Pumpkin French Toast Bites are little nuggets of fall-flavored goodness that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Imagine the warm taste of pumpkin mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped up in a mini French toast piece you can pop in your mouth. These bites make breakfast feel fun and festive—perfect for mornings when you want something tasty and easy to eat.
I love making these Pumpkin French Toast Bites when I want a cozy treat without too much fuss. I usually dip cubes of bread into a pumpkin-spiced egg mixture, then cook them until they’re golden brown and slightly crunchy. It’s like having pumpkin pie in a bite-sized form, only quicker and great for sharing. Plus, they make breakfast feel special even on a regular weekday.
My favorite way to enjoy these bites is with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. They also taste great with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. I often make a batch for weekend brunch with friends, and everyone loves grabbing these little bites—they disappear fast! If you want to add a little extra texture, tossing them with some toasted pecans or raisins before cooking is a nice touch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I like using challah or brioche because they’re soft and absorb the pumpkin mix well without falling apart. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat bread can work, but it’s denser, so soak it a little longer.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient and consistent. You can use homemade pumpkin puree if you have it. Avoid pumpkin pie filling—it’s sweetened and spiced already, which can make your French toast too sweet.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves add that classic pumpkin flavor. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste or swap in pumpkin pie spice for simplicity.
Milk: Whole milk gives creaminess, but you can use almond, oat, or soy milk for dairy-free versions. Just keep the amount the same to maintain the right texture.
Butter or Oil: Butter adds nice flavor and browns the bites well, but oil (like coconut or vegetable) works if you want a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get Pumpkin French Toast Bites Crispy Without Getting Soggy?
The trick is soaking the bread just enough to absorb flavor but not soak so long it becomes mushy.
- Cut bread into cubes about 1 inch wide for even cooking.
- After dipping the cubes in the pumpkin mixture, let them soak for about 5 minutes only.
- Use a slotted spoon to lift bites out, letting extra liquid drip off before placing in the pan.
- Cook over medium heat to get a golden crust without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, so bites cook evenly and stay crispy.
Following these steps helps your bites stay firm on the inside with a nice crispy outside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I find it easy for whisking all the wet ingredients together to get a smooth mixture.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs, pumpkin, and spices until combined.
- Slotted spoon – makes it simple to lift the bread cubes out without excess liquid.
- Skillet or griddle – I prefer a non-stick surface for even cooking and easy flipping.
- Spatula – perfect for turning the bites and removing them from the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep everything precise, especially the spices and liquids.
- Plate lined with paper towels – for draining cooked bites and keeping them crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the bread with croissants or waffles for a different texture and flavor.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the mixture before cooking for extra richness.
- Use maple syrup instead of plain with the bites for a sweeter finish.
- Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a spicy kick that balances the pumpkin sweetness.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of bread (preferably challah or brioche), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
- Pumpkin seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a warm, autumn-inspired breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt until everything is well blended and smooth.
2. Soak the Bread Cubes:
Place the bread cubes into the pumpkin egg mixture and gently toss to coat each piece. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes to absorb all the lovely flavors.
3. Cook the Bites:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add some butter or oil to coat the surface. Using a slotted spoon, lift the soaked bread cubes, letting any extra liquid drip off, then arrange them carefully in the pan without crowding.
Cook the bites for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and have a slightly crispy edge.
4. Serve Warm and Tasty:
Transfer the cooked bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Repeat cooking the remaining bites, adding more butter or oil as needed. When done, arrange the bites on a serving plate, dust with powdered sugar, and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top if you like.
For an extra treat, add a dollop of whipped cream and serve alongside warm maple syrup for dipping. Enjoy your cozy pumpkin French toast bites!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for Pumpkin French Toast Bites?
Yes! Frozen bread works great, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry if it’s damp. Slightly stale bread is even better because it soaks up the mixture without falling apart.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin French Toast Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain their crispiness or pop them in the microwave for a quick option.
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the pumpkin egg mixture and soak the bread cubes, then refrigerate the mixture overnight. Cook them fresh the next morning for best texture and flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Pumpkin Puree?
You can substitute canned sweet potato puree or mashed banana for a different twist. The flavor will change slightly but will still create moist, tasty French toast bites.