The Ultimate Cozy Fall Treat: Delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks (Easy & Healthy!)

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen. This pumpkin spice French toast recipe captures all the warmth and flavors of autumn in a delightful, easy-to-make breakfast. Whether you prefer classic slices or fun French toast sticks, this wholesome dish is perfectly spiced, just sweet enough, and guaranteed to satisfy all your fall cravings. The best part? It’s designed to be healthy, completely dairy and refined sugar-free, with flexible options to make it gluten-free, paleo, or even vegan!

For many of us, French toast sticks evoke cherished childhood memories – a quick, sweet treat that made mornings special. As someone who lives for cozy fall recipes, I knew I had to infuse this beloved breakfast with the irresistible essence of pumpkin spice! This versatile recipe allows you to prepare them in various ways: as classic French toast slices, convenient French toast sticks, and cooked either on the stovetop for a traditional golden finish or in an air fryer for a crispy, no-fuss approach. They come together incredibly quickly, offering a decadent yet easy breakfast solution in under 15 minutes. Don’t forget to elevate your experience with a drizzle of my homemade whipped honey on top – it’s a game-changer!

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks Recipe Video

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Recipe

This pumpkin spice French toast isn’t just another breakfast; it’s an experience designed to bring joy and comfort to your mornings. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your fall routine:

• Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Say goodbye to complicated breakfast recipes! This French toast comes together in less than 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend mornings. The simple steps ensure a delicious result every time.
• Incredibly Versatile: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily switch up the spices to suit your taste (perhaps a little extra cinnamon or ginger!), experiment with different toppings from fresh fruit to chopped nuts, and even choose your preferred cooking method – stovetop for a classic pan-fried finish or air fryer for extra crispiness.
• Accommodates Various Dietary Needs: We believe delicious food should be accessible to everyone. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and refined sugar-free, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. Furthermore, it can effortlessly be made gluten-free by opting for your favorite gluten-free bread. For those following a paleo lifestyle, use paleo-friendly bread, and even keto bread works wonderfully to keep it low-carb!
• The Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Craving Cure: If you’re a fan of all things pumpkin spice, this recipe is your dream come true. It delivers that signature warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, offering a truly satisfying experience.
• Delicious Vegan French Toast Option: Don’t consume eggs? No problem! We’ve included a detailed vegan option in the recipe card below, using a flaxseed “egg” mixture that yields equally delightful results. Everyone can enjoy this fall favorite!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While it makes an incredible everyday breakfast, this pumpkin spice French toast is also ideal for special occasions. Impress your guests at holiday brunches, serve it as a comforting treat during festive gatherings, or simply elevate a regular Sunday morning into something extraordinary.

Choosing the Best Bread for Perfect French Toast

The foundation of any great French toast lies in the bread you choose. It’s truly the star of the show! While French toast is incredibly versatile – allowing for savory twists, sweet fillings, or a myriad of toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter and chocolate chips – selecting the right bread is paramount to achieving that perfect texture.

For a truly exceptional French toast, you want a sturdy bread that can soak up the custardy mixture without falling apart, yet still possess a soft crust that browns beautifully. Classic choices that are highly recommended include:

• Brioche: This rich, buttery French bread is renowned for its soft crumb and slightly sweet flavor, making it an ideal candidate for luxurious French toast. Its density allows it to absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
• Challah: A traditional Jewish braided bread, challah is similar to brioche in its richness and slightly sweet profile. Its substantial texture holds up wonderfully to soaking and cooking, yielding a tender interior and crisp exterior.
• A Solid Sandwich Loaf: Don’t underestimate a good quality, slightly thick-cut white or whole wheat sandwich bread. Look for one that feels dense and not too airy. Sourdough can also be a fantastic option if you enjoy a subtle tang.
• Shokupan (Japanese Milk Bread): If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and fancy, shokupan is an incredible choice. Known for its incredibly soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy texture, it creates an exceptionally delicate and melt-in-your-mouth French toast experience.

