Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups
Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups are a cozy twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Soft slices of bread are rolled up with a sweet cream cheese filling, then dipped in a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups are a cozy twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Soft slices of bread are rolled up with a sweet cream cheese filling, then dipped in a spiced pumpkin batter and cooked to golden perfection. Each bite is tender and packed with warm flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, making it a perfect treat for chilly mornings.
I love making these roll-ups when I want something a bit special but still simple to prepare. They feel like a little surprise in every bite, and the cream cheese adds a creamy texture that balances the pumpkin spices beautifully. It’s also a fun way to get a pumpkin fix without a big mess or fuss.
My favorite way to serve these is with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. They pair so well with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea. Whether you’re making breakfast for guests or just treating yourself, these roll-ups bring a warm and cozy feeling to the table that I always look forward to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Sandwich Bread: Using soft white bread makes rolling easier without breaking. If you prefer, brioche or challah bread work great for a richer taste. For gluten-free options, look for a sturdy gluten-free bread.
Cream Cheese Filling: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with powdered sugar and vanilla. You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree is the star here, adding moistness and spice flavor. Canned pumpkin works best, but homemade pumpkin puree is a fresh alternative. Sweet potato puree can also work if you want a twist.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Pumpkin Pie Spice): These warm spices boost flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, just mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or ginger.
Butter & Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Butter helps get a crispy golden crust. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a sweet crunch. You can swap butter with oil or vegan butter for dairy-free versions.
How Can I Make Soft Bread Roll-Up Without It Falling Apart?
The key to rolling the bread without tearing is to first flatten each slice gently with a rolling pin. This softens the bread, making it flexible and less likely to break when you spread the cream cheese and roll it up.
- Use fresh bread for softness; stale bread cracks easily.
- Remove crust before flattening, as crusts are stiff and don’t roll well.
- Spread cream cheese evenly but not too thick to avoid bulky rolls.
- Roll tightly but gently to keep filling inside.
Once rolled, dip quickly in the pumpkin batter so the bread absorbs just enough without getting soggy. Cook on medium heat and keep the skillet greased to avoid sticking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – makes cooking easy and prevents roll-ups from sticking or breaking.
- Rolling pin – helps flatten the bread slices so they roll up smoothly without tearing.
- Shallow dish or pie plate – perfect for dipping the roll-ups in the pumpkin batter evenly.
- Mixing bowls – one for the cream cheese filling and one for the pumpkin batter, keeping things organized.
- Spatula – to flip the roll-ups gently without squashing or tearing them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cream cheese with peanut butter or Nutella for a nutty or chocolatey filling that kids will love.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts inside the roll-ups for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
- Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the pumpkin batter for a spicier autumn twist.
- Use maple or honey instead of powdered sugar in the filling for a natural sweetness and a little moisture.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices of white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking combined. It’s a quick and delightful way to enjoy a seasonal breakfast without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set this aside to use for rolling.
2. Roll the Bread:
Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice of bread—this makes rolling easier without tearing. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice. Then, roll up each slice tightly and place them aside.
3. Make the Pumpkin Batter:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until everything is well combined. This will be the batter to coat your roll-ups.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will be used to coat the roll-ups after cooking to add a sweet, crunchy finish.
5. Cook the Roll-Ups:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each roll-up into the pumpkin batter, making sure all sides are coated, and let the excess drip off. Place the roll-ups seam side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed while cooking.
6. Coat and Serve:
Remove the roll-ups from the skillet and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them nicely. Arrange on a serving plate, dust with powdered sugar if you like, and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite morning beverage.
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Other Types of Bread?
Yes! Whole wheat or multigrain bread can work, but choose a soft, fresh loaf to avoid cracking when rolling. Slightly thicker slices might need a longer cooking time.
Can I Prepare Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the roll-ups and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just dip and cook them fresh to keep them crispy and delicious.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid sogginess.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative. For a lighter filling, ricotta or mascarpone cheese also work well.
