This Pumpkin French Toast is made with slices of angel food cake! Perfect for holiday brunches and fall gatherings!
Pumpkin Angel Food Cake French Toast AKA the BEST Pumpkin French Toast Ever!
A Unique French Toast Recipe
When the light bulb went off for this Pumpkin Angel Food Cake French Toast (thanks to my previous Angel Food Cake French Toast with Cream Cheese and Strawberry Syrup), I was giddy. And when I am giddy over a recipe, I have to make it ASAP so I can eat it ASAP. Well, that’s my hope anyway. My food giddiness happens all too often, so I have a growing spreadsheet of “MAKE ASAP,” but this one got rushed to the top of the list.
And I’m so glad it did. I barely had the patience to take the pics before I devoured half the slices (see behind the scenes pic HERE).
Angel Food Cake slices get enveloped in pumpkin batter comprised of pumpkin puree, vanilla, molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger that seeps into the cakey crevices.
Then it’s sizzled in butter to to create the ethereal texture of toasted on the outside, light, airy and slightly sweet cake heaven on the inside that tastes just like Fall! And just like the best Pumpkin French Toast ever!
A simple dusting of powdered sugar and maple syrup is all this pumpkin French toast needs to truly taste heavenly.
Grab a fork. Something angelic awaits… And you get to eat it for breakfast!!
Pumpkin French Toast Ingredients
This angel food cake french toast recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers BIG flavor! Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Angel food cake: I used a store-bought angel food cake, but you can of course make your own if desired.
- Eggs: The base of the french toast batter. The eggs act like glue for the spices.
- Milk: Use whole milk or 2% milk for the richest, creamiest batter.
- Pumpkin puree: You need pure pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling! Pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced and will make your french toast far too sweet.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds lots of flavor.
- Molasses: Use a mild molasses, not blackstrap (which is too strong in flavor).
- Brown sugar: I prefer using brown sugar in this easy french toast recipe because it has a caramel-y flavor that complements the spices nicely.
- Spices: I flavored this pumpkin french toast with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast
Don’t let the angel food cake throw you off, this pumpkin spice french toast recipe is still as easy to make as classic french toast! Here are the basic steps:
- Slice angel food cake to desired thickness.
- In a bowl, whisk together the french toast batter Ingredients.
- Heat griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat and grease with butter.
- Dip the angel food cake slices into the egg mixture.
- Add the coated cake slices to the heated skillet and cook until golden brown on each side.
- Dust pumpkin french toast with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup and butter.
Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice French Toast
- Preheat the skillet: It’s important that your skillet or griddle is already hot when you cook the first slice of french toast. This way, the batter immediately begins to brown and your french toast doesn’t wind up being soggy and pale.
- Use pure pumpkin puree: You do NOT want to use pumpkin pie filling in this recipe. Use pure pumpkin puree — read the ingredients list, there should be no added sugars or spices.
- Don’t skimp on the vanilla: This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla. I know that seems like a lot, but you really need it all to create a flavorful, well-rounded batter.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Make it dairy-free: Use vegan butter in place of the regular butter, and substitute your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk for the milk. Something milder in flavor, like almond milk, would be best.
- Use bread instead of cake: I LOVE this angel food cake french toast recipe, but I understand not everyone wants to kick off their morning with cake. If desired, you can use a soft white bread instead of angel food cake. Think: French bread, challah, or brioche.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the fall spices as you see fit. You could also experiment with using your favorite pumpkin pie spice blend rather than a mixture of spices.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
If serving to company, I recommend prepping this pumpkin french toast recipe just before you plan on serving it.
However, if you want to prep a big batch to enjoy throughout the week you can certainly do so! Make the french toast as instructed, then let the slices cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, seal inside a freezer bag and freeze. You can enjoy the leftovers throughout the week!
Keep scrolling for detailed instructions on how to freeze and reheat french toast.
How to Store Pumpkin French Toast
Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin French Toast?
Yes! Here’s how:
- Cook the french toast as instructed, then let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Place the french toast slices onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray, then place the entire tray in the freezer.
- After an hour or two, the pumpkin spice french toast slices should be hard enough to stack in a freezer bag.
- Freeze the pumpkin french toast for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat French Toast
To reheat in the microwave: Gently reheat pumpkin french toast slices for 15-second bursts until warm.
To reheat in the toaster: Turn the toaster to one of the lower settings and place the french toast slices in the toaster. It will likely take a few rounds of toasting to heat through.
What to Serve with Pumpkin French Toast
This pumpkin spice french toast pairs well with your favorite brunch dishes! Here are some ideas of what to serve with this unique french toast recipe:
- Cranberry Pomegranate Ambrosia Salad
- Creamy Grape Salad with Vanilla Yogurt
- Classic Fruit Salad
- Winter Fruit Salad
- Eggs Benedict Casserole
- Frittata
LOOKING FOR MORE PUMPKIN RECIPES?
- Pumpkin Crepes with Nutella Filling
- Pumpkin Bars with Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Praline Pie
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
- Pumpkin Bread
- Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookie with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Easy Pumpkin Dip
- Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
LOOKING FOR MORE BREAKFAST RECIPES?
