Chocolate-Stuffed Pumpkin French Toast (plus bonus recipe for pumpkin spiced pepitas)

This all began when I had a bunch of extra bread and didn't know what to do about it. I also had some leftover pumpkin puree in the freezer and some pepitas from my pumpkin muffins that I posted a few weeks ago (you can go check it out after you read this one). I decided to make something that was simple but used up those ingredients, and came up with these two recipes than can be served together!

Of course, you could certainly just make one recipe to have on it's own, but I think the two go really well together. The french toast is a great breakfast or dessert and is super filling. This is definitely a great recipe to get you in the fall mood and satisfy those pumpkin spice cravings!

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French Toast Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

- 8 slices bread

- 4 tbsp chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

- 1 egg

- 1/4 cup milk

- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

- 1 tbsp maple syrup

- pinch of salt

- cooking oil spray

Steps:

1. Place two slices of bread on each of two paper towels.

2. Top each slice with 1 tbsp of chocolate chips.

3. Microwave for 30 seconds, check on them, then add time as needed (20-30 more secs).

4. Spread the chocolate to completely cover the top of each slice of bread and cover each with another plain slice of bread, and press down to close.

5. Place the "sandwiches" in the freezer (if preparing the night before) or in the fridge to set.

6. Whisk the egg, pumpkin, milk, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, syrup, and salt together in a shallow dish.

7. Place a small skillet on the stove on medium heat.

8. Spray with cooking spray.

9. Dip both sides of one "sandwich" in the wet mixture and place on the pan.

10. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is slightly browned and no longer wet.

11. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.

12. Repeat steps 8-11 with each "sandwich".

*Tip: Replace the melted chocolate with some nutella, nut butter, or jam to change up the flavor profile if you'd like!

Pepitas Recipe

Ingredients:

- 1/4 cup raw pepitas

- 1/2 tbsp brown sugar

- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

- 1/4 tsp coconut oil

- pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Add pepitas to a lined cookie sheet.

3. Toss the pepitas in the coconut oil until fully coated.

4. Add sugar, spice, and salt and give it a mix.

5. Spread into an even layer and bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes.

6. Mix them and let them cool before enjoying.

*Tip: Keep an eye on them, as they burn quickly!