These Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are a delicious fall twist on the classic breakfast dish. They are packed with cozy pumpkin flavor and dusted with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, spiced crunch. Served with warm maple syrup or buttered pecan syrup, these sticks are ideal for family breakfasts or brunches on chilly autumn mornings.
The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice makes these French toast sticks perfect for the season, while the quick preparation time makes them a convenient option for busy mornings. Kids will love the fun, dippable sticks, and adults will appreciate the rich flavors that embody the spirit of fall.
Full Recipe:
- 1 loaf french bread or brioche, cut into 1″ thick slices, then into thirds
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions:
- Set a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of butter and let it melt.
- In a small rectangular baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Dip the bread sticks into the mixture, flip sides, and then place on the hot skillet. Cook each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.
- In another small dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Once the french toast sticks are fully cooked, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve hot with maple syrup or buttered pecan syrup.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 302 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a fall favorite and offers the perfect way to bring warm, cozy pumpkin flavors to your breakfast table. Not only is it simple and quick to make, but it’s also a kid-friendly dish that adults will love just as much! Here’s why you should make it:
- Easy to Make: With just a few common ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dish in just 15 minutes. Ideal for busy mornings, especially on weekends when you want something comforting but fast.
- Perfect for Fall: The pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice make this dish a seasonal hit. It’s a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree from other fall recipes.
- Family-Friendly: These french toast sticks are easy to eat for both little hands and adults. They can be dunked into syrup for added fun.
- Customizable: Use different types of bread like brioche, challah, or even sourdough for a unique spin. You can also adjust the level of spice to your liking or even try dipping them in flavored syrups like buttered pecan or caramel sauce.
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin French Toast Sticks
- Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread tends to absorb too much of the egg mixture and can become soggy. Stale bread holds up better and crisps nicely in the pan. If you don’t have stale bread, dry it out in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F before dipping it into the batter.
- Control the Heat: Use medium heat when cooking the French toast sticks. This allows them to get a nice golden-brown crust on all sides without burning or becoming mushy in the center.
- Coat While Hot: To get the cinnamon-sugar mixture to stick properly, roll the French toast sticks in the mixture while they’re still hot. This will give you that perfect crunchy-sweet coating.
- Pairing: Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are best served with warm maple syrup or buttered pecan syrup. For a richer experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or even a side of fresh fruit like berries or apples.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For butter, substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this dish completely gluten-free. The texture might change slightly depending on the type of bread, but the flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the French toast sticks ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat them in the oven or on a skillet. This makes it a perfect recipe for meal prep or a large family brunch.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Pumpkin French Toast Sticks comes in at approximately 302 calories, making them a fairly balanced breakfast option. The combination of eggs and bread provides protein and carbohydrates, while the pumpkin puree brings a dose of Vitamin A. Here’s a breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
Seasonal and Festive Use
These Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are perfect for the fall season but can be served all year long with minor tweaks. They’re an ideal choice for:
- Thanksgiving Breakfast: Start the holiday with a comforting breakfast that will leave everyone feeling cozy and satisfied.
- Halloween Brunch: Serve this dish as part of a festive brunch before or after trick-or-treating activities.
- Holiday Weekends: Any fall weekend, especially during pumpkin season, is the perfect time to enjoy this dish with family and friends.
The Origins of French Toast
French toast, also known by names like pain perdu in French (meaning “lost bread”) or eggy bread in the UK, dates back to ancient times. It was traditionally made with stale bread, which was “saved” by soaking it in a mixture of milk and eggs before frying. The dish has traveled across cultures and evolved with various twists, but the core remains the same: turning day-old bread into a delicious, golden, custard-like breakfast.
Pumpkin French Toast Sticks take that classic tradition and elevate it for the fall season by incorporating the warming, spiced flavors of pumpkin, making it a modern, seasonal favorite.
Pumpkin’s Nutritional Benefits
Pumpkin is not just a seasonal decoration; it’s packed with nutrition and can be a healthy addition to your meals. A few key benefits include:
- Rich in Vitamin A: Pumpkin puree is high in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin supports healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
- Low in Calories: Pumpkin is naturally low in calories but provides a satisfying texture and flavor, making it a great addition to many recipes without adding too many extra calories.
