Pumpkin French Toast Bites are little pieces of cozy, sweet breakfast goodness that combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon with soft, eggy bread. These bite-sized treats are perfect for anyone who loves pumpkin and wants a fun twist on classic French toast.
I love making these because they’re easy to pop in your mouth one after another, and they’re just the right size for sharing or serving as a fun brunch snack. Adding a little maple syrup or powdered sugar on top makes them even more irresistible, and I always find myself coming back for more!
My favorite way to enjoy these bites is alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea on a chilly morning. They bring a little burst of fall into any day and are sure to warm you up with their soft texture and lovely pumpkin taste. If you want a quick, comforting breakfast that feels special, these bites are a great choice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick-cut bread like brioche or challah gives the best soft and rich texture. If you don’t have these, use Texas toast or any sturdy white bread. Day-old bread works great too as it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is easy and consistent, but homemade pumpkin puree works well if you prefer fresh. For a twist, try sweet potato puree as a substitute.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk helps create a creamy custard. If you want dairy-free, almond or oat milk are good swaps, just choose unsweetened versions to keep flavors balanced.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend adds warmth and aroma. If you don’t have it, mix cinnamon and nutmeg (1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg) for a similar effect.
How Do You Get Perfectly Golden, Crispy Pumpkin French Toast Bites?
Cooking these bite-sized pieces evenly is key to a delicious result. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks through.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—give each piece space so they brown nicely.
- Add just enough butter or oil for a light coating; too much can make the bites soggy.
- Dip bread cubes thoroughly but briefly in the custard; too long makes them soggy and hard to flip.
- Flip carefully after 2-3 minutes once the bottom is golden and firm to the touch.
Following these steps ensures the bites have a crisp outside and creamy inside, perfect for soaking up syrup or dipping sauces.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I keep my ingredients organized and whisk everything together in one spot.
- Whisk – makes it easy to blend eggs, pumpkin, and spices smoothly.
- Skillet or griddle – a flat surface helps cook lots of bites evenly and quickly.
- Espatula or tongs – for flipping the pieces without breaking them.
- Kitchen thermometer (optional) – to check the skillet temperature, so it stays just right.
- Cooling rack or paper towels – to let the cooked bites drain and stay crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips: sprinkle or mix in before cooking for melty, sweet bites.
- Extra spices: add a pinch of ginger, cloves, or nutmeg for a deeper flavor profile.
- Cheese: top with a melted cream cheese or cinnamon sugar glaze for extra richness.
- Fruits: serve with sliced bananas, berries, or apples on the side for brightness and texture.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut, like brioche or challah), crusts removed and cut into bite-size cubes
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon plus ½ teaspoon nutmeg)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on your pan size and stove heat. You’ll have warm, delicious pumpkin French toast bites ready in about 20-25 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2. Prepare the Skillet:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.
3. Dip and Cook the Bites:
Dip the bread cubes into the pumpkin mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. Place them carefully in the warm skillet, without crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning when golden brown and cooked through. Repeat in batches as needed.
4. Drain and Serve:
Transfer the cooked bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and drizzled with maple syrup. For extra fun, try serving with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.
Enjoy your cozy, bite-sized pumpkin French toast treats perfect for a tasty breakfast or brunch!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for Pumpkin French Toast Bites?
Yes! Frozen bread works well, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry if it’s damp. This helps the cubes soak up the pumpkin custard evenly without becoming soggy.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pumpkin French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy before serving again.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a dairy-free butter or oil for frying to keep it dairy-free without losing flavor.
What’s the Best Bread to Use?
Thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah works best because it soaks up the custard while retaining structure. Day-old bread is ideal since it holds up better without falling apart.