet, spicy, buttery goodness in every bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter

Garnishes

Adding fresh toppings brings another layer of color and texture to this dish. Consider dusting with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a pretty and flavorful finish. A handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and complement the nutmeg in the butter beautifully.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out your meal, serve alongside crisp bacon or sausage links for a savory counterpoint. Fresh fruit like sliced pears, apples, or even a berry compote can brighten the plate and keep things feeling light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch crowd, stack your Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter tall and dramatic, drizzling extra melted cinnamon butter all over. You could even use mini cast iron skillets for individual servings that look charming and rustic. Don’t forget a drizzle of pure maple syrup for an added touch of sweetness and shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cinnamon butter separate and add it fresh when reheating to preserve its texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze unbuttered French toast slices by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents the slices from sticking together and allows you to reheat a portion whenever needed. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or frozen Pumpkin French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the bread soggy. Finish with fresh cinnamon butter right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche or challah creates the fluffiest texture, you can substitute with thickly sliced white bread or even sourdough for a tangier twist. Avoid very thin or crusty breads as they may not soak the custard properly.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, canned pumpkin is pure cooked pumpkin without added sugar or spices, perfect for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices, which could throw off the balance of flavors here.

Can I make the cinnamon butter ahead of time?

Yes! The cinnamon butter can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature briefly before use or pop it back into the freezer for firmer pats that melt beautifully over warm toast.

How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?

Quickly dipping the bread and shaking off excess custard is key. Be gentle and avoid letting the slices soak for too long before cooking, as too much liquid will make them soggy.

What can I use if I don’t have nutmeg for the butter?

If you don’t have nutmeg on hand, a pinch of ground cloves or allspice is a great substitute, giving the butter a similarly warm and aromatic flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Making Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter is like creating a little celebration on your breakfast plate. It’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying, perfect for cozy weekends or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable. Warm up your kitchen and your heart with every delicious bite!

Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Pumpkin French Toast with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter is a delightful autumn-inspired breakfast treat. Featuring tender brioche or challah bread soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, and topped with a rich cinnamon-brown sugar butter, it perfectly blends warm flavors and creamy textures for a cozy start to your day.

Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together softened butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg until fully combined. Place the bowl in the freezer to firm up while you prepare the French toast mixture.
Preheat the Skillet: Spray a skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
Make the Pumpkin Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform. In a separate small bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar; then incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking until smooth and evenly mixed.
Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the pumpkin custard, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess to prevent sogginess—avoid letting the bread soak for too long.
Cook the French Toast: Place the coated bread slices onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until each side develops a golden brown crust.
Serve: Immediately serve the French toast topped with the chilled cinnamon brown sugar butter, allowing it to melt luxuriously atop the warm slices.

Notes

Use thick-sliced brioche or challah bread for best texture and flavor.
Do not soak the bread too long in the custard mixture to avoid sogginess.
You can prepare the cinnamon butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Add a pinch of salt to the custard mixture to enhance flavor if desired.
Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit for added sweetness and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice with butter
Calories: 280
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Pumpkin French Toast, Brown Sugar Butter, Cinnamon Butter, Fall Breakfast, Brioche French Toast, Challah French Toast, Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes