Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers Recipe

Introduction

These Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers are a delightful twist on a breakfast classic. Bite-sized and bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors, they’re perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree, divided
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 g)
• 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium, high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil until a thermometer registers 325°F (163°C).
2. Step 2: In a large, shallow dish, whisk together eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and 2/3 cup of the pumpkin puree.
3. Step 3: Pulse the panko bread crumbs in a food processor until very fine, or crush them in a resealable bag with a rolling pin. Transfer to another shallow dish.
4. Step 4: Working in batches, soak the Hawaiian rolls in the egg mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. Use tongs to lift each roll, letting excess drip off, then toss thoroughly in the panko crumbs to coat all sides.
5. Step 5: Fry the rolls in batches, turning halfway through, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Use tongs to hold rolls steady when turning. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Place granulated sugar in a large bowl and toss the fried rolls in the sugar until well coated.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and the remaining 1/3 cup pumpkin puree. Serve the rolls with this pumpkin milk for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at 325°F to ensure even frying without absorbing too much oil.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
• Try using brioche or challah rolls if Hawaiian rolls aren’t available.
• Use gluten-free panko for a gluten-free version.

Storage

Store leftover French Toast Poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until crispy again, about 5–7 minutes. The pumpkin milk dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Frying gives these poppers their signature crispiness, but you can bake them at 375°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through. They may be less crunchy but still delicious.

Can I prepare the pumpkin milk dip in advance?

Yes, you can mix the pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk up to 1 day ahead. Keep it refrigerated and stir well before serving.

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers Recipe

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Pumpkin Spice French Toast Poppers are bite-sized, deep-fried treats made from Hawaiian rolls soaked in a pumpkin-spiced egg mixture, coated in finely crushed panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in cinnamon sugar. Served with a sweet pumpkin-flavored condensed milk dip, these poppers are a delightful autumn-inspired breakfast or snack.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 poppers 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For Frying

• 6 cups vegetable oil

For Egg Mixture

• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (divided from 1 cup)

For Coating

• 2 cups panko bread crumbs

Main Ingredient

• 12 Hawaiian rolls

Topping and Dip

• 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• Remaining 1/3 cup pumpkin puree

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: In a medium, high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat 6 cups of vegetable oil until an instant-read or deep-fry thermometer registers 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large, shallow dish, whisk together 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon each of allspice, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and 2/3 cup pumpkin puree to create a spiced pumpkin custard.
3. Prepare Panko Breadcrumbs: Pulse 2 cups of panko bread crumbs in a food processor until very fine crumbs form, or crush them in a resealable bag using a rolling pin. Transfer to another shallow dish for coating.
4. Soak Rolls: Working in batches, place the 12 Hawaiian rolls in the egg mixture and allow them to soak for 1 to 2 minutes so they absorb the custard.
5. Coat Rolls: Using tongs, lift soaked rolls from the mixture, letting excess drip off, then toss each roll in the finely crushed panko breadcrumbs ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
6. Fry Rolls: Fry the coated rolls in batches in the preheated oil, turning halfway through, until they are lightly golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Use tongs to hold rolls steady when flipping. Transfer the fried rolls to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
7. Coat in Sugar: Place 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl. Toss the slightly cooled fried rolls in the sugar until they are well coated.
8. Prepare Pumpkin Milk Dip: In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk and the remaining 1/3 cup pumpkin puree until smooth. Serve the sugar-coated rolls alongside this pumpkin milk dip for dipping.

Notes

• Be sure to maintain the oil temperature at 325°F to ensure the rolls fry evenly without burning.
• Soaking the rolls too long may cause them to become soggy and difficult to handle, so 1 to 2 minutes is ideal.
• Finely crushed panko creates a crispier coating than whole Panko crumbs.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture, as the coating may soften over time.
• These poppers can be made ahead and reheated briefly in the oven, but they are best served fresh.

Keywords: pumpkin spice, French toast, breakfast poppers, Hawaiian rolls, deep-fried, autumn recipe