- Good Source of Fiber: The fiber in pumpkin helps keep you fuller for longer, supporting healthy digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
- Antioxidant Power: Pumpkin is packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
In this recipe, the pumpkin puree adds a delightful creaminess and subtle sweetness to the French toast, while also providing a nutritional boost.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
While these Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are delicious on their own, you can elevate them even further with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some pairing ideas to try:
- Toppings:
- Whipped Cream: For a dessert-like breakfast, top your French toast sticks with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Chopped Pecans: Add a bit of crunch by sprinkling toasted pecans or walnuts over the French toast sticks.
- Maple Syrup: A classic choice! The warm, rich sweetness of maple syrup complements the pumpkin spices perfectly.
- Buttered Pecan Syrup: For an even richer flavor, serve with buttered pecan syrup. The nutty undertones enhance the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Caramel Drizzle: Take things to the next level by adding a caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat.
- Sides:
- Bacon or Sausage: For a salty contrast, serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links.
- Fresh Fruit: Balance the richness of the French toast with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced apples.
- Greek Yogurt: Serve a small bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt on the side for added protein and a creamy texture that pairs well with the pumpkin flavor.
Seasonal Variations for French Toast Lovers
If you’re looking to branch out from the traditional pumpkin variation, there are many other seasonal twists you can try with French toast sticks:
- Cranberry-Orange French Toast Sticks: Add dried cranberries and orange zest to your egg mixture for a fresh and zesty winter version.
- Gingerbread French Toast Sticks: Swap the pumpkin puree for molasses and gingerbread spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves) for a holiday-themed breakfast.
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks: Use apple butter instead of pumpkin puree and serve with sautéed cinnamon apples for a comforting fall treat.
- Nutella Stuffed French Toast Sticks: For chocolate lovers, try spreading a thin layer of Nutella between two bread slices before dipping and cooking.
How to Make French Toast Sticks Ahead of Time
If you’re planning to make these Pumpkin French Toast Sticks for a crowd or on a busy morning, here are some tips to prep ahead of time:
- Freezing French Toast Sticks: After cooking the French toast sticks, let them cool completely, then lay them flat on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, until heated through.
- Make the Batter in Advance: You can whisk together the egg mixture (eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, and spices) the night before and store it in the fridge. This way, all you have to do in the morning is dip the bread and cook.
- Reheating Leftovers: If you have any leftover French toast sticks, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, a toaster oven or air fryer works well too.
Healthier Alternatives and Customizations
If you’re looking to make this dish healthier or adapt it to suit specific dietary needs, here are a few suggestions:
- Lower Calorie Version: Use whole wheat bread or a low-calorie bread option to reduce the carbohydrate content. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or skim milk instead of whole milk.
- Vegan-Friendly: To make a vegan version, replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, and opt for vegan butter.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the coating mixture or skip it altogether if you’re watching your sugar intake. The pumpkin and spices will still provide plenty of flavor.
Fun Serving Ideas for Kids
This recipe is a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen and enjoy a fun breakfast:
- French Toast Dipping Station: Set up a “dipping station” where kids can choose their favorite syrups or toppings like whipped cream, caramel, or sprinkles.
- Make French Toast Kabobs: For a fun twist, thread the French toast sticks onto skewers with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or apple slices.
- Shape the French Toast: Before dipping the bread into the egg mixture, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like pumpkins, stars, or hearts. This makes the dish even more exciting for kids to eat!
History of Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin spice is the quintessential fall flavor, but its history goes back further than most people think. The blend of spices commonly used in pumpkin pie—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice—dates back to colonial America, when spices were imported from overseas. These warming spices were prized for their flavor and ability to preserve food.
The popularity of “pumpkin spice” exploded in modern times, particularly with the launch of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003. Since then, pumpkin spice has become a cultural phenomenon, showing up in everything from cereals to candles. In this recipe, the use of pumpkin spice adds a cozy, nostalgic flavor that reminds us of the fall season.
Conclusion
Pumpkin French Toast Sticks offer a delightful twist on the classic French toast, perfect for fall mornings. With their warm pumpkin flavors, quick preparation time, and family-friendly appeal, they’re a great choice for breakfast or brunch. Whether you enjoy them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or alongside fresh fruit, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Plus, with plenty of customization options, you can easily adapt it to suit any dietary needs or preferences.