Why You Need to Make This Vegan Pumpkin French Toast This Fall

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced breakfast to make your mornings feel extra special. Our vegan pumpkin French toast recipe stands out for many reasons, promising to become a cherished addition to your autumn culinary traditions.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: From Holiday Brunches to Weekday Delights. While this pumpkin French toast makes an absolutely spectacular center-piece for holiday breakfasts and brunches, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, its simplicity means you don’t have to save it for special days. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to whip up a batch whenever a craving for something warm, satisfying, and pumpkin-spiced strikes. Imagine cozying up with a stack on a lazy Sunday or even enjoying a quick, flavorful bite before work – it’s versatile enough for both grand celebrations and everyday moments of comfort.
• Your Go-To for Effortless Meal Prep. Planning ahead can make busy mornings infinitely better, and this recipe is perfectly suited for meal prepping. Consider making a double batch over the weekend and freezing half for later. When hunger calls, simply thaw out a few slices, warm them gently, and top with your favorite syrup. Pair it with your morning pumpkin spice latte, and you have a quick, convenient, and utterly delicious breakfast ready in minutes. It’s an excellent way to ensure you always have a wholesome, plant-based option on hand.
• A Symphony of Cozy Fall Flavors in Every Bite. This isn’t just French toast; it’s a sensory journey into the heart of autumn. The recipe is generously packed with the beloved warm and inviting fall spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice – perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent, creating an ambiance of warmth and comfort. We especially love making this dish in the days leading up to and following Thanksgiving, extending the festive spirit and savoring those delightful seasonal tastes.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Pumpkin French Toast

Crafting the perfect vegan pumpkin French toast starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that sought-after delicate crispness and custardy interior, infused with irresistible fall flavors. Below, you’ll find detailed notes to help you make the best choices. For precise quantities and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the full recipe card.

• Unsweetened Almond Milk: This forms the creamy base of our vegan custard. While unsweetened almond milk is my preferred choice for its neutral flavor, feel free to substitute it with any other plant-based milk you have on hand, such as soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to control the overall sweetness of the dish.
• Flax Egg: Our secret weapon for a truly plant-based “egg.” A flax egg acts as an excellent binder, mimicking the texture and binding properties of a traditional egg, without any animal products. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just flaxseed meal (ground flax seeds) and water, and takes only about five minutes to set. You can find detailed instructions on how to make a flax egg here.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for adding a depth of flavor and that classic French toast warmth. Always opt for a high-quality pure vanilla extract. If you happen to have real vanilla paste or the seeds from a vanilla bean, you can use an equal amount for an even more intense vanilla aroma and flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This fragrant blend is the heart of our fall flavor profile. It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can easily create your own by combining these individual spices to taste. Apple pie spice also makes a fantastic alternative as it shares many similar warm spices. I personally love to enhance the overall flavor by adding an extra touch of ground cinnamon to the mix.
• Cinnamon: As mentioned, even if your pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon, adding a little extra boosts the warmth and fragrance of the French toast. It’s a foundational spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is where the magic happens! Crucially, make sure you are using plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which will throw off the balance of this recipe. Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade pumpkin puree can also be used; just be sure to drain any excess moisture first (see tips section).
• Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, pure maple syrup is absolutely non-negotiable in this recipe. Its rich, nuanced sweetness perfectly complements the pumpkin and spices. Please avoid artificially flavored pancake syrups, as they simply won’t deliver the same authentic taste and quality.
• Thick-Sliced Bread: The foundation of any great French toast! The best bread to use is day-old bread, as it holds its shape better and absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming soggy. I highly recommend a crusty loaf like French bread, Italian ciabatta, or even a homemade loaf like my Dutch oven bread. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread – just ensure it’s thick-sliced to withstand the dipping.

Delightful Optional Toppings to Elevate Your French Toast

While delicious on its own, vegan pumpkin French toast truly shines when adorned with a selection of delightful toppings. These additions provide extra layers of texture, flavor, and visual appeal, turning a simple breakfast into an indulgent masterpiece. Get creative and customize your plate!

• Maple Syrup: A classic for a reason! Again, reach for pure maple syrup. Its deep, caramel-like notes are the perfect companion to the warm pumpkin and spice flavors. If you don’t follow a strict vegan diet and consume honey, it can be used as an alternative sweetener, though maple syrup is typically preferred for its specific flavor profile in French toast.
• Extra Cinnamon or Homemade Cinnamon Sugar: A light dusting of extra cinnamon adds another fragrant layer. For a touch of sweetness and sparkle, create your own cinnamon sugar by mixing 1 part ground cinnamon with 4 parts granulated sugar. It’s incredibly easy and adds a wonderful finish.
• Coconut Cream (Whipped): For that luxurious, creamy finish, a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream is absolutely divine. Its subtle coconut flavor complements the pumpkin beautifully. Alternatively, any store-bought vegan whipped cream will work wonders for convenience.
• Candied Pecans or Toasted Nuts: I absolutely adore chopping up some of my easy stovetop candied pecans to sprinkle over the top of my pumpkin French toast. The sweet crunch provides a fantastic textural contrast. If candied nuts aren’t your preference, plain or lightly toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds are equally delicious and add a healthy dose of flavor and crunch.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips or Cacao Nibs: For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle over some vegan chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet work best) or raw cacao nibs. The chocolate will melt slightly into the warm French toast, creating a heavenly combination.
• Fresh Berries: Brighten up your plate with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. Their tartness offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the French toast.
• Sliced Bananas: Caramelized or fresh banana slices are another fantastic addition, adding natural sweetness and a soft texture that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) provides a beautiful, elegant finish and a subtle touch of extra sweetness.

