Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

As a young girl, I loved French toast for breakfast. Since having kids of my own, I have discovered French toast sticks. I love the dippable aspect of them. Today’s pumpkin recipe is for pumpkin French toast sticks!

Did you know that French toast isn’t actually French at all? According to historians, the person who invented the beloved breakfast dish was a guy named Joseph French. This creation came about in 1724. He was supposed to advertise it as French’s Toast. However, the man was grammatically challenged and forgot to add the apostrophe “s,” so he sold it as French toast.

Well, this version of French toast includes actual pumpkin along with cinnamon and pumpkin spice in the batter. The batter ends up creating French toast with that golden pumpkin-orange color.

After you cook up these pumpkin French toast sticks, they get a coating of cinnamon and sugar. You can always forgo the coating, but it is pretty delicious. The cinnamon sugar coating makes the French toast sticks sweet enough that you can eat them without syrup. However, my family still loves to give them a little dip in some pancake syrup.

Ingredients to Make Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

• TEXAS TOAST BREAD – Texas toast is thick and sturdy, making it perfect for French toast sticks. It soaks up the pumpkin custard without becoming too soggy and gives you a soft center with golden edges.
• EGGS – Eggs create the base of the French toast coating and help it set as the bread cooks. They also add richness and structure.
• MILK – Milk thins the egg mixture and helps create a smooth custard for dipping the bread.
• PUMPKIN PUREE – Pumpkin puree adds moisture, color, and plenty of fall flavor. Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
• VANILLA – Vanilla adds warmth and sweetness while complementing the pumpkin and spices.
• GROUND CINNAMON – Cinnamon adds cozy fall flavor and pairs naturally with pumpkin.
• PUMPKIN PIE SPICE – Pumpkin pie spice adds a blend of warm spices, usually including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It gives the French toast sticks that classic pumpkin-spice flavor.
• SUGAR – Sugar adds sweetness to the coating and helps balance the earthy pumpkin and warm spices.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

To make these delicious Pumpkin French Toast Sticks, begin by whisking together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium shallow bowl until smooth.

In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter. Dip each bread strip into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then place them on the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown.

While the French toast sticks are cooking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture by combining cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl. Once the French toast sticks are done, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra sweetness and crunch.

Serve with your maple syrup for dipping, and enjoy a cozy fall breakfast treat. This recipe makes enough for 8 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these French toast sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can! After cooking, allow the French toast sticks to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.

Can I freeze Pumpkin French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! Once the sticks have cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be reheated directly from frozen in the oven or toaster oven.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
Thick slices of bread such as Texas toast, challah, or brioche work best for French toast sticks because they hold up well when soaking in the egg mixture and yield a nice, fluffy texture when cooked.

How can I make these French toast sticks dairy-free?
You can easily make this dairy-free by substituting the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk. Also, use dairy-free butter or oil to cook the toast.

Can I make this without pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Or you can just use cinnamon for a simpler flavor.

Tips and Tricks

• Use thick-cut bread. Texas toast works especially well because it is sturdy enough to hold the pumpkin custard without falling apart.
• Don’t soak the bread too long. Dip each piece just long enough to coat it. Letting it sit too long can make the center soggy.
• Whisk the pumpkin mixture really well. Make sure the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices are completely blended so every piece gets an even coating.
• Cook over medium heat. Medium heat gives the inside time to cook through while the outside becomes golden without burning.
• Serve them warm with a dipping sauce. Maple syrup, cinnamon syrup, or cream cheese glaze all pair well with the pumpkin flavor and make the sticks fun to serve.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Pumpkin French Toast with Whipped Pumpkin Butter
• Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast
• French Toast Sticks
• Amazingly Perfect French Toast

This recipe is adapted from Lil Luna.