Light, fluffy pumpkin French toast sticks tossed in cinnamon sugar — a fun, churro-inspired fall breakfast the whole family will love.
Pumpkin French toast is a fall favorite, and these pumpkin churro French toast sticks are an especially fun variation. They combine the cozy pumpkin flavor you expect from seasonal recipes with the crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating that makes churros so addictive. These sticks are easy to pick up, perfect for dipping, and a great way to make a special weekend breakfast or brunch.
How to make perfect French toast sticks
There are a few key details that make these French toast sticks turn out well. Bread choice matters: use a sturdy loaf like brioche, Texas toast, or any white or egg bread that you can slice at least 1 inch thick. Thinly sliced bread will bend and fall apart when dipped and flipped.
Stale or slightly dried bread soaks up the custard without becoming soggy. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, slice the loaf and leave it uncovered overnight, or briefly dry the slices in a low oven. When dipping, work quickly — the sticks are small and will absorb the mixture fast. Dip just long enough to coat; over-soaking leads to a soggy interior.
Cook the sticks on a griddle or large skillet, browning all four sides so they’re golden and cooked through. Immediately after cooking, roll each stick in a bowl of cinnamon sugar so the coating adheres while they’re still warm. Serve them as-is or with maple syrup for dipping.
These pumpkin churro French toast sticks are rich and slightly crisp on the outside, with a soft, pumpkin-spiced center. Brioche adds extra richness, but any sturdy loaf will work. Kids and adults alike often prefer these to traditional French toast because they are easy to pick up and dip, and the cinnamon-sugar topping gives them that churro-like finish.
Make a batch for a family breakfast or a casual brunch. The batter can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then used when you’re ready to cook. The quick cook time and crowd-pleasing flavor make these sticks a reliable choice for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.
More great breakfast recipes
- Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Cream Cheese Danish with Fruit
- Strawberry Waffles
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
- Donut Bread Pudding
Pumpkin Churro French Toast Sticks
Overview
Light and fluffy pumpkin French toast sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar. Makes about 6 servings. Prep time 15 minutes, cook time 20 minutes, total time about 35 minutes.
Author: Sara Welch
Ingredients
- 1 loaf stale white or brioche bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces (or buy a pre-sliced thick loaf)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Butter for the griddle
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the bread into 1-inch slices, then cut each slice lengthwise into sticks. Remove crusts if desired.
- Preheat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth and fully combined.
- On a plate, mix the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to make the coating.
- Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter on the griddle, or add enough to coat the cooking surface.
- Quickly dip the bread sticks into the pumpkin batter, coating each stick evenly but not soaking it for too long.
- Place coated sticks on the hot griddle. Cook, turning so each side browns, about 2–3 minutes per side, until cooked through and golden.
- As each stick comes off the griddle, immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so the coating sticks while the toast is warm.
- Repeat with remaining sticks, then serve immediately. Offer maple syrup for dipping if desired.
Notes
Make ahead: The pumpkin custard can be mixed earlier in the day and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. Stir well before dipping the bread.
Nutrition
Calories: 335 kcal | Carbohydrates: 62 g | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 124 mg | Sodium: 395 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 27 g