How to Make Perfect Vegan Pumpkin French Toast

Making this incredible vegan pumpkin French toast is simpler than you might think! The process closely mirrors that of traditional French toast, with the delightful addition of real pumpkin puree and a flax egg to create a rich, plant-based custard. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly golden, spiced, and custardy slices every time.

• 1. Prepare the Vegan Pumpkin Custard: In a large, shallow bowl (wide enough to comfortably dip your bread slices), combine all the custard ingredients: unsweetened almond milk, flax egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, extra cinnamon, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup. Whisk them together vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps of pumpkin puree remain. For an extra thick and rich batter that adheres beautifully to the bread, place the bowl in your freezer for about 15 minutes. This chilling step helps the flax egg thicken the mixture slightly. Once chilled, remove from the freezer and give it another quick whisk before dipping.
• 2. Prepare Your Cooking Surface and Dip the Bread: While the custard chills, melt 2-3 tablespoons of vegan butter (or a neutral oil) in a large non-stick pan or on an electric griddle over medium-high heat. Ensure the butter is evenly melted and coating the surface. Then, take one slice of your thick bread and quickly dip it into the prepared custard, allowing each side to absorb the mixture for just a few seconds. It’s crucial not to let the bread soak too long, or it will become overly saturated and difficult to handle.

• 3. Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection: Immediately place the dipped bread slices onto the hot griddle or pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning. Cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and delightfully crispy edges. The internal custardy texture will also set during this time. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
• 4. Garnish and Serve Immediately: Once your vegan pumpkin French toast slices are perfectly cooked, transfer them to plates. For the ultimate breakfast experience, serve them immediately while still warm. Get creative with your garnishes: a generous pour of pure maple syrup, a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar, a dollop of creamy coconut whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crunchy candied pecans or toasted nuts. Enjoy every warm, spiced bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Pumpkin French Toast

Achieving truly exceptional vegan pumpkin French toast is all about a few key techniques and considerations. Follow these expert tips to ensure your breakfast is consistently delicious, perfectly textured, and a joy to make.

• Understanding the Flax Egg: The flax egg is fundamental to our vegan custard, providing the necessary binding and richness. Remember that flax meal refers to ground flax seeds. You can purchase it pre-ground for convenience, or for maximum freshness, buy whole flax seeds and grind them yourself using a coffee grinder or a powerful blender like a NutriBullet. Always measure the flax meal *after* it has been ground to ensure accurate proportions for your flax egg.
• Handling Homemade Pumpkin Puree: If you opt for homemade pumpkin puree, it often contains more moisture than canned versions. To prevent a soggy French toast, it’s highly recommended to drain your homemade puree before incorporating it into the custard. Simply place the pumpkin puree in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a few layers of paper towels, and allow any excess liquid to drain off for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if time permits. This step ensures your custard isn’t too thin and coats the bread beautifully.
• Preventing Sticking and Ensuring Even Cooking: To guarantee your French toast doesn’t stick and develops that desirable golden, crispy crust, proper griddle or pan preparation is key. If you notice any residue or if the French toast starts to stick, wipe the griddle clean with a paper towel (carefully, it’s hot!) and re-coat it with a fresh pat of vegan butter or a spray of cooking oil between batches. This maintains a non-stick surface and ensures each slice cooks perfectly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While it might be tempting to cook all your French toast at once, avoid overcrowding your pan or griddle. Leaving enough space between slices allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for even browning and crisping. Cooking in smaller batches, even if it takes a little longer, will yield much better results.
• Maintain Consistent Heat: Pay attention to your heat setting. Medium-high heat is generally ideal for French toast, allowing the exterior to crisp up nicely without burning, while the interior cooks through. If your French toast is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. If it’s not browning enough, increase it a touch. Consistent heat control is crucial for perfectly cooked French toast.
• Choose the Right Bread Thickness: For the best texture, aim for bread slices that are about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. This thickness allows the bread to absorb enough custard to become custardy inside without falling apart, and provides a sturdy base for a crispy exterior. Thinner slices might get too soggy, while overly thick slices might not cook through properly.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Vegan Pumpkin French Toast

One of the best things about this vegan pumpkin French toast is how well it holds up for make-ahead preparation and storage. Enjoying delicious, homemade French toast doesn’t have to be a morning scramble, especially during busy seasons. Here’s how to store and reheat your culinary creation:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any glorious leftovers (which is a rare occurrence!), store them properly to maintain freshness. Place cooled pumpkin French toast slices in an airtight container, using wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. This way, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Efficient Reheating Methods: To bring your refrigerated French toast back to life, you have a few excellent options. For a slightly crispy exterior, reheat slices in a toaster oven or on a lightly greased griddle over medium heat until warmed through. If you prefer a softer texture and quicker reheat, the microwave works well – just be mindful not to overcook, as it can make them rubbery.
• Freeze for Future Indulgence: This recipe is fantastic for freezing, making it an ideal candidate for batch cooking. Once your French toast is cooked and completely cooled, arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a freezer bag or an airtight container, again separating layers with wax paper or parchment to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can simply pop them into the microwave for a quick thaw, or for a crispier result, bake them in a preheated 350ºF (175ºC) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, adjusting time based on the thickness of your bread.

Explore More Vegan Pumpkin Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of pumpkin in this French toast recipe, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of pumpkin in plant-based cooking is endless. Here are some more incredible vegan pumpkin recipes to inspire your culinary adventures, perfect for every meal of the day, from breakfast to dessert and savory dishes:

• Irresistible Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
• Decadent Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Topping
• Nourishing Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding
• Comforting Vegan Creamy Pumpkin Soup
• Delicious Vegan Pumpkin Banana Muffins