Name: Gingerbread French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices brioche bread; 4 large eggs; 2 cups half and half; 2 Tbsp molasses; 2 Tbsp confectioner's sugar; 1 tsp ginger; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp allspice; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves

There’s just something so cozy and inviting about a breakfast that smells like holiday spice, isn't there? This Gingerbread French Toast Recipe brings all those warm, nostalgic flavors into a simple dish that’s perfect for any chilly morning worth celebrating.

Two thick slices of golden-brown French toast are stacked on a white plate, showing a crispy texture on the edges and a soft, spongy center. The top slice has a small square of melting butter slightly off-center, with syrup glistening and dripping down the sides of the bread. A shiny silver fork is pressing into the top slice, causing the syrup to glisten even more. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background of soft colors. 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

This isn’t just any French toast. The magic of this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe lies in its cozy molasses sweetness and the perfect blend of warming spices that make every bite feel like a festive hug. I’m obsessed with how simple it is to pull off, yet how fancy it tastes!

Comfort in every bite: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a rich, holiday-inspired flavor that comforts the soul.
Quick and easy to prepare: Just 20 minutes from start to finish means you can treat yourself any morning, no matter how busy.
Versatile bread choice: Using brioche adds a buttery softness that soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
Perfect for entertaining: This recipe makes a beautiful centerpiece for holiday brunches or weekend breakfasts with loved ones.

A stack of three golden-brown slices of French toast sits in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. The top slice has a melted pat of butter slowly spreading, creating a glossy shine with small bubbles of melted butter. The toast's surface shows a mix of crispy, darker spots and lighter, soft areas with a slightly uneven texture. To the left side of the plate, there is a shiny silver knife and fork resting next to the stack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What makes this recipe sing is how every ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavor and texture. From the rich bread to the aromatic spices, each element is carefully chosen so you’re left with a perfectly spiced, custardy dream.

Flat lay of fresh thick slices of golden brioche bread, four whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy half and half, a small white bowl filled with dark glossy molasses, a small white bowl holding fine white confectioner’s sugar, a tiny white bowl with warm golden ground ginger, a tiny white bowl with reddish-brown ground cinnamon, a tiny white bowl of deep brown allspice powder, a tiny white bowl containing light brown ground nutmeg, and a tiny white bowl with dark brown ground cloves, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Its tender crumb and mild sweetness absorb the custard beautifully while holding up well in the pan.
Eggs: Key to creating that rich custard base that holds the bread together during cooking.
Half and half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy, giving the French toast a luscious texture.
Molasses: This ingredient brings that unmistakable gingerbread depth and a lovely dark sweetness that's essential here.
Confectioner's sugar: A touch of sweetness and the bonus of smooth blending into the custard mixture.
Ginger: The star spice—fresh and warming, giving the toast that signature zing.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a soothing familiar flavor that perfectly complements ginger.
Allspice: Brings a little complexity with subtle peppery, clove notes enhancing the spice blend.
Nutmeg: Offers a gentle nutty aroma that rounds out the spice profile beautifully.
Ground cloves: A pinch is enough to add that hint of “holiday magic” without overpowering the other spices.

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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

One of the best things about this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often swap out brioche for challah or even thick-cut cinnamon raisin bread when I want to mix things up. And toppings? Endless possibilities.

Variation: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a spoonful of pumpkin puree into the custard for extra fall flair; it's my go-to twist for a seasonal breakfast treat.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap half and half for coconut milk or almond milk to keep it creamy but friendly for dairy-sensitive friends.
Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder spice flavor, reduce the cloves or nutmeg slightly—sometimes less is more!

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

Step 1: Whisk together the cozy custard mixture

Start by breaking up the eggs thoroughly with a whisk—you don’t want any clumps. Then, add the half and half, molasses, confectioner's sugar, and all those warm spices. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and smells like the holidays in a bowl. This custard is where the magic begins, so take a moment to savor that aroma.

Step 2: Preheat and prep your cooking surface

If you have an electric griddle, preheat it to 375°F — it keeps things evenly heated and makes cooking multiple slices a breeze. Otherwise, a heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat works just fine. Lightly oil your pan or griddle so the toast browns without sticking or burning.

Step 3: Dip and soak the bread just right

Take each brioche slice, and soak it in the custard for about 10 seconds on each side. The bread should be saturated but not soggy — you want it to hold its shape in the pan without falling apart. This bathing step is crucial, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Cook to golden perfection

Place your soaked bread on the heated surface and cook for about 2 minutes per side. Keep an eye out for a deep golden brown color. Keeping the heat medium ensures it cooks through evenly — you don't want burnt edges with raw centers. Once both sides are beautifully browned, you’re good to go!

Step 5: Serve warm with your favorite toppings

Serve your Gingerbread French Toast right away with butter and pure maple syrup for the best experience. The contrast of melting butter and sweet syrup over those spiced layers is unbeatable.

Top Tip

Having made this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe many times during fall and winter, I’ve learned a few things that really help you nail the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Egg Whisking Matters: Make sure your eggs are fully beaten before adding the other ingredients for a smooth custard that’s easy to soak into the bread.
Control the Heat: Medium heat is your best friend to avoid burnt exteriors and undercooked centers—a common rookie mistake I fell into once or twice.
Soak But Don’t Soak Too Long: Ten seconds per side lets the brioche soak up enough custard without turning into mush.
Choose Your Bread Wisely: Brioche or egg bread holds up beautifully, but avoid super thin slices that can fall apart when soaked.

How to Serve Gingerbread French Toast Recipe

Gingerbread French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a pat of unsalted butter and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup—the classic duo. Sometimes, I sprinkle crushed candied ginger or chopped toasted pecans on top for an extra flavor and texture boost that's simply divine.

Side Dishes

Pair this Gingerbread French Toast with crisp bacon or sausage for savory balance. A side of fresh fruit or a warm spiced apple compote also brightens the plate wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like to stack the French toast slices into a towering stack, layering on cream cheese frosting or mascarpone between slices as a dessert-like treat. A dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh rosemary or holly on the side makes it festive and gorgeous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers — unlikely, but it happens — wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last up to two days, though honestly, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to a month. It makes a quick breakfast when you just pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to bring back that crispy exterior instead of microwaving, which tends to make it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than brioche for this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe?

Yes! While brioche is ideal because it’s rich and spongy, challah, Texas toast, or thick-cut rustic bread also work well. Avoid very thin or dry bread to prevent mushiness.

How do I prevent the French toast from being soggy?

Soaking each slice for about 10 seconds per side in the custard mixture helps the bread absorb just enough without getting soggy. Also, cooking over medium heat allows the toast to cook through evenly without burning the outside.

Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the custard up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just whisk it briefly again before dipping your bread.

What toppings go best with Gingerbread French Toast?

Classic butter and pure maple syrup are perfect, but you can also try whipped cream, chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a festive twist, a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting is delightful.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread French Toast Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want to wrap myself in the flavors of fall and winter. It’s my go-to when I want something that feels like a small celebration but isn't complicated to make. I can’t wait for you to try it and find your own little moments of cozy happiness with every delicious bite!