It’s almost Halloween… let’s go pumpkin crazy!
The time of year when it’s cold enough for the boots and sweaters, but it’s not cold enough for the heater.
Upon arriving home from work each day, I find myself debating whether or not to turn the heater on.
I mean, my apartment does get pretty cold in the evenings.
But then I remind myself that it’s ONLY October, that it’s only gonna get worse, so just hold out for another month to avoid those dreaded heat bills. Call me cheap, but whateva!
As I snuggle up on my couch with my soft comfy, I can’t deny the fact that I do enjoy this cool weather… the crisp air, the brisk winds, the fall leaves, the hot chocolate, the smell of burning pumpkin candle, and pumpkin spice – the epitome of fall. 
This past weekend I finally got around to making Pumpkin Pie French Toast with challah bread, you know the really thick kind of bread that actually resembles “real” French Toast.
I didn’t add much fat except the basics… eggs, reduced-fat milk, and a touch of butter. Additionally, I didn’t add any sugar to the batter since I topped off my French Toast with pure Maple Syrup.
You seriously don’t need cream, a ton of sugar, or a ton of butter for this recipe. This Pumpkin Pie French Toast will win your heart. I promise!
NUTRITION: Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A, Fiber, and Antioxidants. Eggs are a very good source of Vitamin B2, and are a good source Protein and Vitamin D, although the yolks do contain a lot of cholesterol, the yolk also contains tons of nutrients that are good for you. Milk is an excellent source of Protein and Calcium. Maple Syrup is a much healthier alternative to sugar since a little bit goes a long way. Pecans contain natural antioxidants and are heart-healthy nuts known to lower cholesterol.
note: for an even healthier French Toast, skip the challah bread and opt for 100% whole wheat bread or whole wheat challah (if you can find it).
note 2: if you are using whole wheat sliced bread, don’t drench the bread in the batter for too long else it will get soggy.
INGREDIENTS (makes 5 to 6 pieces of French Toast):
for the batter
- Organic Eggs – 2
- Organic Reduced-Fat 2% Milk – 3/4 cup
- Libby’s Pure Pumpkin – 1/4 cup
- Ground Cinnamon – 3/4 tsp
- Ginger – 1/4 tsp
- Nutmeg – 1/4 tsp
- Pure Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
- Salt – just a pinch
for cooking:
- Challah Bread – cut into 1 inch slices (*Brioche works really well too)
- Unsalted Butter – just a teaspoon per slice of French Toast
for garnish (all optional):
- Pecans – just a couple (chopped)
- Powdered Sugar – just a sprinkle
- Pure Maple Syrup – just a drizzle
DIRECTIONS:
1. Here are all the main ingredients.
2. Combine all the ingredients for the batter in a mixing bowl, one where you can easily dip a piece of challah bread.
3. Whisk.
4. Slice the challah bread into 1 inch slices.
5. I used a teaspoon of butter to cook each slice of French Toast, a triangle.
6. Heat a cast-iron skillet on low-medium heat (dial #4). Add a little butter.
7. Dip the challah bread into the pumpkin batter for a few seconds on each side.
8. Place the bread onto the cast-iron skillet. Hear that sizzle? Cook for about 3 minutes.
9. Flip and should be golden brown. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
10. If desired top with chopped pecans, powdered sugar, and pure maple syrup. Serve immediately.
TELL ME: What’s your favorite kind of French Toast? Are you celebrating Halloween this year? If so, what are your plans?
YUM! It's been a while since I had French toast but this looks amazing! I'm not the biggest pumpkin fan but I am pretty sure subbing in apples or bananas would work as well…mmM! Suddenly my bowl of scrambled eggs doesn't look as exciting! I'm not sure challah is available in Mumbai so I'll probably be making it with wholewheat toast- appreciate that you included the tip about not overly drenching it :)!
Yeah, I usually order it, it's been a while for me. Pumpkin is definitely an acquired taste… and I think it's more of an American thing. Bananas would be yummy! If you can't find Challah, Brioche works really well too. No problem, happy to help! 🙂
We don't have to pay for heat so I've been happily turning mine on every morning! Just for an hour or so, which warms the place up for the rest of the day.
This French toast is my ultimate my happy place breakfast. Pretty sure.
Man, you're lucky… well with NYC rent, I hope you don't pay for heat.. the prices are crazzzzzzzzzzy!!! Thanks.. I hope you make it… you'll stay extra warm. 🙂
i havent had french toast in so long – need to make this soon. I like the idea of going pumpkin crazy too..I am most likely going to a haunted house. What about yourself?
I know, me too, I usually order it outside. That's soooooooooo exciting that you are going to a Haunted House… wish I was doing that… I'll have to figure out my plans, maybe the parade or something.
Another pumpkin recipe to add to the list! I love french toast but never splurge and use challah bread. That must change because I'm pretty sure it takes the whole meal to a new level!
Haha.. I know, it never ends. Challah Bread changes everything P… it tastes so much better, definitely a once in a while type thing. 🙂
Challah Bread french toast is really the only way to go in my household. Love the pumpkin pie flavor you added 😉
Yes, in my home it's usually only on extra special days. Challah makes a big difference in taste. Thank you!
