As the crisp winter air sweeps in, it’s time to cozy up with the ultimate seasonal breakfast: Pumpkin Spice French Toast. This is not your average French toast; it’s layered with a luscious pumpkin cream, warm pumpkin-infused maple syrup, and topped with crunchy candied pecans. Every bite is like a sweet hug from autumn itself. Perfect for an indulgent weekend brunch or to impress holiday guests, this recipe is sure to make you the toast of the season. Our friends at R House Wynwood shared this recipe with us, so bring little bit of Miami flavor home this season. 

Pumpkin Cream

Start with a decadent, whipped pumpkin cream that elevates this dish with its rich, creamy texture and gentle pumpkin spice undertones.

Ingredients:

– 4 oz cream cheese

– 1/4 cup heavy cream

– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree

– 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice

– 1/4 cup powdered sugar

– 2 drops orange food dye (optional for a festive color)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a stand mixer with the whip attachment (or use a hand mixer).

2. Mix until the cream is light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined.

Pumpkin Syrup

This warm, spiced syrup is what fall dreams are made of! Perfectly balancing the sweetness of pure maple syrup with the smoothness of pumpkin puree, it’s the perfect drizzle to complement every bite of French toast.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups pure maple syrup

– 2 cups pumpkin puree

– 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy sauce pot and bring to a light boil.

2. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then keep warm until serving.

Pumpkin French Toast Batter

Now, let’s soak our bread in a batter that’s packed with pumpkin flavor. Thick slices of challah bread work beautifully, but any sturdy, thick-cut bread will do.

Ingredients:

– 8 slices of challah bread, cut 1 ½ inches thick

– 4 oz sweetened condensed milk

– 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

– 1 cup whole milk

– 6 eggs

– 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree

– 1/2 T pumpkin spice

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth and well combined.

2. Coat each slice of bread in the batter, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked.

3. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook each slice until golden brown on both sides.

4. Transfer the cooked slices to a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes to finish.

Candied Pecans

To add some irresistible crunch, make a batch of candied pecans. These are so good, you’ll want to snack on them all season long!

Ingredients:

– 2 cups pecan pieces

– 6 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Roast the pecans for 10 minutes at 325°F.

2. While the nuts are roasting, bring the brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla to a boil in a pan over medium heat until it forms a caramel.

3. Fold in the roasted pecans and stir until evenly coated.

4. Spread the pecans on parchment paper to cool and harden.

Assembling the French Toast

The final step brings everything together in a plated masterpiece that tastes as good as it looks.

1. Slice each toast piece into quarters and arrange on a plate.

2. Add a dollop of the pumpkin cream to each quarter.

3. Sprinkle with candied pecans for a bit of crunch.

4. Finish with a drizzle of the warm pumpkin syrup.

This Pumpkin Spice French Toast is an cozy feast of flavors and textures. Whether for a cozy brunch at home or a festive breakfast with friends, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite. So grab your pumpkin spice, turn up the cozy, and indulge in this spiced treat that embodies the best of fall.

For some more winter cooking inspo check out our recipes for risotto and Portuguese Linguine.