A Cozy Fall Breakfast Inspired by Pumpkin Pie
When I was a child, my grandmother used to fill the house with the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin pie every autumn. She’d roast fresh pumpkins, blend them into a silky filling, and let the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—linger in the air. It was the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings.
This recipe for Pumpkin Pie French Toast Roll Ups takes all that cozy, nostalgic goodness and transforms it into a playful, bite-sized breakfast treat. Imagine pumpkin pie filling tucked inside fluffy bread, rolled up, coated in cinnamon sugar, and pan-fried until golden. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for fall weekends, Thanksgiving brunch, or even as a holiday dessert.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie French Toast Roll Ups
- Seasonal Favorite: Combines the best of pumpkin pie and French toast.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to make in batches for family or guests.
- Kid-Friendly: Sweet, handheld, and fun to dip.
- Versatile: Serve as breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Roll Ups:
- 8 slices soft white bread, crusts removed
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
2. Flatten the Bread
Take each slice of bread (crusts removed) and flatten it gently with a rolling pin. This helps the bread roll easily without tearing.
3. Fill and Roll
Spread about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin filling onto each slice of bread. Roll tightly into a log shape.
4. Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
5. Dip and Fry
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Dip each roll up in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then place in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on all sides, turning as needed.
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll each pumpkin pie French toast roll up in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated.
7. Serve
Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for Perfect Roll Ups
- Best Bread: Use soft, white sandwich bread or brioche for easy rolling.
- Pumpkin Swap: Canned pumpkin works perfectly, but fresh roasted pumpkin is even better.
- Avoid Sogginess: Don’t oversoak the bread in the egg mixture—just a quick dip.
- Batch Cooking: Keep cooked roll ups warm in the oven at 200°F while finishing the rest.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
- Holiday Brunch: Serve on a platter with fresh fruit and spiced apple cider.
- Dessert Option: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked roll ups on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add extra cream cheese filling for a cheesecake twist.
- Nutella Pumpkin: Spread a thin layer of Nutella with the pumpkin filling.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sandwich bread.
- Healthier Version: Roll in coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Pairing Ideas
- Drinks: Pumpkin spice latte, chai tea, or hot chocolate.
- Dips: Maple syrup, vanilla yogurt, or caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange roll ups on a parchment-lined tray, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
Can I use whole wheat bread?
Yes, but it won’t roll as easily and may be denser.
Can I make them ahead for a party?
Absolutely—prepare and freeze ahead, then fry or bake before serving.