A key tip: Slightly stale bread is often preferred! Bread that’s a day or two old has lost some moisture, making it more absorbent and less likely to become soggy. Avoid very fresh, overly soft breads, and steer clear of thick-crusted, rustic artisan loaves, as their dense crusts and open crumb structure won’t absorb the custard evenly, making it difficult to achieve that desired soft, custardy French toast texture.

Making it Gluten-Free, Paleo, or Vegan

One of the many benefits of this pumpkin spice French toast recipe is how easily it adapts to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture. You can absolutely enjoy a delicious plate of French toast, regardless of your dietary preferences!

Gluten-Free & Paleo Options:

Yes, French toast can effortlessly be made gluten-free! The trick is to select a high-quality, sturdy gluten-free bread that can hold its structure after being dipped in the rich pumpkin spice mixture. Many gluten-free breads can be quite delicate, so look for brands known for their robust texture. Some excellent choices that work well for French toast include:

• Thick-Cut Gluten-Free Sandwich Breads: Brands like Canyon Bakehouse, Schar, or Little Northern Bakehouse often offer sandwich loaves that are firm enough.
• Specialty Gluten-Free Breads: Some bakeries or brands create specific gluten-free brioche-style breads that are perfect.

This recipe also works beautifully with both paleo and keto bread. For paleo dieters, look for grain-free bread options made from almond flour, coconut flour, or cassava flour. For those following a ketogenic diet, specialty keto breads are readily available and work wonderfully to keep the carb count low. I’ve had great success with brands like Base Culture for both paleo and keto bread options, as they tend to be sturdier and absorb the batter well. Just remember to lightly toast or let your chosen bread air out for a day to ensure optimal absorption!

Vegan French Toast:

Creating vegan French toast is incredibly simple and yields a delightful plant-based breakfast! Instead of traditional eggs, we use a “flax egg” (ground flaxseed mixed with water or milk), which acts as a fantastic binder and helps achieve that classic custardy texture. Combined with plant-based milk and pumpkin puree, it creates a flavorful and effective vegan batter. You’ll also want to make sure you use a suitable vegan bread; most whole wheat or artisan breads are accidentally vegan, but always double-check the ingredients list for dairy or eggs. I’ve included specific instructions for the vegan option in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Wholesome Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks

Crafting these cozy pumpkin spice French toast sticks is a straightforward and rewarding process. Let’s gather our tools and ingredients to get started on this fall-inspired breakfast!

Essential Equipment

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen staples:

• Mixing Bowl: A shallow bowl works best for dipping the bread, ensuring even coating without waste.
• Whisk or Spatula: To thoroughly combine the batter ingredients until smooth.
• Pan or Air Fryer:
  • Skillet/Frying Pan: A non-stick skillet is ideal for stovetop cooking, ensuring your French toast browns beautifully without sticking.
  • Air Fryer: For an effortless and crispy result. My personal favorite is the Our Place Wonder Oven. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing and adorable in the kitchen, but it also performs exceptionally well, often replacing my need for a traditional oven for many dishes!

Key Ingredients for Flavorful French Toast

These simple yet impactful ingredients come together to create a truly wholesome and delicious pumpkin spice French toast:

• Bread: As the obvious star, invest in a high-quality bread. I highly recommend using a sturdier loaf that can stand up to the soaking without disintegrating. Options like brioche, challah, sourdough, or a good gluten-free bread work wonderfully. For an extra boost of fall flavor, I love using this Plantiful Kitchen cinnamon spice bread (which is also paleo!).
• Eggs: These provide the classic rich, custardy texture and act as a binder for the batter. If you’re opting for the vegan version, you’ll need ground flaxseed to create a “flax egg” substitute.
• Milk: Use any milk you have on hand. Non-dairy options like cashew milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are perfect for keeping this recipe dairy-free. Each type might impart a slightly different nuance to the flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice: This fragrant blend is the heart of our fall flavor. It typically consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. You can easily make your own blend from individual spices or use a convenient store-bought pumpkin spice mix.
• Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you’re using canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor without any added sugars or spices.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth to the French toast.
• Sweetener (Optional): Coconut sugar or monk fruit are excellent refined sugar-free options to add a touch more sweetness to your batter. You can omit this if you plan on heavily drizzling with maple syrup or honey later.
• Toppings: The fun part! Get creative with your toppings. Some fantastic ideas include coconut whipped cream, toasted pecans or walnuts, a generous drizzle of whipped honey, pure maple syrup, fresh apple slices, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even some dairy-free chocolate chips.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pumpkin Spice French Toast