- Carrot Cake Crepes
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberry Coffee Cake
- Strawberries and Cream Coffee Cake
- Maple Bacon Monkey Bread
- Egg Nog French Toast Casserole
Pumpkin Angel Food Cake French Toast
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Ingredients
- 1 7″ round store bought angel food cake
- butter
Pumpkin French Toast Batter
- 5 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Slice angel food cake into 18-24 pieces, or to desired thickness.
- In medium bowl, whisk together Pumpkin French Toast Batter Ingredients.
- Heat griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat and grease with butter.
- Dip ⅓ – ½ half of the slices (or as many that will fit in your skillet) into the egg mixture, resting for a few seconds on each side. Add the coated slices to the heated skillet and cook until golden brown on each side. Grease griddle/skillet in between each batch and repeat cooking process until all the slices are cooked.
- Sprinkle Pumpkin French Toast with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup and butter (optional).
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Lisa says
Jen,
I just watched the video and now I am in tears too!
You have always been an inspiration to me, and like Meg pointed out–so, so kind.
Thank you for sharing the video link.
And thank you for the delicious recipes. Our stake is having a Cotillion next month for all the adults, and I am making the chocolate chip pumpkin pound cake with cinnamon pumpkin cream cheese glaze! 🙂
Love you!
I think I’ll go watch the video again. 🙂
Lisa
Jen says
Oh Lisa, I love you and your family so much! YOU have always been so kind and such an example of faith and strength to me. I am so honored to call you family! xoxoxo And I am so glad you love my cake enough for a repeat 🙂 !!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Jen! Your video brought tears to my eyes. You are an inspiration to all! I have always believed in the power of positive thinking! Where can I get a copy of your book?
Jen says
You are the sweetest Dorothy, thank you! Here is a link for my book HERE or search amazon for “My Heroes Ask Wallfowers to Dance” by Jennifer Sattley :
Izzy @ she likes food says
Umm, yum!! Making french toast with angel food cake is one of the best ideas ever! I bet this tastes so amazing!! I also loved watching your video! It so nice to get to know you more and so great how well you are doing!
Jen says
Thank you so much Izzy! It takes French toast and PUMPKIN French toast to a whole new level! And thank yo for taking the time to watch my video and for the well wishes! xoxo
Nicole says
Jen your story and your food are such an inspiration in so many ways! That video was so touching and it shows what a strong person you are! Thanks so much for sharing!
I’ve been following you for probably a year now and have made a ton of your recipes! I wait for your emails every week to see what I’m making for dinner that next day! My family and I just LOVE all your recipes!!! I share them with friends and family all the time and they too have become obsessed with your recipes! Thanks so much for everything you do and sharing the amazing food you make! You have such a gift and I (and so many others) am so happy that you chose to share your gift and creations with the rest of the world! 🙂
Jen says
Thank you so much Nicole, you absolutely made my day! xoxox I LOVE hearing that you and your friends and family love my recipes and that you have made a TON – wahoo! I love it when others share my same tastes/passion for cooking! Thanks for letting me know and for your super kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes! Have a fabulous week!
Stacey @ Stacey Homemaker says
Jen, I had no idea you’ve been though all of this! I’m so happy that you’re doing well now, and have a beautiful family. Kiwi is just adorbs! That green tennis ball cracks me up!
I will be making this pumpkin angel food french toast for breakfast on Halloween morning! The perfect start to a pumpkin filled day!
Jen says
Oh Stacey, you are so sweet, thank you! We are pretty in love with Kiwi ourselves- although the video doesn’t shoe her best side – haha She LOVES her ball – sleeps with it like a binki 🙂 What a fun idea to make this on Halloween – love it! I hope you have a great week and a fabulous and delicious Halloween!
Jen says
Oh Stacey, you are so sweet, thank you! We are pretty in love with Kiwi ourselves- although the video doesn’t shoe her best side – haha She LOVES her ball – sleeps with it like a binki 🙂 What a fun idea to make this on Halloween – love it! I hope you have a great week and a fabulous and delicious Halloween!
Trisha says
I think I have mentioned this on your blog before – but my daughter has a Congenital Heart Disease that will also make her face the reality that her life on earth will not be as long as her peers. I hope and pray that she can be as full of faith, confidence, kindness, and gratitude as you are. I hope that she will know that she is so precious to the Lord and she has special things to accomplish while on this earth. Jen, thank you for your example of living each day in faith and with courage. Thank you for the goodness of your life. And like you said, none of us know when we will meet our Maker. Your video made me want to live my life more worthy to meet Him again. Thank you for that.
And as always, thank you for the super dooper delicious recipes!
Jen says
Oh Trisha, how your words touched my heart. I just want to give you and your daughter a huge hug! I have no doubt that with a mother like you, she will indeed be full of faith, gratitude and kindness. Your kind, thoughtful words remind me of why I “put it all out there” 🙂 – thank you! Sending you all my love, thoughts and prayer!!!