If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts is exactly what you need. This delightful dish combines the rich, creamy texture of custard-soaked brioche with the fragrant spices of pumpkin pie, all topped with crunchy, sweet candied walnuts. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, creating a breakfast experience that’s perfect for chilly mornings or special occasions with loved ones.

Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts. Each item plays a crucial role—whether it’s the fluffy brioche that soaks up the spiced custard, the pumpkin puree that gives it that seasonal depth, or the candied walnuts that add a satisfying crunch.

Brioche Bread: Soft and buttery, this bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Large Eggs: Provide structure to the custard and help everything bind perfectly.
Milk: Keeps the custard creamy and smooth, balancing the richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the custard mixture.
Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that infuses the toast with that classic pumpkin flavor and vibrant color.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance the pumpkin’s flavor.
Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Extra spices that layer in additional warmth and complexity.
Unsalted Butter: Used for cooking the toast and caramelizing the walnuts—adds richness without overpowering.
Walnuts: Their crunchiness contrasts beautifully with the soft toast and smooth custard.
White Sugar: Sweetens the walnuts as they candy in the pan.
Powdered Sugar (optional): For a finishing dust that adds visual appeal and subtle sweetness.
Maple Syrup: The perfect drizzle to marry all the flavors together on the plate.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts

Step 1: Candy the Walnuts

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and melting a tablespoon of butter. Toss in the walnuts along with cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir frequently—this prevents the nuts from sticking together and ensures they get evenly coated and caramelized. After about five minutes, transfer the candied walnuts to parchment paper and let them cool; they will crisp up as they cool down, adding a lovely sweet crunch to your French toast.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and the pumpkin puree. Add in the pumpkin pie spice, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to bring in those cozy fall flavors. This mixture will be your flavorful custard that brings the Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts to life.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dip your brioche slices one at a time into the pumpkin custard, making sure they soak up plenty of the mixture without becoming soggy. Place the dipped slices into the hot skillet—you can cook two or three slices at a time depending on your pan size. Let each side cook for about two minutes or until golden brown, using a spatula to flip carefully. Continue this process, refreshing the butter as needed, until all slices are beautifully cooked and golden.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once your pumpkin-infused French toast slices are ready, multiply the joy by topping each with a pat of butter, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of the candied walnuts you prepared earlier. If you like, finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar to add that picture-perfect touch.

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts

Garnishes

Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt pairs wonderfully as a garnish, adding creaminess that complements the spice and sweetness. A few extra candied walnuts on top provide that irresistible texture contrast while a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar can make the presentation truly inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve this Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts alongside crisp bacon or savory sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples also make for a refreshing side that adds brightness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the French toast slices high and threading a skewer with candied walnuts and fresh fruit for a playful presentation. Another idea is to serve the toast on a wooden board with small bowls of maple syrup and extra candied nuts, perfect for sharing during a cozy brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard not to finish every bite), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The toast may soften slightly, but the flavors will stay lovely and intact.

Freezing

Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts freezes beautifully. Lay cooled slices flat on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and preserves their shape. You can keep them frozen for up to a month for a quick seasonal treat anytime.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to bring back their crisp edges without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the toast rubbery. Add fresh candied walnuts and syrup after reheating to maintain that crunchy sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of brioche?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery richness, challah or a sturdy white bread can work well too. Just make sure it’s thick-sliced and able to hold up to the custard.

Is pumpkin pie spice necessary?

You can create your own spice blend or leave it out, but pumpkin pie spice perfectly captures that iconic flavor combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove that makes this dish special.

How do I store leftover candied walnuts?

Keep candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them crunchy and ready to sprinkle on other dishes or snacks.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk with your favorite plant-based milk, and use vegan butter or oil for cooking. The flavors remain delicious with these tweaks.

What’s the best way to prevent the French toast from getting soggy?

Don’t over-soak the bread in the custard. A quick dip allows it to absorb enough moisture without becoming overly soft. Cooking on medium-high heat also helps set the crust quickly, keeping it crispy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts that turns an ordinary morning into a memorable experience. The blend of spiced pumpkin flavors, fluffy brioche, and crunchy sweet walnuts create a breakfast that’s as comforting as it is delicious. I can’t wait for you to savor every bite of this seasonal favorite—trust me, it’s one recipe you’ll keep coming back to year after year.

Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (2 slices per serving) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pumpkin French Toast with Candied Walnuts is a cozy and flavorful breakfast treat perfect for autumn mornings. The brioche slices are dipped in a rich pumpkin-spiced custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Topped with sweet and crunchy candied walnuts, a slab of butter, and maple syrup, this recipe brings warm spices and comforting textures to your table.

Instructions

Prepare Candied Walnuts: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add walnuts, cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg. Cook stirring frequently for about 5 minutes, making sure the walnuts don’t stick together. Remove the walnuts onto a piece of parchment paper and let cool. Set aside.
Make the Pumpkin Batter: In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until fully blended and smooth.
Heat Pan: Melt about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Dip and Cook Bread: Dip each brioche slice one at a time into the pumpkin egg mixture, fully coating both sides. Place 2-3 slices in the hot skillet per tablespoon of butter. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, flipping once until both sides are golden brown.
Repeat Cooking: Continue cooking remaining bread slices, adding fresh butter as needed and discarding any burnt butter to maintain flavor.
Serve: Immediately top the cooked French toast slices with a slab of butter, drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle candied walnuts on top, and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm for the best taste.

Notes

Use brioche or challah bread for the best texture and flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice can be substituted with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable.
Cook French toast in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even cooking.
For a crispier texture, use slightly stale bread slices.
Store leftover candied walnuts in an airtight container for up to a week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American