What a nice use of pumpkin. So different from the usual pies and sweet treats. I like the use of challah. Definitely makes it extra special.
My grown up Halloween party days are gone. I'm throwing a kiddie party for 2 yr olds. Lets see how it goes.
Are you going to the downtown Halloween parade ? Heard its awesome.
Yeah… I love pumpkin anything. Challah is definitely the way to go with French Toast for a little extra treat, but I don't usually buy it. Yeah, the Halloween Parade in NYC is awesome, I'll have to see what friends are doing, but most of the time I don't really celebrate. 🙂
Yummy! I made pumpkin french toast just the other day, but I need to try it again when I actually have decent bread 🙂
I am normally with you in the "cheap" camp about turning on the heat. However, I have a little 11 month old this year, and I feel so bad if she gets cold…so the heat has been running here occasionally for several weeks now 🙁
Yeah, bread makes a big difference with French Toast.. in the past I've made it using whole wheat bread and it doesn't hold up as wel. Oh Laura, if I had a baby at home, my heat would be running all day, all night, I wouldn't have room to be cheap. Don't really blame you. You do it for your kids. 🙂
Yum! It's almost ten at night and now all I want is pumpkin french toast! What a brilliant and delicious idea!
Thanks Monet.. and I'm sure you are up with the baby .. wild guess? I hate looking at food blogs at night, it gets me so hungry!!!
Yum! perfect for weather getting cooler. I also have not had french toast in a while….Looking forward also to the cooler months. It must be difficult in NY with snow and all, I can't imagine.
By the way, I'm still in Delhi..
I usually order French Toast at a diner or for brunch, I rarely ever make it, but I really wanted Pumpkin French Toast. It actually hasn't started snowing yet, snow in NYC usually starts in December, fingers crossed that it is after. Haha. 🙂
This is a great way to use up pumpkin! Pumpkin and maple pair so beautifully together. This looks delicious!
It is a great way to use pumpkin… + maple syrup is just soooooooo good! Love it! Thanks Anne.
I love this weather too…I think we are really lucking out with the temps this week! Today I went for a run in Central Park and it was perfect. Hope it stays this way.
The French Toast looks SO good. I'll have to try this soon! I've never cooked with pumpkin before.
Yeah.. really like fall. Today is such a gorgeous day, I'm just sad about it getting dark so soon! Oh wow… that's great you went for a run, I need to workout, especially after eating so much dairy. 🙁 Thanks… I think you'd like this recipe… and you can exclude the pumpkin if you don't care for it. 🙂
Wow, this looks so good! Great flavor, and so perfect for the season. Love the "action" shots with the powdered sugar!
Thanks!! Appreciate you noticing those "action" shots. Haha. Glad someone did.. I tried.
We've been trying to hold off on turning on the heat too … although that has resulted in a few times where I've woken up freezing!! And this french toast sounds so so good – perfect for the fall!
Ashley, I sleep with a comforter and a soft blanket so it keeps me toasty at night, but in general I prefer it a little cool at night as opposed to hot. 🙂
So mouthwatering! I'd love a big forkful (or ten) for breakfast! This looks so delicious…
Thanks Georgia.. IKR.. I would go for 10 too!
WOW. These are brilliant–what a perfect breakfast for a fall weekend!
Thanks Kiersten… they taste really good, make them before pumpkin season is up. 🙂
I started drooling as soon as I saw this on your insta feed — love french toast for brunch!
Yay… I got Kiran to drool… that means you approve of my pictures which is saying a LOT. 🙂 I appreciate it.
You are way too kind! Your photos are amazing, especially the action shot with powdered sugar. Yum!!
Thanks Kiran. So sweet.
I haven't had French toast in a while – this looks so delicious! Love the fall twist with pumpkin.
Make them before fall is up… so good Bianca. 🙂
I make French toast almost everyday. My daughter loves it that much! First time I have ever heard of pumpkin French toast though. Looks yum.
That's interesting, I just thought of it cause of the pumpkinal season, if you will. 🙂 It's really good, try it with challah or brioche. Thanks for stopping by.
I love challah French toast! I've never tried it with pumpkin before, but it looks like a great addition.
Thanks Natasha.. it's so delicious. Pumpkin is a great addition, the flavor is subtle.
Holly molly, these look superb!! I have not made french toast in for ever and these look the bomb. Your dishes, dessert and treats are great. I am pinning this to make in the near future 🙂
Thanks Miryam.. it's pretty delish! Appreciate the pin. 🙂
I wish I was there to try this amazing looking french toast. That is such a great twist on french toast by adding pumpkin to it. I can't wait to cook this recipeJC
Thanks JC.. you and I both. Hope you try it, it's so delicious.
For me french toast is a perfect way to get your pumpkin spice fix without baking all afternoon or making a trip to Starbucks. If you’re a fan of french toast (and all things pumpkin) then this is the recipe for you! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Starbucks is a real ripoff, I can't justify going there all the time, once a week at most. Anyone would enjoy this recipe.. you can add/remove as much as pumpkin as you'd like.