The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, and every fall I can’t resist the smell of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen. Growing up in Crete, we didn’t really have pumpkin spice, but my grandmother used to make little sweet bites of bread soaked in eggs, honey, and cinnamon. They were simple but full of love.
Years later, when I discovered pumpkin spice in the US, I knew I had to give my grandmother’s recipe a seasonal twist. That’s how these Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites were born! They’re cozy, golden, and perfect for sharing on a crisp morning with a hot cup of coffee. The best part? They’re bite-sized, so you can enjoy them as a sweet snack or serve them up for brunch without fuss.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites aren’t just breakfast—they’re comfort on a plate. Whether you make them for your family, a weekend get-together, or just yourself, I promise they’ll bring warmth to your kitchen.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice mix (or 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ½ tsp ginger)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, powdered sugar, toasted pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Bread
Cut your brioche or challah into bite-sized cubes. Slightly stale bread works best—it soaks up the custard beautifully without getting mushy.
Step 2 – Make the Pumpkin Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 3 – Coat the Bread Cubes
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and gently toss until they’re well coated with the pumpkin custard. Let them soak for 5–10 minutes.
Step 4 – Cook the Bites
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the soaked bread cubes in batches, cooking each side until golden brown and slightly crispy (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
Pile your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites onto a plate, drizzle with maple syrup, and sprinkle with extra pumpkin spice. Add whipped cream or pecans if you like a little crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These little bites are perfect for cozy breakfasts, brunch tables, or even dessert. Serve them warm with maple syrup, or go festive with a dusting of powdered sugar and whipped cream. For a holiday touch, sprinkle toasted pecans or drizzle caramel sauce on top.
Pair them with a hot pumpkin spice latte or a classic Greek coffee for the ultimate cozy morning.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites are a true celebration of comfort food. They’re quick, easy, and filled with seasonal flavors that make every bite feel like fall. I love how they remind me of my grandmother’s sweet bread bites while adding a modern pumpkin twist. Whether you’re making these for your family, friends, or just for yourself, they’ll always bring joy and warmth to your table.
So grab your bread, whisk up that pumpkin custard, and let’s make this autumn a little sweeter.
Short Story + Recipe
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! My grandmother used to make sweet little bread bites with cinnamon and honey. I gave her recipe a cozy fall twist, and that’s how Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites were born. They’re golden, fluffy, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor.
Recipe: Cut brioche into cubes, whisk eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin spice. Soak bread cubes, then cook in butter until golden. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or pecans.
These bites are cozy, delicious, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!