Sheet Pan Gingerbread French Toast

This Sheet Pan Gingerbread French Toast brings the flavors of the holidays right to your breakfast table. It’s a delicious mix of warm spices and classic French toast that just works.

What’s great is how simple it is to make. By using a sheet pan, you can cook a big batch all at once – perfect for feeding a crowd on Christmas morning or meal prepping for busy weekdays. This gingerbread twist on French toast has a way of making an ordinary breakfast feel extra special.

Gingerbread French Toast is a holiday tradition in our home. The smell of gingerbread spices filling the house is the perfect way to wake up on a chilly winter day. We also love these Gingerbread Sheet Pan Pancakes.

We love to serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Sometimes we add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

On busy mornings, we keep it simple, but when we have guests over, we set up a little toppings bar with chopped nuts, sliced bananas, and warm caramel sauce. It’s always fun to see how everyone customizes their plate.

The best part about this Sheet Pan Gingerbread French Toast is how convenient it is. I can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning. And leftovers reheat beautifully for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Texas sliced bread: This thick-cut bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful egg mixture without falling apart. If you can’t find it, any thick-sliced bread will work well.
• Eggs: These form the base of our French toast batter. Make sure they’re at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the batter. We use unsalted so we can control the salt content.
• Molasses: This gives our French toast that classic gingerbread flavor. Use unsulphured molasses for the best taste.
• Pancake syrup: Adds sweetness and helps create a nice caramelization on the bread.
• Light brown sugar: This ingredient gives the French toast recipe that warm, caramel-like flavor of gingerbread.
• Spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves): This blend creates that unmistakable gingerbread flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Milk and heavy cream: The combination makes for a rich, custardy French toast. You can use all milk if you prefer.
• Toppings: Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh fruit like pears or apples would also be delicious!

How To Make Sheet Pan Gingerbread French Toast

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Give the paper a light spray with non-stick cooking spray. This will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, molasses, pancake syrup, brown sugar, and all the spices. Make sure to break up any clumps of spices. The key here is to have all your ingredients at room temperature. If they’re too cold, the butter might solidify, and if they’re too hot, you risk cooking the eggs.

Once your spice mixture is smooth, whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined.

Now comes the fun part. Take your bread slices one at a time and dip them into the mixture. Make sure both sides get a good coating. Use a spatula or a couple of forks to transfer each slice to your prepared baking sheet.

Here’s a pro tip: Give the mixture a stir before dipping each slice. The spices tend to sink to the bottom, so stirring helps distribute them evenly.

Once all your bread is coated and on the baking sheet, pop it in the oven for 15 minutes. After that, take the sheet out and flip each slice over. Then back into the oven it goes for another 17-20 minutes. You’re looking for the French toast to look fully baked – soft but not too squishy.

Serve it up hot with your favorite toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup is classic, but feel free to get creative!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make-Ahead: You can prepare this French toast the night before. Mix the egg mixture and dip the bread slices as directed. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking, then cook as directed, adding about 5 minutes to the baking time.

Store: Allow the French toast to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: This gingerbread sheet pan French toast freezes well. Cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Substitutions and Variations

• Make it nutty. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the French toast before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Add fruit. Top the French toast with thinly sliced apples or pears before baking.
• Make it extra indulgent. Drizzle caramel sauce over the French toast during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, sweet topping.

Recipe Tips

• For the best flavor, use day-old bread. It will soak up the egg mixture better without falling apart.
• Make sure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This prevents the melted butter from solidifying when combined with cold ingredients.
• Stir the egg mixture before dipping each slice of bread. This helps distribute the spices evenly, as they tend to settle.
• Don’t oversoak the bread. A quick dip on each side is enough – you want it coated but not soggy.

Can I cook this French toast in a skillet instead of the oven?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe in a skillet or on a griddle if you prefer. Heat your pan over medium heat and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray or butter before each slice. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Keep in mind that you’ll need to cook the slices in batches, which may take longer than the sheet pan method.

This Sheet Pan Gingerbread French Toast is a fun way to bring holiday flavors to your breakfast table. It’s easy to make and fills your kitchen with the smells of Christmas!