Can I Make Gingerbread French Toast Ahead of Time?

Yes! While it's best fresh, you can make gingerbread french toast ahead by preparing the custard the night before. Store it covered in the fridge and simply soak and cook the bread in the morning. You can also cook the toast in advance, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.

Can I Freeze Leftover French Toast?

Absolutely. Let the slices cool completely, then layer them between parchment paper and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F straight from the freezer for about 12–15 minutes, or until heated through. This makes it easy to enjoy gingerbread french toast any time you crave it.

What Bread Works Best for Gingerbread French Toast?

Brioche is ideal because it's soft, rich, and soaks up the spiced custard beautifully. If you don’t have brioche, challah or Texas toast are great alternatives. Day-old bread works best, as it's slightly drier and absorbs the batter without falling apart. Avoid very thin or overly fresh slices, as they may become soggy.

Gingerbread French Toast – Best Holiday Breakfast Idea

Name: Gingerbread French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (1 lb) brioche bread: soft, buttery base that soaks the custard perfectly; 4 large eggs: provides structure and richness to the batter; 1 cup milk: adds creaminess and helps bind the custard; 2 tablespoons real maple syrup: natural sweetness and flavor depth; 2 tablespoons molasses: essential for classic gingerbread flavor; 1 teaspoon ground ginger: warm spice for signature flavor; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds sweetness and warmth; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: subtle spice for depth; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: bold spice for festive aroma; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances the spice flavors; Pinch of salt: balances the sweetness; Butter (for serving): adds richness and flavor; Maple syrup (for serving): perfect finishing drizzle; Powdered sugar (optional): for a festive, snowy finish; Fresh rosemary and cranberries (optional): decorative garnishes

Description

Gingerbread French Toast is a cozy and festive holiday brunch recipe made with brioche bread soaked in a spiced custard of molasses, maple syrup, and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for chilly mornings or special seasonal gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (1 lb) brioche bread: soft, buttery base that soaks the custard perfectly
4 large eggs: provides structure and richness to the batter
1 cup milk: adds creaminess and helps bind the custard
2 tablespoons real maple syrup: natural sweetness and flavor depth
2 tablespoons molasses: essential for classic gingerbread flavor
1 teaspoon ground ginger: warm spice for signature flavor
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds sweetness and warmth
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: subtle spice for depth
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: bold spice for festive aroma
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances the spice flavors
Pinch of salt: balances the sweetness
Butter (for serving): adds richness and flavor
Maple syrup (for serving): perfect finishing drizzle
Powdered sugar (optional): for a festive, snowy finish
Fresh rosemary and cranberries (optional): decorative garnishes

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Instructions

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Preheat a nonstick griddle or large skillet to 275°F and lightly grease with cooking spray.
Slice brioche into thick slices. Dip each slice into the custard, coating both sides thoroughly without oversoaking.
Place soaked slices onto the hot griddle and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Repeat with remaining slices, keeping cooked ones warm in a low oven or warming drawer if desired.
Serve hot with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and optional rosemary and cranberries for decoration.

Notes

Use day-old brioche for best results—it holds up better in the custard.
Don’t oversoak the bread to prevent sogginess.
You can prepare the custard the night before for quicker morning prep.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes or freeze and reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Griddle
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 230
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg