Meet your new favorite fall breakfast treat — Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers! These bite-sized delights capture everything cozy about autumn: warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and a crispy golden crust. Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or just a weekend indulgence, these mini poppers are the ultimate combination of soft, fluffy rolls and crunchy panko perfection. Whether you serve them with pumpkin-spiced condensed milk or a drizzle of maple syrup, every bite tastes like a cozy October morning.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Fall-Inspired Flavor: Bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin — the essence of autumn in each bite.
- Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard for a creamy center while staying crisp on the outside.
- Perfect for Sharing: These poppable French toast bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at brunches or holiday breakfasts.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: With a pumpkin-spice twist and a luscious dipping sauce, they’re a delicious upgrade from your regular French toast.
Ingredients Needed
For the French Toast Poppers
- 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (from the total 1 cup)
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, slightly stale or day-old preferred
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, pulsed into fine crumbs
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar, for coating
For the Pumpkin Dipping Sauce
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- Remaining ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
💡 Tip: Using day-old rolls helps them absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Popper
Step 1: Preheat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan (about 2 inches deep). Heat over medium heat until a thermometer reads 325°F (160°C). This ensures an even, golden fry without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Egg Mixture
In a large shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and ⅔ cup pumpkin puree. Mix until smooth and well combined — this is your flavorful custard base.
Step 3: Make the Panko Coating
Place panko breadcrumbs in a food processor and pulse a few times until they resemble fine crumbs. Transfer to a shallow bowl. This helps the coating stick better and creates a crispier crust.
Step 4: Soak the Rolls
Cut or separate the Hawaiian rolls, then dip them into the pumpkin custard. Let them soak for 1–2 minutes per batch, ensuring each roll is evenly coated but not falling apart. Lift with tongs, allowing the excess mixture to drip off.
Step 5: Coat and Fry
Roll each soaked piece in the panko crumbs until fully covered. Working in batches, gently place them into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning halfway through, until each popper is beautifully golden and crisp.
👉 Tip: Use tongs to hold each roll steady while flipping to avoid splattering.
Step 6: Drain and Sugar-Coat
Transfer fried rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let cool slightly (about 5 minutes), then toss in a bowl with granulated sugar until all sides are evenly coated.
Step 7: Make the Pumpkin Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk and the remaining ⅓ cup pumpkin puree until smooth and creamy. Serve alongside the warm poppers for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed fresh and warm for maximum crunch.
- Garnish Idea: Dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispness — avoid microwaving to keep the texture perfect.
Helpful Notes
- Want a stronger pumpkin flavor? Add an extra tablespoon of puree to the egg mixture.
- If you’re short on Hawaiian rolls, use brioche or challah bread for a similar rich texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk and coconut condensed milk.
- To make them extra festive, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar right after frying.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium heat to 325°F (160°C) for even frying.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and ⅔ cup pumpkin puree until smooth. This forms the pumpkin custard base.
- Step 3: Pulse panko breadcrumbs in a food processor until fine, then transfer to a shallow bowl for coating.
- Step 4: Cut or separate Hawaiian rolls and soak them in the pumpkin mixture for 1–2 minutes, turning to coat evenly. Lift with tongs to drain excess.
- Step 5: Roll each soaked roll in the panko crumbs until evenly coated. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Use tongs to flip gently.
- Step 6: Transfer to paper towels to drain. After 5 minutes, toss the warm poppers in a bowl with granulated sugar to coat.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk and remaining ⅓ cup pumpkin puree to make the dipping sauce. Serve alongside warm poppers.
Notes
• To bake instead of fry, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Substitute brioche or challah if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls.
• For dairy-free, use almond milk and coconut condensed milk.
• Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers are everything you love about fall — warm, comforting, and irresistibly sweet. With their crispy coating, fluffy interior, and creamy pumpkin dip, they make breakfast or brunch feel like a celebration.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely. Thick slices of brioche or Texas toast work well — just cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the custard and coating up to a day ahead. Fry just before serving for the best texture.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, once cooled, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
Can I adjust the spices?
Of course! If you prefer a milder spice mix, reduce the cloves or nutmeg slightly. You can also add a dash of vanilla extract for a sweet aroma.