Sheet Pan Pumpkin-Spice French Toast Recipe

Name: Sheet Pan Pumpkin-Spice French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 eggs; 2/3 cup pumpkin spice coffee creamer; 1/3 cup canned pumpkin; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for serving; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 (16 ounce) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon; Pumpkin butter, sliced almonds, and/or powdered sugar, for serving

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe is designed for its original yield, serving 8. Quantities will adjust automatically if scaled, though cooking times and methods remain consistent. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

3 large eggs
2/3 cup pumpkin spice coffee creamer
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus extra for serving
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (16-ounce) loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
Pumpkin butter, sliced almonds, and/or powdered sugar for serving

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Prepare a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet by either spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin spice creamer, canned pumpkin, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Pour this mixture into a shallow dish for soaking.
Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Allow the slices to soak briefly to absorb the flavors.
Arrange the soaked bread slices on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping slightly if necessary. Sprinkle the top evenly with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve warm with pumpkin butter, a sprinkle of sliced almonds, powdered sugar, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup according to your preference.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 268
Total Fat: 6g (8% DV)
Saturated Fat: 1g (7% DV)
Cholesterol: 70mg (23% DV)
Sodium: 450mg (20% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 46g (17% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
Total Sugars: 17g
Protein: 9g (18% DV)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 58mg (4% DV)
Iron: 3mg (16% DV)
Potassium: 166mg (4% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is based on available data and may not cover all ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, consult a healthcare professional before preparing this recipe for personal use.

The Story Behind Sheet Pan Pumpkin-Spice French Toast

Sheet Pan Pumpkin-Spice French Toast is a modern twist on the classic French toast, blending traditional breakfast comfort with the warm flavors of autumn. Its origins trace back to the broader French toast tradition, which itself dates to medieval Europe. French toast was originally a way to use up stale bread by soaking it in a mixture of milk and eggs before frying it. The pumpkin-spice variation, however, emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, inspired by the popularity of pumpkin spice lattes and the seasonal celebration of fall flavors.

Regional Variations and Local Twists

While French toast is enjoyed worldwide, the pumpkin-spice version is distinctly American, particularly associated with the northeastern and midwestern states where pumpkins are abundant in the autumn. Some regions incorporate additional spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to enhance the warmth of the dish, while others might drizzle it with locally sourced maple syrup or top it with roasted nuts. In the southern U.S., its not uncommon to see it served with a dollop of sweet cream cheese or bourbon-infused syrup for added richness.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional French toast, which is usually cooked in a skillet, the sheet pan method allows for larger batches, making it ideal for brunch gatherings. The pumpkin-spice variation distinguishes itself through the inclusion of pumpkin puree and a spice blend, which adds depth of flavor and seasonal appeal. Compared to baked bread puddings, which are custardy and dense, this dish maintains a slightly crisp exterior while staying soft inside. The convenience and uniformity of baking on a sheet pan make it stand out in the breakfast repertoire.

Where Youll Typically Find It

Sheet Pan Pumpkin-Spice French Toast is most often served in cafs, brunch spots, and during holiday gatherings at home. Its particularly popular for Thanksgiving and Halloween brunches, where the seasonal pumpkin flavor complements the festivities. Some boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts include it as part of a fall-themed breakfast menu. At home, its a favorite for weekend family meals, allowing multiple slices to bake simultaneously without constant attention.

Fun and Surprising Facts

The pumpkin spice flavor combinationcinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloveswas popularized in the 1970s but became a seasonal phenomenon in the 2000s with the rise of pumpkin-spice beverages.
Baking French toast on a sheet pan reduces the amount of oil or butter needed compared to frying, making it slightly healthier without sacrificing flavor.
The dish can easily be made ahead of time; simply assemble the soaked bread on the pan, cover, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
Variations often include toppings such as pumpkin butter, toasted almonds, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.
Despite its modern American twist, this recipe still honors the simple technique of soaking bread in an egg-based custard, linking it to centuries of culinary tradition.

FAQ about Sheet Pan Pumpkin-Spice French Toast Recipe

Yes, you can substitute French bread with other types of bread such as challah, brioche, or even whole grain bread. Just ensure the slices are thick enough to soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a toaster oven or regular oven to maintain its crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the toast soggy.

Yes, you can prepare the French toast ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Yes, you can freeze the French toast. After baking, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

If you don't have pumpkin spice coffee creamer, you can use regular coffee creamer, milk, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to make up for the flavor.

To enhance the pumpkin flavor, you can increase the amount of canned pumpkin in the egg mixture to 1/2 cup or add a teaspoon of pumpkin extract. You can also top the French toast with extra pumpkin butter for more richness.

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the custard and won't fall apart during baking.

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with maple syrup, whipped cream, pumpkin butter, sliced almonds, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor and texture.

Yes, if you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of maple syrup in the custard. You can also adjust the sweetness of the toppings, such as using less maple syrup or omitting the powdered sugar.

To prevent the bread from getting too soggy, make sure to use thick slices of bread and let them soak in the egg mixture for just enough time to absorb the custard, but not too long. Also, baking at a high temperature (350°F) will help create a crisp crust.