Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast Bites Recipe
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (Brioche or Challah work best)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the pan)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and half of the pumpkin pie spice. Mix with a spoon or electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Spread a generous layer of the pumpkin filling onto four slices of bread. Place the remaining four slices on top to create four sandwiches. Using a sharp knife, trim the crusts if desired, then cut each sandwich into four equal squares or “bites.”
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining pumpkin pie spice. Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated so there are no streaks of white or yolk remaining.
- Quickly dip each bite into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides. Do not soak them for too long, or the bread will become too soggy to handle. A 2-3 second dip on each side is usually perfect.
- Melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the bites in the skillet, being careful not to over-crowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. You may need to flip them onto their edges to cook all sides evenly.
- Remove the bites from the pan and immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still hot. This ensures the sugar sticks to the surface for a sweet, crunchy coating.