Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Brioche French Toast: Your New Favorite Fall Breakfast

Is it just me, or do decadent breakfasts get more enticing as the weather gets chillier?

I’ve been eyeing the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Brioche Twist bread for a while. French toast has always been one of my favorite foods, and I figured this seasonal bread might be the perfect match.

Enter: the fall breakfast you didn’t know you needed, Pumpkin Brioche French Toast. 

I used my mom’s classic French toast recipe, but adapted it to accommodate the extra sweetness from the bread. It turned out even better than I had anticipated! 

The brioche is delicious: light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, which makes it the ideal base for a rich French toast. As a bonus, it goes amazingly well with Trader Joe’s maple butter. The best part? This recipe is insanely easy.

Whether you’re looking for a simple recipe for a slow Saturday morning or hosting a fall or holiday brunch, this dish is quick to throw together and sure to impress. 

Ingredients

You need just a few ingredients to make this Pumpkin Brioche French Toast, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

Most importantly, you’ll need a loaf of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Brioche Twist Bread and Trader Joe’s Maple Butter for serving. If you don’t have maple butter, you can use maple syrup, but the butter is so delicious!

You’ll also need:

• 5 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla 
• Pinch of salt 
• Splash of cream or half and half

I use 2% milk, and I also like to add a splash of heavy whipping cream or half-and-half for richness. I don’t recommend adding any sugar or spices, as the Pumpkin Brioche Twist bread is already sweetened and flavored.

You’ll also need a large frying pan or griddle, as well as butter or cooking spray. 

Note: One loaf of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Brioche Twist has about 9 slices, which serves around 4 people. The custard mixture typically makes enough for a second loaf as well.

If you need more, simply add 1–2 extra eggs and 1–2 cups of milk. This recipe is very forgiving, so don’t stress about exact quantities!

Instructions

First, heat a large frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Grease lightly with butter or cooking spray. Note: Use real butter, not maple butter, as maple butter is reduced maple syrup.

Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, salt, and heavy whipping cream or half-and-half in a shallow bowl.

Next, prepare the bread. Be sure to peel the paper wrappers off each slice, as they’re a little sneaky (yes, I did cook (and eat) a slice before I realized the paper was still on it).

Dip each slice of the brioche bread into the mixture for 2-10 seconds, depending on desired softness.

For gooey, custardy French toast: Soak the bread on the longer side (closer to 8–10 seconds or even a bit more).

For firmer French toast: Keep the dip quick (2–3 seconds) so the bread doesn’t absorb too much liquid.

Once you’ve soaked it for the desired amount, let any excess mixture drip off and place the bread on the hot griddle. Cook until golden brown on both sides and heated through.

I love French toast that’s soft and custardy in the middle. If you prefer yours more done, let it cook until the center is firm and fully set.

Serve warm, topped with maple butter, and enjoy!

Tip from my mom: Making this for a crowd? Keep finished slices warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 225°F) while you cook the rest.

FAQs

See below for answers to frequently asked questions about this Pumpkin Brioche French Toast recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time? 

French toast is always best served fresh. You can put the freshly cooked slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes while you finish cooking the rest, but beyond that, I wouldn’t recommend it. 

Can I make this with a different kind of bread?

I’ve only tested this with Trader Joe’s pumpkin brioche bread, so I can’t vouch for other brands. You may need to adjust sugar and spices, depending on what bread you use.

Does it matter what kind of milk I use?

Using a lower-fat or non-dairy milk will be less rich and may result in a different texture, so I don’t recommend it. You can substitute whole milk for an even creamier, more decadent French toast.

More Trader Joe’s Fall Recipes to Try Next

Looking for more Trader Joe’s fall ideas? Try these simple, crowd-pleasing recipes.