Description
These Pumpkin French Toast Bites are a delightful fall-inspired breakfast treat, featuring bite-sized pieces of brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich pumpkin-spiced custard and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy mornings, they’re served warm with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Mixture
- 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
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the bread cubes: Add the cubed bread into the pumpkin custard, gently stirring to coat each piece thoroughly. Allow the bread to soak for 10-15 minutes so it absorbs the flavors and custard.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to prepare for frying.
- Cook first batch: Add half of the soaked bread cubes into the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cook second batch: Remove the cooked French toast bites to a plate. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then cook the remaining soaked bread cubes in the same manner.
- Serve: Serve the pumpkin French toast bites warm, drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, use brioche or challah bread as they absorb the custard well and have a rich flavor.
- Make sure to soak the bread cubes long enough to fully absorb the pumpkin custard mixture.
- You can keep the cooked bites warm in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) while finishing the remaining batches.
- Adjust the amount of sugar or spices to taste for a more or less sweet and spiced flavor.
- These can be served as a fun finger food for brunch or breakfast gatherings.
