Pumpkin French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

French toast is a classic breakfast you can enjoy any time of year, but adding pumpkin puree and warm spices turns it into a cozy fall favorite. Finished with a cinnamon sugar coating and baked briefly in the oven, this pumpkin French toast has crisp edges, a tender center, and plenty of comforting pumpkin spice flavor.

Pumpkin spice French toast

Pumpkin French toast is an easy way to bring the flavors of fall to the breakfast table without making anything complicated. The recipe starts with a simple custard made from eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. The pumpkin adds a gentle richness and a beautiful seasonal flavor, while the spices give every slice that warm, bakery-style aroma everyone loves during autumn.

This recipe is especially nice because it combines two cooking methods. First, the bread is cooked on a hot griddle or nonstick pan until golden brown. Then, each slice is coated in cinnamon sugar and finished in the oven. That short bake helps the outside become lightly crisp and allows the sugar to melt slightly, creating a sweet, fragrant coating that makes this pumpkin spice French toast feel extra special.

The first step is to preheat the oven and warm your cooking surface. A hot griddle or skillet is important because it helps the bread cook evenly and develop a golden crust instead of becoming soggy. Since the French toast is finished in the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper before you begin. This makes cleanup easier and keeps the cinnamon sugar coating from sticking.

Next, prepare the pumpkin custard in a large shallow dish. A baking dish works well because it gives you enough space to dip each slice of bread without making a mess. Whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This custard is what gives the French toast its soft center and rich pumpkin flavor.

More fall recipes you will love:

Apple crepes with caramel sauce
Pumpkin cream cheese bread
Taco stuffed sweet potatoes
Stuffed butternut squash
Pumpkin cake with lemon cheese frosting
Cranberry pound cake with orange zest
Pumpkin chocolate chip bread
Italian Panettone cake

Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, turning it so both sides are fully coated. Texas toast is a great choice because the slices are thick and sturdy, but other thick-cut breads can also work well, such as brioche, challah, French bread, sourdough, or potato bread. Thick slices are ideal for French toast because they absorb the custard without falling apart.

As the bread cooks, mix the sugar and cinnamon together on a small plate. Once a slice of French toast is golden brown on both sides, dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture while it is still warm. Coat both sides, then place the slice on the prepared baking sheet. Continue this process until all the slices are cooked and coated.

After the baking sheet is full, place it in the oven for about 10 minutes. This final step gives the pumpkin French toast a lovely texture: crisp on the outside, soft inside, and lightly caramelized on the surface. The cinnamon sugar coating becomes warm and fragrant, making each bite taste like a cozy fall breakfast treat.

Serve this oven baked pumpkin French toast immediately for the best texture. It is delicious on its own, but you can also add extra cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, or maple syrup if you want a sweeter breakfast. Whether you are making a weekend brunch, a fall holiday breakfast, or a simple seasonal treat, this easy pumpkin French toast recipe is a warm and satisfying choice.