If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, bite-sized breakfast treat that bursts with autumn flavors, this Pumpkin French Toast Bites Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft cubes of brioche perfectly soaked in a fragrant mixture of pumpkin, warm spices, and vanilla, then cooked until golden and crispy. These little bites are not just adorable—they’re packed with the creamy, comforting richness of pumpkin paired with classic French toast goodness. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a fun brunch, these pumpkin-flavored morsels will make you fall in love bite after delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pumpkin French Toast Bites Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and that irresistible autumnal color that makes every bite inviting.
- 1 loaf of bread (preferably brioche or challah): These breads soak up the custard beautifully while keeping a tender crumb.
- 4 eggs: The eggs bind the custard mixture and give the bites structure.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard base.
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: Brings that warm pumpkin flavor and a lovely orange hue.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture just enough to balance the spices.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a delicate floral note.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is essential for that classic comforting spice taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth to the spice blend.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a subtle zing that brightens the pumpkin mix.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For frying, it adds a nutty richness and perfect golden crust.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving: The sweetest finishing touches that complement the pumpkin delight.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard Base
Start by combining eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed. This custard is the heart of your Pumpkin French Toast Bites Recipe and sets the stage for all that cozy flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Cubes
Toss in your cubed brioche or challah, making sure each piece gets generously coated in the pumpkin custard. Let the bread sit and soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to deeply infuse and the bread to absorb just the right amount of liquid, ensuring a moist and tender interior.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Melt Butter
Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. This butter will create a golden, slightly crispy crust on your French toast bites with a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Bites
Arrange half of the soaked bread cubes in a single layer in the skillet. Cooking them without crowding ensures even browning. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden exterior with some crisp edges while keeping the center soft and tender.
Step 5: Repeat with Remaining Cubes
Once the first batch is done, transfer the cooked bites to a warm plate and melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining bread cubes. This way, every single piece gets that perfect balance of crispy and tender.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Sweet Toppings
For the finishing touch on your Pumpkin French Toast Bites Recipe, serve them warm, generously drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar. These add-ons enhance the natural sweetness and spice, bringing everything together in the most delightful way.
How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar provides a light, snow-like touch that makes these bites look as good as they taste. A drizzle of pure maple syrup introduces a luscious sweetness that melts over each bite, adding moisture and flavor. For a nutty twist, chopped toasted pecans or walnuts make fantastic complementary garnishes.
Side Dishes
Serve your Pumpkin French Toast Bites alongside crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a wonderful flavor contrast. Fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or a handful of berries bring a bright, fresh balance to the rich pumpkin and spices.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the bites threaded on skewers for an easy-to-share brunch platter or pile them in a rustic bowl and encourage friends to dig in. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes these bites an indulgent treat perfect for brunch or dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin French Toast Bites store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay good for 2 to 3 days, which means you can enjoy the cozy flavors well beyond that first delicious morning.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled French toast bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together and can be kept for up to 2 months for a convenient pumpkin breakfast anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated bites in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again, about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crisp exterior, but it works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche or challah for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal because of their tender crumb and slight sweetness, you can use other breads like white sandwich bread or even sourdough for a different texture. Just keep in mind that denser breads might need a longer soaking time.
Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?
Great question! Use pure canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree is plain pumpkin with no added sugars or spices, allowing you to control the seasoning perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for frying to keep things friendly for lactose-intolerant eaters without sacrificing flavor.
How do I make the Pumpkin French Toast Bites crispier?
Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the soaked bread cubes, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches helps the bites develop a golden, crisp crust. Using butter for frying also improves browning and flavor.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, soak the bread cubes in the chilled custard. This makes morning prep quick and easy for busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin French Toast Bites Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little autumn magic into your kitchen any time you want. Bite-sized and packed with comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice, it’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo with your favorite cup of coffee. Give this recipe a whirl—you might just find your new seasonal obsession!
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Pumpkin French Toast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Pumpkin French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on traditional French toast, featuring tender bread cubes soaked in a creamy pumpkin-spiced custard and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a cozy fall breakfast or a sweet snack, they’re served warm with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (preferably brioche or challah), cut into small cubes
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the bread cubes: Add the cubed bread to the pumpkin custard mixture, stirring gently to coat each piece completely. Allow the bread cubes to soak for 10-15 minutes so they absorb the flavorful custard well.
- Heat the skillet and melt butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter, ensuring it coats the pan evenly to prevent sticking.
- Cook the first batch: Add half of the soaked bread cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread bites turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Remove and repeat: Transfer the cooked French toast bites to a plate. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet, then cook the remaining bread cubes following the same process.
- Serve warm: Serve the pumpkin French toast bites hot, drizzled generously with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness and flair.
Notes
- Use brioche or challah bread for best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to soak the bread cubes thoroughly to achieve a custard-like interior.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which helps maintain crispiness.
- Optional toppings include whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
