High Fibre, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice French Toast (gluten-free, nut-free, vegan option)
The Breakfast Hug You Didn’t Know You Needed
Imagine this: a crisp fall morning, with leaves rustling outside and the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your home. You’re wrapped in your favorite sweater, cozy socks keeping your feet warm, and you’re about to enjoy a breakfast that feels like a warm hug. That’s exactly what this pumpkin spice French toast brings to the table! And let’s face it, nothing embodies fall quite like pumpkin spice.
What makes this high fiber gluten-free pumpkin spice french toast recipe truly special is that it uses Queen Street Bakery Chia Classic bread, ensuring you’re not only indulging in a delicious breakfast but also reaping the benefits of high fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. A high-fiber breakfast helps keep you full and energized, supports healthy digestion, and stabilizes blood sugar levels for a steady start to your day. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
So, snuggle up with a cup of coffee and let this French toast transform your morning into a cozy, comforting fall experience. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend or need a little extra motivation on a busy day, this recipe is here to make every breakfast feel like a moment of pure cozy fall bliss.
The Benefits of a High-Fiber Breakfast:
Starting your day with a high-fiber breakfast, like this high fiber gluten-free pumpkin spice French toast made with Queen Street Bakery Chia Classic bread, offers several key benefits:
- Keeps You Energized: Fiber helps your body release energy slowly throughout the morning. This means you stay full longer and have steady energy, avoiding the mid-morning slump.
- Supports Digestion: Fiber is great for your digestive system. It helps keep things moving smoothly in your gut, preventing constipation and keeping your stomach feeling comfortable.
- Stabilizes Blood Sugar: Fiber slows down how quickly sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream. This helps keep your blood sugar levels steady, preventing those quick spikes and crashes that can leave you feeling tired or cranky.
- Promotes Heart Health: Eating fiber-rich foods can help lower your cholesterol levels. Lower cholesterol is good for your heart, reducing the risk of heart disease and keeping your heart healthy.
- Boosts Overall Health: Foods high in fiber, like chia seeds, are packed with important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients are great for your overall health, helping to keep your body functioning well and protecting against illness.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this cozy fall breakfast:
- 4 slices of QSB Chia Classic Bread – This bread is loaded with chia seeds, providing a delightful crunch and a nutritional boost.
- 2 large eggs (or your choice of egg substitute: flaxseed “egg,” mashed banana, applesauce, or silken tofu; see below for measurements*)
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree – The star ingredient that brings that rich, fall flavor.
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice (**or make your own)– Essential for that cozy fall taste.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – Optional, but a drizzle adds that extra touch of fall magic.
- 1/4 tsp salt – To balance the flavors.
How to Make It Happen:
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs (or chosen substitute), pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt. Let it sit for a few minutes so the chia seeds can thicken the mixture.
- Cook the French Toast:
On the Stovetop:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Dip each slice of QSB Chia Classic bread into the pumpkin spice mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Let it soak for a few seconds to absorb the flavors, then cook on the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. You can also cook them in batches if needed.
In the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Dip each slice of QSB Chia Classic bread into the pumpkin spice mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Let it soak for a few seconds to absorb the flavors.
- Arrange the soaked bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the French toast is golden brown and crispy.
Add Your Toppings:
- Top with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Customize it to your taste!
- In the Fridge: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet for the best texture.
- In the Freezer: Freeze slices in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. These can be stored for 1-2 months. Reheat directly from frozen to keep them crispy.
P.S. For an even easier morning, you can prepare this French toast overnight! Simply arrange the slices of QSB Chia Classic bread in a baking dish, pour the batter over them, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, cook the soaked slices as directed. It’s a time-saver that ensures your breakfast is ready to go when you are!
* Measurements for Egg Alternatives
- Flaxseed "egg": 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (per egg)
- Mashed banana: 1/4 cup mashed banana (per egg)
- Applesauce: 1/4 cup applesauce (per egg)
- Silken tofu: 1/4 cup silken tofu (blended) (per egg)
**Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend:
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ tsp ground allspice
- 1 ½ tsp ground cloves
This recipe makes about 1/3 cup of pumpkin spice blend, which is roughly 16 teaspoons. You can use 1 tsp of this blend for recipes like this cozy Pumpkin Spice French Toast!
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the cozy season than with a comforting high fiber breakfast that wraps you in warmth from the inside out, while also nourishing your body. This high fiber gluten-free pumpkin spice French toast is not just a meal; it’s a breakfast that offering a moment of comfort and joy before you start your day. Whether you choose to prepare it fresh or the night before, this recipe is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding. So, gather your ingredients, let the magic of fall infuse your kitchen, and enjoy a breakfast that’s as heartwarming as a hug from a loved one. Here’s to cozy mornings and a breakfast that makes every day feel just a little bit sweeter.