There’s something so cozy about waking up to warm spices and a touch of molasses in your breakfast. This Gingerbread French Toast Recipe brings all that warm, nostalgic comfort right to your kitchen, making it perfect for a lazy weekend or holiday morning treat.

Two thick slices of golden brown toast stacked on a white plate, each slice showing a crispy texture and soft inside. On the top slice, there is a small square of melting pale yellow butter slightly spreading outward. A silver fork is gently pressing down on the buttered toast, catching some syrup that glistens and drips down the sides of the bread. The background is a simple white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread French Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread French Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread French Toast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe has been my go-to when I want something festive but not complicated. It’s so simple, yet packed with those cozy, warming flavors you crave on crisp mornings.

Comforting Flavors: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses instantly transports you to holiday vibes.
Easy to Make: Just a few ingredients and straightforward steps – no fancy skills required.
Perfect for Brioche: The slightly sweet bread soaks up the custard beautifully, making every bite tender and rich.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you want to go classic with maple syrup or get creative with whipped cream and nuts, it’s all delicious.

A stack of three slices of golden brown French toast sits centered on a white plate, each slice showing a slightly crispy, textured surface with darker toasted spots. On top of the stack, there is a square pat of butter beginning to melt into the warm toast, giving a glossy look to the golden surface. To the left side of the plate, a shiny silver knife and fork are placed parallel to each other, resting on the plate's edge. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about what goes into this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe — every one of these ingredients has a part to play to create those warm, aromatic layers of flavor we love.

Flat lay of fresh brioche bread slices arranged neatly, four whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy half and half, a small white bowl containing dark viscous molasses, a small white bowl of fine white confectioner’s sugar, a small white bowl with ground ginger powder, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with ground allspice, a small white bowl containing ground nutmeg, and a small white bowl of ground cloves, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly symmetrical layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brioche bread: I always choose brioche because it’s buttery, soft, and holds the custard without falling apart.
Eggs: The backbone of any French toast, eggs give the custard its structure and richness.
Half and half: This adds creaminess without making it too heavy – you could swap with whole milk but it won’t be as rich.
Molasses: This is the secret that gives it that authentic gingerbread depth and a touch of sweetness that’s less sugary.
Confectioner's sugar: A little sweetness to balance all the spices perfectly and enhance browning.
Ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ground cloves: The classic warm spice blend that makes this French toast reminiscent of gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Gingerbread French Toast Recipe is a great base — I love adding my little twists depending on mood and season. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and tailor the spices or toppings.

Variation: Sometimes I swap half the half and half for pumpkin puree to amp up that fall feel — it’s like a pumpkin spice French toast dream come true!
Dietary modification: Use a non-dairy milk like oat milk and egg replacer to make it vegan-friendly, though the texture will be a bit different.
Extra indulgence: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom to make the flavor even more layered and special.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture

I start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and whisking them well — really breaking them up so the custard is smooth. Then I add the half and half, molasses, confectioner's sugar, and the whole warm spice mix. Whisk again until everything’s combined evenly and aromatic.

Step 2: Preheat Your Cooking Surface

If I’m using my electric griddle, I set it to 375°F to get the right heat. On the stovetop, I heat a pan over medium to medium-high, then lightly oil it — a tiny bit of butter or neutral oil works great to prevent sticking and get that golden crust.

Step 3: Soak the Brioche Slices

I soak each slice of brioche for about 10 seconds on each side — just enough time to absorb the custard without getting soggy. Trust me, this step balances softness with structure perfectly.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Place the soaked bread on your preheated surface and cook about 2 minutes per side. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color. Keep the heat moderate so the toast cooks all the way through without burning outside.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with butter and real maple syrup. There’s nothing like biting into warm, spiced French toast dripping with syrup on a quiet morning.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that really elevate this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe from good to unforgettable. Here are some tips that have made my mornings smoother and tastier.

Perfect soaking time: Don’t rush the soak, but don’t make it soggy either — 10 seconds per side keeps the bread tender without falling apart.
Heat control: Medium heat is your sweet spot. Too hot and the spices might burn; too low and it won't brown nicely.
Use fresh spices: I always use freshly ground spices. They make a noticeable difference in flavor brightness.
Try molasses first: Since it can be strong, adjust to your taste — a little less if you prefer a lighter touch.

How to Serve Gingerbread French Toast Recipe

gingerbread French toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My absolute favorite garnish is a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. I also love to top it with toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch. Fresh berries add a nice tart contrast, especially raspberries or sliced pears.

Side Dishes

To make it a complete brunch, I often serve this with crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty balance, and a fresh fruit salad. Steamed apples with a hint of cinnamon also pair beautifully — think of it as a mini autumn feast on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to stack the French toast slices into a little tower, layering a smear of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting between them. Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with chopped nuts or sugared cranberries — it’s show-stopping and tastes like a festive dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but happens!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 2 days, and the flavors deepen a bit overnight, which I actually love.

Freezing

French toast freezes wonderfully. Lay slices flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before stacking in a freezer bag to prevent sticking together. When you want to enjoy it later, pop it straight into the toaster or oven.

Reheating

I reheat leftover Gingerbread French Toast Recipe in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to keep it crisp on the outside but warm and tender inside. Microwaving works but can make it a bit soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another bread instead of brioche?

You absolutely can! Brioche is ideal because it soaks up the custard without falling apart, but thick-cut challah, Texas toast, or even sturdy white bread are good alternatives. Just make sure your bread is slightly stale or toasted lightly for the best soak and texture.

How long can I keep the custard mixture before cooking?

I recommend making the custard just before cooking. The eggs and dairy can start to separate if left too long, which affects the texture. If you must prep ahead, keep it refrigerated and stir gently before soaking your bread.

Can I make this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the eggs with a commercial egg replacer or blended silken tofu, and use a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk in place of half and half. Adjust the spices to taste and keep the molasses for that signature gingerbread flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy French toast?

The key is controlling the soaking time and cooking temperature. Too long soaking will make the bread heavy and soggy, so 10 seconds per side is ideal. Also, cooking on medium heat allows the toast to set and brown without getting mushy. Using sturdy bread like brioche helps a lot too.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread French Toast Recipe is truly one of my favorite ways to bring that cozy warmth and festive spirit into the kitchen, especially when the weather turns chilly. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a cherished go-to for you too. Trust me, your mornings will feel a little more like a holiday every time you make it!