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious fall breakfast:

1. Prepare the French Toast Mixture: In your shallow mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs (or flaxseed mixture for vegan), vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and your chosen sweetener (if using). Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and consistent.
2. Cut and Dip the Bread: Decide if you want classic slices or fun sticks. For sticks, cut each slice of bread into 3-4 even strips. Carefully dip each stick or slice of bread into the prepared pumpkin spice mixture. Allow it to soak for about 10 seconds on one side, then flip it over and let it soak for another 10 seconds. Be mindful not to let it soak for much longer than that, as over-soaked bread can become soggy and fall apart during cooking.
3. Cook on the Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of coconut oil or butter (dairy-free if preferred). Once the pan is hot, place the dipped bread pieces onto the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown and lightly crispy. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
4. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a plate. Pile them high with your favorite toppings – a dollop of coconut whipped cream, a sprinkle of pecans, and a generous pour of maple syrup or whipped honey will make them irresistible!

How to Make French Toast Sticks in the Air Fryer for Extra Crispiness

Using an air fryer is a fantastic way to get perfectly crispy French toast sticks with minimal oil and effort. It’s especially great for achieving an even, golden-brown finish without the need to constantly monitor a skillet.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Air Fryer: Line the basket of your air fryer with a piece of parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Arrange the French Toast: After dipping your French toast sticks in the pumpkin spice mixture (following the soaking instructions above), carefully place them into the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s about an inch of space between each stick to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the French toast sticks at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes. After this time, carefully flip them over.
4. For Extra Crispiness: If you prefer your French toast sticks extra crispy and firm, continue to cook them for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as air fryer cooking times can vary.

The air fryer method results in French toast sticks that are beautifully golden on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside. If you’re in the market for an air fryer, I can’t recommend this one from Our Place enough – I’ve tried many, and it truly stands out for its performance and sleek design!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Here are some common questions and helpful tips to ensure your pumpkin spice French toast is perfect every time:

• When is the best time to serve French toast sticks? French toast sticks are best served immediately after cooking. This ensures they are warm, fresh, and at their optimal texture – golden crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• How long should I soak the bread? It’s crucial not to let the French toast sticks soak for too long in the egg mixture. Aim for about 10-15 seconds per side, just long enough for the bread to fully absorb the liquid without becoming oversaturated. If you soak it for too much longer, the bread may become excessively soggy and start to fall apart during cooking.
• Can I prepare the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the French toast batter (without dipping the bread) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk just before dipping your bread.
• How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, the best methods for maintaining crispiness are an air fryer (350°F/175°C for 3-5 minutes), a toaster oven, or a regular oven (350°F/175°C for 5-10 minutes) until warmed through and slightly crisp. A microwave can be used, but it might make them a bit softer.
• Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! If you love a bolder pumpkin spice flavor, feel free to add an extra half teaspoon or so to the batter. If you prefer it milder, slightly reduce the amount. You can also customize by adding a pinch of allspice or ginger for a different twist.
• What if my bread isn’t sturdy enough? If you find your bread is too soft, try letting it sit out on the counter for a few hours or even overnight to become slightly stale. Alternatively, you can lightly toast the bread slices for a minute or two before dipping, which helps them hold their shape better.

More Wholesome Breakfast Recipes to Try

Looking for more delicious and healthy ways to start your day? Explore these other fantastic breakfast ideas:

• Viral TikTok Egg Breakfast Sandwich (One Pan!)
• Banana Foster Chia Pudding
• Crunchy Granola Clusters
• Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
• Healthy Breakfast Cheesecake/Soufflé
• Hearty Potato Breakfast Wrap
• PB&J Chia Seed Pudding
• Nutritious Breakfast Egg Stuffed Peppers

If you try this delightful Pumpkin Spice French Toast recipe and absolutely love it, it would mean the world to me if you left a star rating & review below! Don’t forget to tag me in your beautiful creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats! x