Pumpkin French Toast Rolls

This pumpkin french toast roll recipe transforms ordinary breakfast into a fall-inspired treat that tastes like you're eating french toast stuffed with pumpkin pie. The warm pumpkin spice flavors paired with the soft bread creates a breakfast that's both comforting and special enough for weekend mornings or holiday gatherings.

I first made these rolls during a chilly autumn weekend when my family was craving something special but I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The aroma of pumpkin spice filled our home, and now these rolls have become our signature fall breakfast tradition that everyone requests as soon as the leaves start changing.

Ingredients

• White bread: The foundation of our rolls with a soft texture that flattens and rolls beautifully
• Pumpkin butter: Concentrates the pumpkin flavor without making the rolls soggy like regular pumpkin puree would
• Eggs: Creates that classic custardy french toast texture while helping bind everything together
• Milk: Adds richness to the batter and helps the bread soak up all the flavors
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to complement the pumpkin
• Flour and baking powder: Helps create a light coating that crisps beautifully in the oven
• Pumpkin pie spice: The signature flavor blend that makes these taste like autumn in every bite
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the sugar coating stick
• Sugar: Creates a delicate sweet crust similar to cinnamon rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the egg mixture:

Combine eggs, milk, vanilla, flour, baking powder and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice in a blender for 10-15 seconds until completely smooth. This creates a consistent batter that will coat the rolls evenly. Transfer to a shallow bowl that will accommodate the length of your rolls.

Create the spice sugar:

Mix sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a separate shallow bowl until evenly distributed. The wide surface area makes it easier to roll your french toast later. This mixture creates that signature sparkly sweet coating that makes these irresistible.

Flatten and fill:

Use a rolling pin to gently press each bread slice until flat but not torn. The bread should be pliable enough to roll but still structurally sound. Pipe or spread a line of pumpkin butter along the bottom edge of each flattened slice. Be careful not to overfill or the pumpkin will ooze out during baking.

Roll with care:

Starting from the pumpkin butter edge, tightly roll each slice of bread, placing seam side down to prevent unraveling. The tight roll ensures the pumpkin butter stays contained during the baking process.

Soak the rolls:

Dip each roll in the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for 5-10 seconds. This brief soak ensures the bread absorbs enough custard without becoming soggy. Place on a greased baking sheet with space between each roll.

First bake:

Bake at 375°F for 9 minutes until the rolls begin to set but aren’t fully done. This initial bake sets the structure before adding butter.

Butter and flip:

Remove partially baked rolls and brush with melted butter, then carefully flip and brush the other side. This adds richness and helps create a golden exterior.

Final bake:

Return to oven for another 8-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The centers should be hot and not doughy.

Roll in spice sugar:

While still warm but cool enough to handle, roll each french toast piece in the pumpkin spice sugar mixture until fully coated. The warm butter helps the sugar adhere perfectly.

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The pumpkin butter is truly the secret ingredient that makes these rolls special. I discovered it years ago at a farmers market and became obsessed with finding ways to use it. My daughter now helps me make a big batch every September, and watching her carefully roll each piece of bread has become one of my favorite autumn memories.

Storage Solutions

These pumpkin french toast rolls store remarkably well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. This method preserves the crispy exterior better than microwaving. For longer storage, freeze the rolls after baking but before rolling in the sugar mixture. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat in the oven, then roll in fresh sugar mixture for the best texture and flavor.

Customization Options

While this recipe is delicious as written, it can be adapted to accommodate different dietary needs or flavor preferences. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter. If pumpkin butter is unavailable, make your own by cooking down pumpkin puree with brown sugar, apple cider, and pumpkin pie spice until thick and spreadable. For extra decadence, try adding mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the pumpkin butter filling before rolling.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these rolls into a complete breakfast spread by serving alongside a protein source like scrambled eggs or yogurt parfaits. They pair beautifully with hot apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes for a themed autumn brunch. For special occasions, create a french toast roll bar with different toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chopped nuts so guests can customize their plates. I love serving these on Thanksgiving morning when everyone needs something substantial but easy before the big meal preparations begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you prepare the bread for rolling?

Remove the crusts and flatten each bread slice with a rolling pin for easy rolling and even texture.

→ Why use pumpkin butter as the filling?

Pumpkin butter adds a creamy, spiced flavor, making the rolls taste like pumpkin pie in every bite.

→ Can you skip the egg mixture step?

No, dipping the bread in the egg mixture adds moisture and richness, creating the classic taste and texture.

→ Is it necessary to coat the rolls in pumpkin spice sugar?

Coating adds a sweet and spiced crunch, enhancing the flavor and making the rolls irresistible.

→ Can these rolls be made ahead?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the rolls ahead and bake them fresh when ready to serve.