Cozy Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Cozy Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast Recipe For Fall

Pioneer woman pumpkin french toast turns an everyday breakfast into a spellbinding seasonal symphony.

Crisp autumn mornings beg for something more than mundane meal routines.

Warm spices weave through each golden slice, promising pure comfort and culinary delight.

Creamy pumpkin custard soaks into soft bread, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary morning experience.

Caramelized edges crackle with sweet intensity, while the interior remains deliciously tender.

Every forkful whispers tales of cozy kitchens and harvest celebrations.

This recipe will transport you straight to a rustic farmhouse kitchen, where comfort and flavor dance together in delicious harmony.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 659 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredient List for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast

For Bread Base:
  • Brioche Bread: Choose soft, fresh loaf with rich, buttery texture for optimal absorption.
  • Vanilla Extract: Select pure, high-quality extract for deep, authentic flavor enhancement.
For Custard and Creamy Components:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Pick 100% pure, smooth canned puree without added spices.
  • Condensed Milk: Opt for full-fat version for rich, creamy consistency.
  • Whole Milk: Select fresh, whole milk for luxurious texture.
  • Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs for smooth blending.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Choose freshly ground for vibrant, warm aroma.
  • Cream Cheese: Select full-fat, soft cheese for silky spreadability.
  • Powdered Sugar: Find fine-grain sugar for seamless mixing.
For Crunchy Topping:
  • Pecans: Select fresh, crisp nuts with golden-brown color.
  • Brown Sugar: Choose dark variety for deeper caramel notes.
  • Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich, clean flavor.
  • Salt: Select fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.
  • Maple Syrup: Pick pure, grade A syrup for authentic sweetness.

Kitchen Tools for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast

  • Oven: Preheated to 350°F for perfect baking temperature.
  • 12×8-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for layering and even cooking.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking pumpkin custard ingredients together.
  • Pastry Brush: To evenly coat baking dish with melted butter.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending custard ingredients smoothly.
  • Mixer or Electric Beater: For creating silky cream cheese layer.
  • Small Bowl: To mix crunchy nutty topping ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast

How to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast
  • Prep Your Baking Station

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to 350°F. Grab a baking dish and lovingly brush melted butter across its bottom for a golden, non-stick surface.

  • Whip Up Pumpkin Magic

Grab a large bowl and combine pumpkin puree with creamy dairy, warming spices, and silky eggs. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and inviting, creating a luscious custard that will make taste buds dance.

  • Bread Bath and Layer

Dunk soft bread slices into the pumpkin custard, ensuring they’re completely saturated. Carefully arrange the soaked pieces in the buttered dish, creating a delectable foundation for your casserole.

  • Craft Creamy Cheese Blanket

Blend cream cheese with sweet powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Spread this dreamy layer evenly across the soaked bread, creating a cloud-like cushion of richness.

  • Top and Crunch

Layer additional custard-soaked bread on top of the cream cheese. Sprinkle a tantalizingly crunchy mixture of pecans, brown sugar, and a hint of salt over the entire dish.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the waiting oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece and the custard sets beautifully.

  • Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Drizzle with warm maple syrup, slice into generous portions, and enjoy while it’s still warm and irresistibly inviting.

Tips and Tweaks for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast

Swap brioche with challah or French bread for different textures and subtle flavor variations.

Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk to create a lighter, dietary-friendly version that still delivers rich taste.

Experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to elevate the warm autumn flavor notes beyond traditional cinnamon.

Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake directly from the cold state – perfect for stress-free holiday morning preparations.

How to Plate and Serve Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast

  • Brunch Bliss Centerpiece: Place this golden pumpkin bread casserole as the star attraction at your weekend brunch, surrounded by fresh berries and coffee.
  • Sweet Morning Companion: Pair the casserole with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the breakfast experience.
  • Garnish with Grace: Sprinkle additional toasted pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar over each slice for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Holiday Hosting Hero: Serve this comforting dish during autumn gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning to create warm family memories.

Storing and Saving Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast

  • Store with Care: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the casserole's delightful texture.
  • Reheat with Precision: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or restore the entire dish's crispy top by placing it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate custard.
  • Freeze for Future Comfort: Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its original mouthwatering quality.
  • Portion and Preserve: Slice the casserole into individual servings before storing. This makes reheating easier and helps maintain the dish's beautiful layers and texture when you're ready to enjoy another slice of comfort.
Print
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Cozy Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin French Toast Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Pioneer Woman pumpkin French toast combines autumn spices with classic breakfast comfort. Cinnamon-dusted slices offer a rich, creamy experience that welcomes seasonal warmth to your morning plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced
  • 22.5 oz (638 g) (1.5 cans) pumpkin puree
  • 4 large eggs
  • 16 oz (454 g) (2 packages) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 14 oz (397 g) (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup milk
  • 5 tbsps (74 ml) unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • Maple syrup, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preparation Setup: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter an 8×12-inch baking dish to prevent adherence.
  2. Pumpkin Custard Creation: Whisk pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter into a silky-smooth mixture. Reserve a small portion for final layering.
  3. Bread Immersion: Thoroughly soak brioche slices in the pumpkin custard, ensuring complete flavor penetration. Arrange soaked bread in a uniform single layer across the buttered baking dish.
  4. Cream Cheese Infusion: Blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a luxurious, velvety texture. Delicately spread this creamy mixture across the bread base, maintaining an even 1/4-inch thickness.
  5. Topping Assembly: Layer remaining bread slices with reserved custard. Combine pecans, dark brown sugar, kosher salt, and melted butter to create a crumbly, aromatic topping.
  6. Baking Process: Sprinkle the nutty pecan mixture uniformly over the casserole. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece and the custard sets completely.
  7. Serving Finale: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes post-baking. Crown the dish with a generous maple syrup drizzle, transforming it into an indulgent breakfast centerpiece.

Notes

  • Bread Selection: Choose thick-cut, day-old brioche for maximum custard absorption and rich, tender texture.
  • Custard Consistency: Whisk pumpkin mixture thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky smooth base for optimal flavor distribution.
  • Pecan Topping Tip: Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty depth and crunch in the final dish.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake directly from cold for intensified flavors and convenient morning preparation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 659
  • Sugar: 64 g
  • Sodium: 446 mg
  • Fat: 37 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 67 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 186 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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