Cozy Pumpkin French Toast Sticks Recipe You’ll Love

Posted on November 15, 2025

Pumpkin French Toast Sticks - featured image

The sweet aroma of warm pumpkin spice, the golden crisp edges, and the soft, custardy center—Cozy Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are everything you need to embrace fall mornings! I first whipped these up on a chilly October morning when my kids begged for something special for breakfast, and let me tell you, they’ve been a family favorite ever since. These little sticks of joy combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie with the classic appeal of French toast. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to make your day feel a little cozier.

Made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand during pumpkin season, these sticks are the perfect mix of crispy and pillowy soft. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull off this recipe—just a love for fall flavors and a frying pan. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the tastiest way to start your morning!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, these pumpkin French toast sticks come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy mornings!
Seasonal Magic: Packed with warm pumpkin spice flavors, this recipe screams autumn comfort.
Kid-Friendly: These bite-sized sticks are fun to eat, dunk, and savor—kids absolutely love them!
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a cozy brunch or a holiday breakfast, these are always a crowd-pleaser.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla creates a mouthwatering treat that feels like a hug in every bite.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The subtle sweetness from the pumpkin puree paired with the warm spices gives this dish a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, the crispy exterior and creamy inside make these French toast sticks impossible to resist. I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count, and every single time, my family devours them with smiles and sticky fingers!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create the perfect fall breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread: Thick slices of brioche or Texas toast work best to hold the custard and crisp well. (Day-old bread is ideal!)
Eggs: Large eggs are the base of the custard and give the French toast its creamy texture.
Milk: Whole milk works best for richness, but you can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. (You can make your own puree if feeling adventurous!)
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to the custard.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the pumpkin spice flavors beautifully.
Pumpkin Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves makes the flavor pop. You can use store-bought or make your own mix.
Butter: For frying—unsalted is best for controlling the salt levels.
Maple Syrup: Optional but highly recommended for serving. Nothing beats dipping these sticks into warm maple syrup!

Pro tip: If you want a richer custard, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream. For a lower-calorie option, use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk instead.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need anything fancy to make these pumpkin French toast sticks. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the custard.
Whisk: Helps ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Frying Pan or Griddle: A non-stick pan works great to achieve even browning.
Spatula: For flipping the French toast sticks with ease.
Knife: To cut the bread into sticks.

If you don’t have a griddle, a regular frying pan works just fine. For a budget-friendly option, consider cast iron pans—they heat evenly and last forever!

Detailed Preparation Method

Prepare the Bread: Start by cutting your bread slices into thick sticks, about 1 inch wide. Set them aside.
Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of milk (or your preferred milk), 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Dip the Bread: Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 5 seconds on each side.
Cook the Sticks: Place the soaked sticks onto the heated pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary, adding more butter between batches.
Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked French toast sticks to a plate. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

Tip: If your custard seems too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. And if you notice any sticking, make sure your pan is well greased before adding the next batch.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your Pumpkin French Toast Sticks turn out perfectly:

Use Thick Bread: Thin slices won’t hold the custard well and may fall apart during cooking.
Don’t Over-Soak: While it’s tempting to soak your bread for a long time, 5 seconds per side is enough. Too long and the bread may become soggy.
Keep the Heat Medium: Too high and the bread will burn before cooking through; too low and they won’t crisp up as nicely.
Work in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Customize the Custard: Adjust the sweetness or spice to suit your preference. Add a pinch of salt for balance if desired.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and double-check your pumpkin spice mix for gluten-free certification.
Low-Sugar Version: Swap brown sugar for a natural alternative like monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
Seasonal Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or dried cranberries to the custard for extra texture.
Spiced Chocolate Version: Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolate-pumpkin flavor combo.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond milk or coconut milk, and fry with vegan butter or coconut oil.

I once added a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the sticks right after cooking for an extra sweet crunch—it was a hit!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

For the best experience, enjoy these French toast sticks warm and freshly cooked. Here are a few serving and storage tips:

Serving: Pair with warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or whipped cream. They also go great with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in a toaster oven until warm and crispy.
Freezing: Freeze cooked sticks in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen!

Over time, the pumpkin spice flavors deepen, making leftovers even more delicious!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s what you can expect per serving (approximately 4 sticks):

Calories: ~250
Protein: ~8g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fat: ~10g

Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A and C, which are great for your skin and immune system. Plus, the eggs add a boost of protein to keep you full longer. If you opt for whole-grain bread and almond milk, you’ll increase the fiber and cut down on saturated fat.

Conclusion

Cozy Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are the ultimate fall breakfast treat. They’re easy to make, packed with warm flavors, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences, but one thing’s for sure—it’s impossible not to love them. Honestly, these are my go-to whenever I want to bring a little seasonal cheer to the breakfast table.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your favorite variations or share a photo on social media—I’d love to see your creations. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of these pumpkin-spiced delights!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the French toast sticks and freeze them. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick breakfast treat.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

I don’t recommend it as pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which may throw off the flavor balance.

What’s the best type of bread to use?

Brioche or Texas toast works best due to its thickness and ability to hold custard without falling apart.

What can I serve with these French toast sticks?

They pair wonderfully with maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a side of crispy bacon.

How do I make my own pumpkin spice mix?

Combine 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon cloves. Store in an airtight container for future use!

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