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Baked Pumpkin French Toast Sticks (Easy Fall Breakfast!)

These Baked Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are the perfect cozy fall breakfast! Made with thick slices of bread dipped in a delicious pumpkin-spiced egg mixture, baked until golden, and tossed in cinnamon sugar, they’re a fun twist on classic French toast.

They’re crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor. Plus, they’re baked in the oven instead of cooked individually on the stovetop, making them an easy breakfast for busy mornings!

Serve them with warm maple syrup for dipping, and you have a breakfast the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

  • Easy to make: Just dip, bake, and coat in cinnamon sugar!
  • Perfect for fall: Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice bring all the cozy autumn flavors.
  • Kid-friendly: These handheld French toast sticks are perfect for little ones who love dipping their breakfast in syrup.
  • Great for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat throughout the week.
  • Baked instead of fried: No standing over the stove flipping individual pieces of French toast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These easy pumpkin French toast sticks are made with just a handful of simple ingredients.

  • French bread or brioche: Thick slices work best for soaking up the pumpkin mixture without falling apart.
  • Eggs: Help create that classic French toast texture.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps make the custard mixture.
  • Pumpkin puree: Adds delicious pumpkin flavor and a soft, fluffy texture.
  • Vanilla extract: Gives the French toast a little extra sweetness and flavor.
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth to every bite.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: The perfect blend of cozy fall spices.
  • Granulated sugar: Creates a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

Step 1: Preheat the oven.

Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack in the middle. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray to help prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cut the bread.

Using a sharp serrated knife, cut your French bread or brioche into approximately 1-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice into thirds to create French toast sticks.

Step 3: Make the pumpkin mixture.

In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Dip the bread.

Working in small batches, add a handful of bread sticks to the pumpkin mixture. Gently turn each piece until coated on all sides, allowing any excess mixture to drip off. Avoid soaking the bread for too long so it doesn’t become soggy.

Step 5: Arrange on the baking sheet.

Place the coated French toast sticks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 6: Bake until golden.

Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the French toast sticks are golden brown on the outside and the egg mixture is fully cooked. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness and type of bread.

Step 7: Make the cinnamon-sugar coating.

While the French toast sticks bake, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Step 8: Coat and serve.

Once the French toast sticks are finished baking, let them cool just enough to handle. While they’re still warm, lightly brush with melted butter or mist with cooking spray (optional) and toss in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

Use thick, slightly stale bread. Day-old French bread or brioche works especially well because it holds up better when dipped in the pumpkin mixture.

Don’t oversoak the bread. A quick dip is all you need! Letting the bread sit in the egg mixture too long can make the French toast sticks soggy.

Leave space on the baking sheet. Arranging the sticks in a single layer helps them bake evenly and develop a golden exterior.

Flip halfway through baking. This helps both sides cook evenly.

Add the cinnamon sugar while warm. The coating sticks best when the French toast sticks are still slightly warm. A little melted butter can help it adhere even better.

What to Serve With Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

These pumpkin French toast sticks are delicious on their own, but they’re even better paired with your favorite breakfast sides!

Try serving them with maple syrup, Greek yogurt, fresh berries, sliced bananas, scrambled eggs, or crispy bacon.

For an extra fall-inspired breakfast, serve them with warm apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Can You Make Pumpkin French Toast Sticks Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! These baked French toast sticks are great for making ahead.

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer: Arrange cooled French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to help restore their slightly crispy exterior.

For the best texture, freeze them without the cinnamon-sugar coating and add it after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brioche instead of French bread?

Yes! Brioche is a delicious option because it has a slightly sweet, buttery flavor. Just be careful not to soak it too long, as brioche is softer than traditional French bread.

Can I make these without pumpkin puree?

Yes. You can omit the pumpkin puree for a more traditional cinnamon French toast flavor, although the amount of liquid may need adjusting to achieve your preferred coating consistency.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling?

It’s best to use 100% pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can change the flavor of the recipe.

How do I keep baked French toast sticks from getting soggy?

Use thick bread, avoid soaking it too long, and spread the sticks out on your baking sheet so they have room to bake evenly.

The Perfect Cozy Fall Breakfast

Whether you’re making a special weekend breakfast, planning a fall brunch, or looking for an easy breakfast the kids will enjoy, these Baked Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are such a fun recipe to try!

They’re full of delicious pumpkin flavor, covered in cinnamon sugar, and perfect for dipping in warm maple syrup.

If you make these, I’d love to hear what you think!


Baked Pumpkin French Toast Sticks (Easy Fall Breakfast!)

Easy baked pumpkin French toast sticks made with thick slices of bread, pumpkin puree, and warm fall spices. Baked until golden and tossed in cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep!

Ingredients

For the French Toast Sticks

  • 1 loaf French bread or brioche, sliced 1 inch thick and cut into thirds
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Optional: Melted butter or cooking spray to help the coating stick

For Serving

  • Maple syrup, optional

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
  2. Using a serrated knife, slice the bread into 1-inch-thick slices, then cut each slice into thirds to make sticks.
  3. In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until combined.
  4. Working in batches, dip the bread sticks into the pumpkin mixture, turning to coat all sides. Allow any excess mixture to drip off.
  5. Arrange the coated bread sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Meanwhile, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  8. Remove the French toast sticks from the oven. While still warm, optionally brush lightly with melted butter or mist with cooking spray, then toss in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  9. Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Slightly stale bread works best to prevent soggy French toast.
  • Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your bread.
  • Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • The cinnamon-sugar coating is best added right before serving.