Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast

Fall mornings just got a whole lot cozier with this Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast! This comforting breakfast features thick slices of bread stuffed with a sweet pumpkin cream cheese filling, dipped in a warm spiced custard, and griddled to golden perfection. It’s creamy, crispy, spiced, and oh-so-satisfying—perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or whenever you’re craving autumn flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cozy Fall Flavors – Pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and creamy cheese make every bite taste like fall.
Decadent & Comforting – A rich, satisfying breakfast that feels like dessert.
Perfect for Guests – A brunch crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes impressive.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the filling the night before for easy mornings.
Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

For the French Toast Batter:

• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the French Toast:

• 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread (day-old works best)
• Butter or oil for greasing the pan
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Maple syrup for serving
• Fresh berries or banana slices for topping (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Shallow baking dish
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Knife and spoon for spreading

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Mix until well combined and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Lay out your bread slices and spread a generous layer of the pumpkin cream cheese filling on half of them.
2. Top with another slice to make a “sandwich.” Press gently to seal.
3. If the bread is thick and soft, you can slightly press the edges to help hold the filling.

Step 3: Make the French Toast Batter

1. In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Dip and Cook

1. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease it lightly with butter or oil.
2. Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 5-10 seconds per side.
3. Transfer to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve the French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.
2. Drizzle with maple syrup and top with fresh berries or bananas for a fruity twist.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast
Use Thick Bread – Brioche or challah works best, as it holds up to soaking without falling apart.
Don’t Overfill – Use a modest amount of cream cheese to avoid spilling while cooking.
Preheat the Skillet – Ensure the pan is hot enough for a golden, crispy crust.
Low & Slow – If the toast browns too quickly, reduce the heat to cook through without burning.
Let It Rest – If making ahead, keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions
Whipped Cream – Adds a fluffy, sweet finish.
Chopped Nuts – Try pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Spiced Apples – Cook sliced apples with a bit of cinnamon and butter for a warm topping.
Greek Yogurt – A cool contrast to the rich toast.
Caramel Sauce – For a dessert-style indulgence.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap each cooked slice individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until warm.
Toaster Oven: Toast on medium setting until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Warm in 30-second bursts, though texture may be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
2. What’s the best bread to use?
   Brioche and challah are both rich and sturdy—ideal for French toast. Texas toast or French bread also work well.
3. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
   Absolutely. Just make sure it’s pureed and not too watery. Drain if needed before mixing.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Prepare the filling the night before and refrigerate. Assemble and cook the next morning for easy prep.
5. Is it sweet enough without syrup?
   The filling and batter are lightly sweet, but syrup adds that perfect finishing touch. Adjust sweetness to your liking.

Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast is the ultimate way to celebrate cozy mornings and seasonal flavors. With its creamy spiced filling, golden crust, and comforting aroma, it’s bound to become a fall favorite for your family and friends. Whether you serve it for a special brunch or just because, it brings warmth and joy to any table.

Try it out and let me know how it turned out! Share your breakfast pics and tag me—I’d love to see your creations!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 320mg

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