Pumpkin Spiced French Toast

This cozy fall breakfast is everything you love about pumpkin spice — warm, sweet and comforting — all wrapped up in crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside slices of French toast. It’s an easy, kid-friendly recipe where everyone can get involved: dipping the bread, mixing the batter and even choosing their own toppings. Great for lazy weekends or festive holiday mornings!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup non-dairy milk (like oat or almond)
  
• ⅓ cup canned pumpkin purée
  
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger)
  
• Pinch of salt
  
• 6-8 slices thick-cut, slightly stale bread (like vegan brioche or French bread)
  
• Vegan butter or neutral oil, for cooking
  
• Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, banana slices, toasted pecans, coconut whip
  

Directions:

1. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, cornstarch, vanilla, pumpkin spice and salt until smooth. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
   
2. Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with vegan butter or oil.
   
3. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, coating both sides evenly. Avoid soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
   
4. Place the coated slices onto the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
   
5. Transfer cooked slices to a warm plate or keep warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
   
6. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.

Author: Marketing and Event Coordinator