“Deceptive” Pumpkin French Toast
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I discovered this recipe for “Deceptive” Pumpkin French Toast in my first year of blogging on the Blogging, It’s What’s for Dinner blog. Janette originally posted it, finding it in Jessica Seinfeld’s cookbook Deceptively Delicious. The idea behind the recipe is clever—it’s designed to sneak healthy pumpkin into the dish without anyone realizing it. The goal is not to have the French toast taste like pumpkin, making it a great way to add extra nutrition to your family’s meals.
My middle son and daughter ate it up when I first made it, thinking it was just regular French toast. Success! They were 8 and 4 at the time. They had no clue there was pumpkin in their delicious breakfast, even though I used ¼ cup of it. However, my husband wasn’t so easily fooled—he noticed a slight orange tint and immediately guessed pumpkin was involved. I also used Texas toast, which stretched the recipe to seven pieces, even though it was originally meant to make four. Overall, it turned out delicious, and no one complained about the added healthy twist!
Ingredients to Make “Deceptive” Pumpkin French Toast
- EGGS
- CANNED PUMPKIN
- CINNAMON
- WHOLE WHEAT BREAD (I USE TEXAS TOAST OR FRENCH BREAD)
- NONSTICK COOKING SPRAY
How to Make “Deceptive” Pumpkin French Toast
Whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, and a dash of cinnamon in a shallow dish. This mixture will serve as the flavorful base that coats your bread. The pumpkin not only adds hidden nutrition but also brings a subtle richness to the traditional French toast recipe. Make sure to whisk thoroughly so the pumpkin is evenly incorporated with the eggs, creating a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Take your bread slices—Texas toast works great for this recipe as it’s thicker and absorbs more of the mixture without becoming too soggy. Dip each piece of bread into the pumpkin-egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Allow the thick slices of bread to soak up the liquid for a few seconds, but don’t let it sit too long, as it could become overly saturated and difficult to cook evenly.
Heat a skillet or electric griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Once the pan is hot, place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet. Cook each slice for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Be careful not to crowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to give each slice plenty of room to brown evenly.
Once the pumpkin French toast is perfectly golden and cooked through, serve it immediately. For indulgence, you can top it with classic options like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even a whipped cream dollop. For a seasonal touch, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon or even a drizzle of pumpkin spice syrup if you’re feeling festive. Enjoy your sneaky, nutritious twist on this breakfast favorite! This Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect way to add a healthy touch to a comforting meal without anyone suspecting a thing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bread works best for pumpkin French toast?
Texas toast is ideal for this recipe due to its thickness and ability to absorb the pumpkin-egg mixture without getting soggy. However, you can also use brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or plant-based butter.
How do I avoid soggy French toast?
Be sure not to soak the bread in the pumpkin-egg mixture for too long. Dip each slice just long enough to coat it thoroughly but not enough for the bread to fall apart.
Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Yes, you can freeze cooked French toast. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop it in the toaster or oven until heated through and crispy.
What toppings go well with pumpkin French toast?
Traditional toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, and whipped cream are great options. For a seasonal twist, try adding a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast
- Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast
- Amazingly Perfect French Toast
- Buttermilk French Toast
“Deceptive” Pumpkin French Toast
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp canned pumpkin I used 1/4 cup
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 4 slices whole wheat bread her recipe says 4 … I got 7 and I using Texas toast
- butter for the griddle or skillet
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon in a shallow dish until smooth.
- Dip bread slices (Texas toast works best) into the mixture, coating both sides.
- Cook on a buttered skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream. Makes 7 servings.
Nutrition
