Description
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers are bite-sized, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside breakfast treats that combine the warm, nostalgic flavors of pumpkin spice with the classic comfort of French toast. Perfect for autumn mornings, brunch parties, or a cozy snack, these poppers are easy to make, customizable, and sure to delight family and friends with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Sturdy white, brioche, or challah bread – enough for bite-sized cubes (about 6 slices)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Butter or oil – for cooking (about 2 tablespoons)
Optional Variations and Toppings
- Mini chocolate chips – 1/4 cup (optional)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – 1/4 cup (optional)
- Pure maple syrup – for drizzling
- Powdered sugar, cinnamon, whipped cream, caramel sauce – for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: Whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of milk or cream, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This mixture will form the custard base for the poppers.
- Cut and soak the bread: Cut about 6 slices of your chosen sturdy bread (white, brioche, or challah) into bite-sized cubes. Gently toss the bread cubes in the custard mixture, allowing each piece to soak up the liquid thoroughly but without falling apart.
- Shape the poppers: Scoop the soaked bread cubes into a mini muffin tin or arrange on a lined baking sheet, shaping them into small balls or clusters to prepare for cooking.
- Cook until crispy and golden: Cook the poppers either by baking in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or pan-frying with a little butter or oil over medium heat until the exterior is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and custardy.
- Serve warm with toppings: Serve the pumpkin spice French toast poppers warm. Add your favorite syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon dusting, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to better absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
- Do not oversoak the bread cubes; soak just enough to hold flavor and maintain shape.
- Monitor cooking closely as times may vary depending on bread type and cooking method.
- Preheat your oven or pan to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Using a mini muffin tin for baking helps keep poppers uniform and properly cooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 poppers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg