Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake
Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake. A delightful twist on traditional French toast, this dish combines the comforting essence of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices, creating a perfect breakfast or brunch treat for the whole family. Ideal for Once-a-Month Cooking (OAMC), this recipe is versatile enough to use any bread you prefer, whether it's whole wheat, white, or thick Texas toast. Prepare it ahead of time, and enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal morning effort. Serve it drizzled with maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat sandwich bread
14 slices (sliced)
eggs
3 (beaten)
milk
1/2 cup (measured)
canned pumpkin
3/4 cup (measured)
pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2
Preheat a greased griddle or skillet over medium heat.
3
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly, allowing excess to drip off.
4
Place the dipped bread onto the hot griddle or skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5
Once cooked, remove and serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as syrup, nuts, or fresh fruit.
6
For OAMC, allow any leftovers to cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster or skillet when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake?
It is a warm, fall-inspired breakfast dish that combines bread with a mixture of eggs, milk, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spices.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
You can use any bread you prefer, including whole wheat sandwich bread, white bread, or thick-cut Texas toast.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for Once-a-Month Cooking (OAMC) as it can be prepared ahead of time or frozen for later use.
How do I prepare the egg mixture?
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is smooth.
What are the ingredients needed for this recipe?
You will need 14 slices of bread, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 3/4 cup of canned pumpkin, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
How long should I cook the French toast?
Cook each side on a greased griddle for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
What temperature should I use for cooking?
A griddle or skillet should be preheated over medium heat.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree as long as it has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin.
How do I prevent the bread from getting too soggy?
Dip each slice quickly to coat both sides evenly and allow any excess mixture to drip off before placing it on the griddle.
What are some recommended toppings?
Popular toppings include maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, nuts, or fresh fruit.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, allow the French toast to cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the freezer.
How do I reheat frozen French toast?
You can easily reheat the slices in a toaster or on a skillet until they are warmed through.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices make it a hit with the whole family.
Does this recipe require a lot of effort in the morning?
No, especially if you prepare it ahead of time, it requires minimal morning effort.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, you can substitute the regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk if desired.
How many slices of bread does the batter cover?
The recipe is designed to cover approximately 14 slices of whole wheat sandwich bread.
What makes this a 'bake' if it is cooked on a griddle?
While traditionally French toast bakes are oven-cooked, this version is a stovetop preparation that can be easily scaled for large batches.
Can I add extra spices?
Yes, if you prefer a stronger flavor, you can increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of cinnamon.
Should the eggs be beaten before mixing?
Yes, it is helpful to have the eggs lightly beaten to ensure they incorporate smoothly with the pumpkin and milk.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Absolutely, the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice ingredients are classic staples of fall seasonal cooking.
Can I use Texas Toast?
Yes, thick Texas toast is an excellent choice for a sturdier, more indulgent French toast.
Is the griddle necessary?
A skillet works just as well if you do not have a griddle.
Does the recipe include sugar?
The batter itself does not include added sugar, relying on the pumpkin flavor and toppings for sweetness.
What is the serving size?
The recipe uses 14 slices of bread, which typically serves 4 to 7 people depending on how many slices each person eats.
Can I add nuts directly to the batter?
It is better to add nuts as a topping after cooking to maintain their crunch.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Using whole wheat bread and canned pumpkin increases the fiber content compared to standard white bread French toast.
How do I know the griddle is ready?
You can test it by splashing a drop of water on the surface; if it sizzles, it is ready for the bread.
Can I make this for a large brunch crowd?
Yes, it is very easy to double or triple the ingredients for a larger group.
What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own by mixing cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Is it better to serve it immediately?
Yes, serving it immediately ensures the best texture, though leftovers are still delicious when reheated.