I bet you’re still thinking about that pumpkin brioche we made a couple of weeks ago. I know I can’t stop thinking about it, but mostly in this version: behold the Pumpkin Brioche French toast recipe you’ll want to eat every weekend. If you are just like me, your undying love for French toast will get you baking in no time. And the undying love for all things fall like pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin pie.
So welcome to a breakfast adventure that combines the rich history of French toast with the warm, comforting flavours of fall. Get ready to indulge in the perfect bite that is this soft pumpkin brioche, making it a culinary breakfast masterpiece like no other. In this blog post, we’ll take a journey through the origins of French toast, explore the health benefits of pumpkin, and guide you through a delightful recipe that’s perfect for cosy mornings and brunch gatherings.
Because French toast is to be savoured slowly, peacefully, and packed with plenty of other things like fresh berries, chocolate and honey. The real deal, no quick nonsense. Think of it as a weekend cuddle, but in a dish: just slather it in the best maple syrup you can find and enjoy with your best cup of coffee or tea. Sit in front of the fire, blanket on your legs, rain pouring down outside. Does it not sound like a brilliant, brilliant autumn morning?
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A Dip into History: The Origins of French Toast
Before we dive headfirst into the fragrant world of Pumpkin Brioche French Toast, let’s first trace the intriguing history of French toast. Surprisingly, its roots stretch far beyond the borders of France!
- Ancient Beginnings: French toast has its origins in ancient times when resourcefulness reigned supreme. Stale bread was given a second chance at life by being soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk. This was not only a way to avoid food waste but also to turn something humble into a hearty meal;
- Middle Ages: As time passed, French toast gained popularity throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Interestingly, it was known by various names in different regions. In France, it was called pain perdu – remember our croissant pain perdu? – meaning lost bread, while in the UK, it was affectionately known as eggy bread;
- Colonial America: French toast hitched a ride across the Atlantic with early European settlers and became a beloved dish in colonial America. Back then, it was often enjoyed as a savoury treat, often topped with ketchup or gravy;
- Modern Transformation: Over time, French toast transformed into the sweet, custard-soaked breakfast delight we know and love today, adorned with toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruits.
Pumpkin: The Versatile Superfood
Pumpkin season typically begins in late summer and lasts through the fall, with the peak occurring in October. This is when pumpkins are harvested and readily available at your local farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and pumpkin patches. The exact timing can of course vary depending on your location and climate, but the period from September to November is generally considered prime pumpkin season in many parts of the world. And how could we avoid such prime time?!
During this season, pumpkins are not only popular for Halloween decorations but also highly sought after for their culinary uses. There are countless delicious ways to make the most of this versatile and nutritious fruit – yes, pumpkins are technically fruits!
IS PUMPKIN GOOD FOR YOU?
Pumpkin is indeed good for you and it offers a range of health benefits. It’s a nutrient-rich food that can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Let’s check together some reasons why pumpkin is considered a healthy food:
- Low in Calories: Pumpkin is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake;
- High in Fiber: Pumpkin is a good source of dietary fibre, which is essential for digestive health. Fibre helps promote regular bowel movements and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, which may aid in weight management;
- Rich in Vitamins: Pumpkin is packed with essential vitamins, especially vitamin A. One cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin provides well over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, skin and immune function;
- Abundant in Antioxidants: Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which gives it its vibrant orange colour. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases;
- Low in Fat: Pumpkin is naturally low in fat, which makes it a heart-healthy choice. It can be used as a substitute for higher-fat ingredients in recipes to reduce overall fat content;
- Contains Essential Minerals: Pumpkin contains important minerals like potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and iron, which plays a vital role in carrying oxygen through the bloodstream;
- Good Source of Vitamin C: While not as high in vitamin C as some other fruits and vegetables, pumpkin still provides a reasonable amount of this important nutrient, which supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods;
- Supports Eye Health: The beta-carotene in pumpkin is not only good for overall health but also specifically beneficial for eye health. It may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts;
- Versatile and Nutritious: Pumpkin can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, from soups and salads to desserts and smoothies, making it a versatile ingredient that can easily fit into your diet (Healthline).
The Recipe: Pumpkin Brioche French Toast
Now that you’re well-acquainted with the fascinating history of French toast and the health benefits of pumpkin, it’s time to put this knowledge into action. Get ready for the Pumpkin Brioche French Toast experience that you’ve been waiting for.
What ingredients do I need to make the pumpkin brioche french toast?
The ingredients for this recipe might all be available to you at home, maybe aside from the pumpkin brioche. But since we have got you covered for that too, and you might decide to hit Trader Joe instead, know that they will have some great brioche too – not pumpkin, but hey that will work too! Let’s see those ingredients for the pumpkin brioche french toast together:
- Pumpkin Brioche: Pumpkin brioche is a delightful recipe we shared a couple of weeks back and it includes pumpkin purée in the dough. This addition lends a delightful, subtle pumpkin flavour to the bread, along with a rich, golden colour. Brioche, in general, is known for its soft, tender crumb and slightly sweet taste. It’s the perfect canvas for your Pumpkin Brioche French Toast, adding an extra layer of flavour and richness to the dish;
- Eggs: Eggs are a fundamental ingredient in French toast recipes. They serve as a binding agent for the other ingredients and create the signature custardy texture of French toast. When whisked together with other components like milk and spices, eggs contribute to the overall creaminess and flavour of the dish;
- Whole Milk: Whole milk, with its creamy texture and slightly higher fat content compared to lower-fat milk options, is a key ingredient in making French toast. It adds richness and a velvety consistency to the egg mixture, resulting in a luxurious coating for the bread slices. The fat content in whole milk helps create a luscious and satisfying mouthfeel in your Pumpkin Brioche French Toast;
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a delightful aromatic addition to your French toast recipe. It imparts a warm and sweet fragrance to the dish, enhancing the overall flavour profile. Just a small amount can go a long way in elevating the taste, making your Pumpkin Brioche French Toast more inviting and irresistible;
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Pumpkin pie spice is a special blend of warm, aromatic spices that often includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. It’s the essence of fall flavours, and when added to the Pumpkin Brioche French Toast recipe, it infuses each bite with a cosy, seasonal taste. The combination of these spices harmonizes beautifully with the pumpkin, creating a symphony of autumnal flavours;
- Salt: Salt may seem like a modest ingredient, but it plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the recipe. A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavour profile by tempering the sweetness and intensifying the other tastes. It also brings out the richness of the eggs and milk, creating a well-rounded and delectable dish;
- Butter: Butter, often used for cooking French toast on the skillet or griddle, contributes a rich and savoury note to the dish. It helps prevent sticking and imparts a wonderful, slightly nutty flavour to the bread as it browns. The buttery aroma and taste are the finishing touches that make your Pumpkin Brioche French Toast truly exceptional.
With these delightful ingredients, you’ll create a symphony of flavours and textures that transform ordinary bread into a scrumptious breakfast treat. So, go ahead and whip up your Pumpkin Brioche French Toast with confidence, knowing that each component plays a unique role in crafting a memorable and mouthwatering meal.
How do I make the pumpkin brioche french toast?
Another extremely easy recipe when it comes to the pumpkin brioche french toast, so let’s just get making:
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dip and Soak: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Dip each slice of brioche bread into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- Cook to Perfection: Place the soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve with Toppings: Transfer the Pumpkin Brioche French Toast to a plate and serve it piping hot. For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle maple syrup or honey over the top and garnish with fresh fruits like raspberries, whipped cream and chopped nuts if you like.
