Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

These pumpkin french toast sticks are so cozy. Warm, sweet, and full of that fall flavor. The first time I made them, my kitchen smelled like a pumpkin patch.

They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. And yep—they’re perfect for dipping.

If you want a fun fall breakfast that’s easy and yummy, this one’s a keeper. Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pumpkin Spice Perfection: These French toast sticks bring all the warm, comforting flavors of fall. With pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, they’re a true autumn delight.
• Kid-Friendly: These French toast sticks are fun to dip and perfect for little hands! My kids can’t get enough of them.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few basic ingredients and 15 minutes of cook time, you’ll have breakfast ready in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, freeze them, and reheat throughout the week for a speedy breakfast that’s just as delicious as fresh.
• Versatile: Serve them with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for a customizable breakfast option.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have the tools you’ll need:

• A Whisk or Hand Mixer: You’ll need this to beat the eggs and mix in the milk, pumpkin puree, and spices.
• A Shallow Dish: For dipping the bread sticks in the pumpkin mixture.
• Skillet or Griddle: A non-stick skillet or griddle works best to ensure your French toast sticks don’t stick while cooking.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: These will help you flip and remove your French toast sticks with ease.
• A Spatula: For serving the sticks after they’re cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

Now let’s gather everything you’ll need for these irresistible Pumpkin French Toast Sticks:

• Bread: I prefer using a loaf of French bread or brioche. You’ll want to cut it into 1-inch thick slices, then cut those into thirds to create the sticks. The bread’s texture should be soft yet sturdy, perfect for holding the pumpkin mixture without falling apart.
• Eggs: Eggs provide the base for your French toast mixture, giving it the custardy texture that we all know and love.
• Milk: Whole milk adds richness to the batter, but you can also use almond milk or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the recipe. Pumpkin puree gives your French toast sticks that autumn flavor, and it also makes the custard mixture velvety and moist.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla helps to enhance all the warm flavors.
• Cinnamon: This spice adds the perfect amount of warmth and depth to your French toast.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of spices (typically cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves) is what really gives these French toast sticks that classic pumpkin flavor.
• Sugar: A little bit of sugar helps to sweeten the batter and gives the French toast an irresistible golden crust when cooked.
• Cinnamon Sugar (for dusting): This is optional but adds a nice finishing touch to your French toast sticks. Just combine cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle it on top after cooking for an extra layer of sweetness.

Variations for Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: You can mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. Or, if you love chocolate, throw in some mini chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat!
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Simply swap out the regular bread for gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or coconut milk and dairy-free bread for a dairy-free alternative. Make sure the bread is free from any dairy ingredients.
• Top with Caramel: If you’re looking for something a bit extra, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over your French toast sticks for an indulgent finish.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Top your French toast sticks with fresh berries or sliced bananas for added sweetness and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar. You want the mixture to be smooth, with no lumps. The pumpkin puree will give it a beautiful orange hue, and the spices will create the wonderful aroma of fall. Be sure to whisk well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

2. Prepare the Bread

Cut your loaf of French bread or brioche into 1-inch thick slices. Once you’ve got your slices, cut them into thirds to form sticks. I find that French bread works especially well for French toast sticks because it’s slightly dense, but still soft enough to absorb the pumpkin custard.

3. Heat the Skillet or Griddle

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. I usually add a little bit of butter or oil to keep the French toast sticks from sticking, and it gives them a nice golden brown finish.

4. Dip the Bread Sticks

Dip each piece of bread into the pumpkin mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Be sure not to let the bread soak too long, or it might become too soggy. Just a quick dip should do the trick!

5. Cook the French Toast Sticks

Place the dipped bread sticks onto the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them carefully with tongs or a spatula to ensure both sides get evenly browned. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate.

6. Dust with Cinnamon Sugar

After the French toast sticks are cooked, you can dust them with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of fall flavor that’s hard to resist.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Pumpkin French Toast Sticks with maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle a little bit of caramel sauce over the top. I promise you, this will be the highlight of your morning!

How to Serve Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

These Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are versatile, so there are plenty of ways to serve them:

• With Maple Syrup: The classic option! Drizzle on some warm maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich pumpkin flavor.
• Fresh Fruit: Add some sliced bananas, berries, or even roasted apples for a fresh, sweet contrast.
• Nut Butter: For a savory twist, dip your French toast sticks in almond butter, peanut butter, or hazelnut spread for a rich, creamy finish.
• Cinnamon Syrup: For a cinnamon lover’s dream, make a cinnamon syrup to drizzle over the sticks. It’s like cinnamon rolls in syrup form!

Storing Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

• Leftovers: If you have any leftover French toast sticks, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze your Pumpkin French Toast Sticks for up to 2 months. Lay them flat on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for long-term storage. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one serving (about 4 French toast sticks, without syrup or toppings):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	250-300 kcal
Protein	7-8 grams
Carbohydrates	35-40 grams
Dietary Fiber	2-3 grams
Sugars	12-15 grams
Fat	10-12 grams
Saturated Fat	3-4 grams
Cholesterol	65-70 mg
Sodium	180-220 mg

Please note that these values may vary depending on the specific bread, toppings, and any variations you make to the recipe.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious, cozy breakfast that brings all the flavors of fall to your table, these Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are the perfect choice. They’re simple to make, versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table—whether it’s for a lazy weekend breakfast or a quick weekday treat. So, go ahead, get your pumpkin on, and enjoy this sweet, spiced, and absolutely irresistible breakfast that will make your mornings a little bit brighter.