Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast is a cozy breakfast bake that wraps everything you love about fall into one dreamy dish. Thick slices of bread are layered with sweet pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then soaked in a creamy custard and baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or just a lazy weekend morning, this French toast casserole makes every gathering extra special and fills your home with the warmest, most inviting aromas.

Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast is how simple and cozy ingredients can turn your kitchen into the coziest autumn retreat. Each element in this recipe is chosen to bring big flavor, comforting texture, and a hint of nostalgia to your breakfast table.

Unsalted butter (1/3 cup): Melted butter gives the base a rich, golden, and slightly crispy edge that elevates every bite.
Bread (12 slices): Day-old sandwich bread or challah is best for soaking up all the custard without getting soggy.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds deep, caramel flavor with a gentle molasses sweetness that plays perfectly with pumpkin.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Warm, fragrant, and essential for that signature autumn spice character.
Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): Brings color, moisture, and the unmistakable flavor of pumpkin to every layer.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the custard with sweet, soft vanilla notes that round out the spices.
Eggs (5): The backbone of the custard, eggs bind everything together for that classic French toast texture.
Milk (1½ cups): Whole milk creates a lush, creamy custard that makes each bite tender and rich.

How to Make Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, so everything is ready to go when it’s time to bake. Then, gently melt the unsalted butter and pour it straight into your 9×13 baking dish. This helps the bottom layer of bread get gorgeously crispy and buttery — the perfect foundation for your Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon and Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This duo will become those magical sweet-spicy pockets in every single slice, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

Next, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. This custard mixture soaks deep into the bread layers, ensuring your Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast is wonderfully tender and never dry.

Step 4: Spread the Pumpkin Puree

Take half of your bread slices and spread a thin layer of pumpkin puree on top, just as you would butter. This not only adds pumpkin flavor but gives a beautiful color and moist texture to every mouthful.

Step 5: Layer It Up

Arrange the six pumpkin-topped bread slices, pumpkin side facing up, into the baking dish over the melted butter. Sprinkle half your cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over these slices to make sure every layer is laced with spicy sweetness.

Step 6: Repeat for More Pumpkin Goodness

Repeat the pumpkin spreading process with the remaining six bread slices. Lay them on top of the first layer, again with the pumpkin side up, to create decadent “sandwich” stacks bursting with flavor. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over top.

Step 7: Add the Custard and Chill

Slowly pour the egg and milk custard mixture over your layered bread, making sure to cover every bit for even soaking. For extra sweetness, go ahead and scatter a little more brown sugar and cinnamon on top if you like. Now, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This wait is what makes the flavors truly meld together!

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, keep the dish covered with foil and place it in the center of your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is enticingly golden and the custard is set. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast

Garnishes

Dust the finished Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast with a flurry of powdered sugar to give it a bakery-worthy touch. A light drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans all make delightful toppings that enhance the warm autumn flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your French toast with crisp bacon, breakfast sausages, or a lush fruit salad. The savory sides balance the sweet, custardy richness, while a bright bowl of fresh berries or sliced apples gives a lovely contrast in both flavor and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch table showstopper, cut your Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast into squares and stack them high on a platter. Or serve individually with bowls of toppings for everyone to build their own dream breakfast. You can even slice, skewer, and serve as fun mini bites for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors somehow get even cozier as they sit, making each leftover piece just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the baked French toast to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months, providing a quick and comforting breakfast whenever you need it.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 325 degree oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes, to maintain their crispy edges. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick fix, though reheating in the oven or toaster oven keeps the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast?

Absolutely! While sandwich bread works great, try brioche, challah, or even thick Texas toast for an extra fluffy and decadent result. Just be sure the bread is slightly stale to soak up the custard without getting mushy.

Can I make Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and use a vegan butter to make this French toast dairy-free. The results will still be deliciously creamy and rich!

Do I have to chill the casserole overnight?

The longer the bread soaks, the better the custard flavor and texture become, but if you’re short on time, four hours in the fridge will work in a pinch. Overnight is ideal for the best results.

Can I add other spices to the recipe?

Definitely! A pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice can add even more warmth and depth to your Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast. Just don’t overpower the beautiful pumpkin and cinnamon base.

Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for a crowd?

Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast is perfect for holiday gatherings and brunches because you can assemble it the night before, then just bake and serve in the morning. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and makes entertaining a breeze.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself and your loved ones the treat of warm, golden Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast. It’s so simple to make, bursting with autumn charm, and bound to earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation. There’s nothing quite like the cozy flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon to start your day with a smile — enjoy every bite!

Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Cinnamon Pumpkin French Toast recipe. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch, this dish combines the richness of pumpkin with the sweet spice of cinnamon, all soaked into soft bread and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

12 slices bread

Pumpkin Mixture:

1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Egg Mixture:

5 eggs
1½ cup milk

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt Butter: Melt the butter and pour into a 9×13 baking dish.
Prepare Sugar-Cinnamon Mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Mix Egg Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
Assemble: Spread a thin layer of pumpkin puree on six slices of bread. Place them in the baking dish, pumpkin side up.
Add Sugar-Cinnamon Mix: Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the pumpkin layer.
Layer Again: Repeat the pumpkin puree and bread layering process.
Top with Sugar-Cinnamon: Sprinkle the remaining sugar-cinnamon mix over the top.
Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the assembled layers.
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until set.
Serve: Serve hot, optionally dust with powdered sugar and enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Notes

This dish can be prepared the night before for an easy morning breakfast.
Experiment with different types of bread for varied textures.
Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Pumpkin French Toast, Fall Breakfast Recipe, Cinnamon Pumpkin Bake