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 ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves

There's something utterly cozy about waking up to the smell of warm spices and sweet molasses in the air. This Gingerbread French Toast Recipe is exactly that—a festive twist on a breakfast classic that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Perfect for chilly mornings or holiday brunches, it’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

A stack of three thick slices of golden brown French toast sit on a white plate with syrup dripping down the sides. The top slice has a melting square of butter in the center, and a silver fork is pressing down gently on it, catching the shiny syrup. The toast looks soft inside but slightly crispy on the edges. The background has a soft focus with a white marbled surface underneath. 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 honestly say this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe has become a favorite in my house because it turns simple ingredients into something magical. The perfect balance of molasses and warm spices creates flavors that feel like the holidays, even if it’s smack in the middle of January.

Rich, cozy flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses makes this french toast taste like a deliciously spiced gingerbread cookie, but so much more comforting.
Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is a weekend breakfast win that anyone can nail.
Perfect for special occasions: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a lazy Sunday, it feels indulgent enough to celebrate any day.
Customizable and adaptable: You can easily swap breads or adjust spices to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

A stack of three thick slices of golden brown French toast is placed on a white plate with a subtle textured pattern. The top slice has a square piece of melting butter in the center, with small pools of melted butter spreading around it. The French toast slices have a slightly crispy and browned crust with a soft, light interior. To the left of the plate, there is a shiny metal knife and fork resting on the white marbled surface. The image is brightly lit, highlighting the rich color and texture of the toast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is key to nailing this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe. Each element brings a special something: spices for warmth, molasses for deep sweetness, and brioche for that rich, tender texture that soaks up all the flavor without falling apart.

Flat lay of eight thick slices of fresh brioche bread, four whole large brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white bowl of creamy half and half, a small white bowl filled with dark glossy molasses, a small white bowl of fine white confectioner’s sugar, a small white bowl holding a warm amber-brown cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with light beige ground ginger, a small white bowl of deep brown allspice powder, a small white bowl containing reddish-brown nutmeg powder, and a small white bowl with finely ground dark brown cloves, all arranged symmetrically 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 buttery texture soaks up the custard beautifully and crisps up golden without becoming soggy—if you can get it, use it!
Eggs: Fresh eggs whisked well create the custard base that holds the flavors together and gives the toast its fluffy texture.
Half and half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy, balancing the spices and molasses nicely.
Molasses: This is your secret weapon for that authentic gingerbread flavor—deep, slightly smoky, and sweet.
Confectioner's sugar: It helps sweeten without graininess and blends smoothly into the custard mix.
Ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ground cloves: These warm spices create the signature gingerbread profile, layering flavors that wake up your senses.

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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

I love to tweak this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Sometimes I throw in a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth, or swap out half and half for almond milk for a lighter version. Don’t be shy—make it your own!

Variation: One time, I used challah bread instead of brioche because that’s what I had on hand, and honestly—it was just as lovely with its slightly denser crumb.
Dietary swap: For a dairy-free version, coconut milk works surprisingly well, though I cut back on the molasses just a bit.
Seasonal twist: Adding a handful of finely chopped crystallized ginger gives the toast a little zing—great if you want to amp up the gingerbread vibe.

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

Step 1: Whisk up the custard

First things first—crack those eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk vigorously until the yolks and whites are blended smoothly. Adding the half and half, molasses, confectioner's sugar, and all your warm spices into the eggs next creates a beautiful, fragrant custard. Make sure to whisk until everything is well combined and the molasses is fully incorporated, so no streaks remain.

Step 2: Preheat your cooking surface

If you’re using an electric griddle, set the temperature to 375°F—this gives the French toast a nice golden crust without burning. For stovetop cooking, medium to medium-high heat works best. Just don’t forget to lightly oil your pan or griddle with butter or a neutral oil to keep things from sticking.

Step 3: Soak the bread

Dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, letting it soak about 10 seconds on each side. You want the bread saturated but not soggy—too long and it might tear when you flip it. I usually soak my slices over the bowl to catch drips, giving it a gentle press but no squeezing.

Step 4: Cook until golden and fragrant

Place each soaked slice on your hot surface. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side—or until you see a nice golden-brown crust forming. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning; medium heat is your friend here. Turn the slices carefully with a spatula and cook the other side just as long.

Step 5: Serve right away

The best part: plating your golden gingerbread French toast warm, topped with a pat of butter that melts slow and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. It’s absolutely heavenly the first time you taste it, so I always try to serve it as soon as it’s ready.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that helped me perfect it and avoid common pitfalls. These tips will help you get that picture-perfect golden-brown finish and rich gingerbread flavor every time.

Don’t over-soak your bread: Too much soaking can cause the toast to fall apart, so a quick 10 seconds per side is enough to absorb flavor without sogginess.
Medium heat is key: Too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low and it won’t brown properly. I stick to medium or 375°F on a griddle.
Choose sturdy bread: Brioche is ideal, but if yours is very fresh and soft, slightly stale bread will actually soak up the custard better without falling apart.
Use real molasses: It makes all the difference here—don’t substitute with just brown sugar or maple syrup alone.

How to Serve Gingerbread French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes for this Gingerbread French Toast are simple but effective: a pat of good butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top or add a handful of fresh berries when I want some bright contrast. The warm spices mean it pairs beautifully with tangy or fresh accents.

Side Dishes

I often serve this with crispy breakfast sausage or a side of scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. A dollop of Greek yogurt with honey and toasted pecans makes a fantastic side too if you want something lighter but still festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like stacking the slices on a pretty platter, dusting powdered sugar over the top like fresh snow, and scattering cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a festive pop of color. You can even cut the toast into finger-sized pieces for a French toast “board” paired with various toppings in small bowls—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’m honest: this Gingerbread French Toast is best fresh, but if you do have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for a day or two without losing too much texture.

Freezing

Freeze individual slices by laying them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out pieces as needed. In my experience, freezing works surprisingly well, especially if you reheat them properly.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, I like reheating gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Microwaving makes them lose that golden crust, which is half the magic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche is perfect because of its tenderness and ability to soak custard, challah, Texas toast, or even day-old sourdough can work well, just adjust soaking time accordingly.

How do I get the perfect golden crust without burning the French toast?

The key is to cook on medium heat, whether using a stovetop pan or electric griddle set to about 375°F. This allows the toast to cook through and develop color slowly without burning. Using a lightly oiled surface also helps prevent sticking and uneven cooking.

What if I don’t have molasses, can I substitute it?

Molasses is important for authentic gingerbread flavor and the deep smoky sweetness. If you don’t have molasses, you can try using dark brown sugar melted into the custard, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. I recommend grabbing a small bottle of molasses from the store—it keeps forever and is worth it for recipes like this.

Can I prepare this Gingerbread French Toast Recipe in advance?

You can mix the custard the night before and refrigerate it, which helps the flavors meld even more. However, it’s best to soak and cook the bread fresh just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread French Toast Recipe isn’t just a festive breakfast—it’s a little celebration on your plate, perfect for when you want to feel warm and cozy from the inside out. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I have. It’s that kind of recipe that brings the whole family to the table a little earlier and keeps everyone smiling while they wait for that first delicious bite.