Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?

Yes, you can use whole wheat bread, but it tends to be less pliable than white bread, which may make rolling more difficult. If using whole wheat, press it a bit more firmly with your rolling pin to make it easier to work with.

How do I prevent the roll-ups from coming undone while cooking?

Make sure to roll the bread tightly and place the roll-ups seam-side down first when cooking. The egg mixture will help "seal" the edge as it cooks. You can also secure particularly stubborn rolls with a toothpick during cooking (just remember to remove it before serving).

Can I make the pumpkin filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pumpkin filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using it to ensure a smooth consistency.

I don't have pumpkin pie spice. What can I use instead?

You can easily make your own by combining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. This will give you approximately 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

Name: Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup canned plain pumpkin; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 12 slices white sandwich bread; 2 eggs; 4 tablespoons milk; Butter, for coating skillet

Looking for a breakfast that tastes like fall wrapped in a delicious package? These Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups are exactly what you need! Filled with sweet pumpkin pie filling, dipped in egg, pan-fried to golden perfection, and rolled in cinnamon sugar – they’re absolutely irresistible. Ready in just 25 minutes, these roll-ups make a perfect weekend breakfast treat or special weekday surprise that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Easy: These roll-ups might look fancy, but they come together with minimal effort – perfect for impressing family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Quick Preparation: In just 25 minutes, you’ll have warm, pumpkin-filled delights ready to serve – making them doable even on busy mornings.
Fall Flavors: These roll-ups capture all the cozy autumn flavors we crave, without the fuss of making an entire pumpkin pie.
Kid-Friendly: Children love the fun, handheld format, and they’re even more excited to help make them!
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

White Sandwich Bread: Creates the perfect canvas for our roll-ups. The soft texture allows for easy rolling without breaking.
Canned Pumpkin: The star of our filling! Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, so you can control the sweetness and spice.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both our filling and creates that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating that makes these roll-ups so special.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The essential flavor blend that gives these roll-ups their distinctive autumn taste.
Cinnamon: Pairs beautifully with sugar for the outside coating, adding warmth and that classic French toast flavor.
Eggs: These help create that custard-like exterior when cooked, giving you the classic French toast experience.
Milk: Works with the eggs to create the perfect dipping mixture.
Butter: For frying the roll-ups to golden perfection. Don’t skimp here – it adds incredible flavor!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Berry Delicious

Swap the pumpkin filling for cream cheese mixed with fresh berries for a summer version of these roll-ups.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Add mini chocolate chips to your pumpkin filling for a chocolate-pumpkin combination that’s absolutely divine.

Apple Cinnamon

Replace pumpkin with cooked diced apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar for an apple pie version.

Savory Option

Create a savory breakfast by filling with scrambled eggs and cheese instead of pumpkin filling.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Fillings

In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin, 1/3 cup granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined. In a separate dish, mix the remaining 1/3 cup sugar with cinnamon for the coating, then set both mixtures aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cut the crusts from all bread slices, then flatten each piece with a rolling pin. This helps them roll easily without breaking.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Spread about a tablespoon of pumpkin filling across one side of each flattened bread slice. Start at one end and tightly roll up the slice. Press gently to seal the edge.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a shallow dish, thoroughly beat the eggs and milk until well combined.

Step 5: Cook the Roll-Ups

Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated on all sides, then place in the skillet. Cook in batches of 4-5, turning frequently until all sides are golden brown.

Step 6: Add the Sweet Coating

While still warm, roll each cooked French toast roll-up in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely covered. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Filling: Spread the pumpkin filling evenly but not too thickly – about 1 tablespoon per slice works perfectly.
Roll Tightly: Make sure to roll the bread tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
Medium Heat is Key: Keep your pan at medium heat to ensure the outside cooks golden brown while allowing time for the inside to warm through.
Fresh Bread Works Best: Fresh, soft bread rolls much better than older bread, which can crack or tear.
Work in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan – cooking 4-5 roll-ups at a time ensures even browning and makes them easier to flip.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these delightful roll-ups with maple syrup for dipping, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Complete the Breakfast

Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or crispy bacon for a well-rounded breakfast experience.

Dress It Up

For a special brunch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to transform these roll-ups into an elegant dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They will lose some of their crispness but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

These roll-ups freeze surprisingly well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place refrigerated roll-ups in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes. From frozen, add a few extra minutes to the heating time.

Note: The cinnamon-sugar coating might absorb some moisture during storage, so you can roll them in fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating if desired.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?

Yes, you can use whole wheat bread, but it tends to be less pliable than white bread, which may make rolling more difficult. If using whole wheat, press it a bit more firmly with your rolling pin to make it easier to work with.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from coming undone while cooking?

Make sure to roll the bread tightly and place the roll-ups seam-side down first when cooking. The egg mixture will help “seal” the edge as it cooks. You can also secure particularly stubborn rolls with a toothpick during cooking (just remember to remove it before serving).
Can I make the pumpkin filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pumpkin filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using it to ensure a smooth consistency.
I don’t have pumpkin pie spice. What can I use instead?

You can easily make your own by combining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. This will give you approximately 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on breakfast that brings the cozy flavors of fall to your table any time of year. They’re simple enough for a weekday breakfast but special enough for holidays or weekend brunches. The combination of warm pumpkin filling, fluffy bread, and sweet cinnamon sugar creates a breakfast experience that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give them a try this weekend – I promise they’ll disappear from the plate faster than you can say “pumpkin spice”!