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Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks

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A warm, hearty, Fall-inspired stack of French toast sticks to bring you comfort first thing in the morning.  These will surely be calling your name on Thanksgiving day.

pumpkin french toast sticks 2Before we get to the delicious pumpkiny goodness, I need to give a birthday shout out to my favorite woman on earth and the best mom that I could ask for.  Happy Birthday, Mom!

pumpkin french toast sticks 5It seems rather fitting that I would share a recipe for Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks on my mom’s birthday because she loves pumpkin and breakfast, and French toast just so happens to be one of her “specialties.”  We won’t focus too much on the fact that it is one of her only specialties… 😉

Now to the recipe we go!

pumpkin french toast sticks 4I hope you aren’t all pumpkined out just yet.  If I am being honest, I never get sick of pumpkin.  I eat it all twelve months out of the year, but when Fall rolls around it makes an appearance on my plate and in my bowls much more frequently.  I do not think that I have gone more than two days in a row without pumpkin in my breakfast for at least the past two months.  My recent obsession has resulted in me adding pumpkin to anything and everything possible.

pumpkin french toast sticksSure, regular French toast is delicious.  But why eat the original when you can eat French toast that tastes like pumpkin?  Or when you can eat vegan French toast?  Or, quite possibly the best reason, why eat regular French toast when you can eat French toast sticks?  Don’t we all like to feel like kids again from time to time?

pumpkin french toast sticks 6Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks
Vegan

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 very ripe banana, sliced
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 TB molasses
1/2 TB pure vanilla extract
6 slices of your favorite bread (I used Ezekiel sprouted bread, but thicker slices are great, too!  You will want to use a sturdy bread in order for these to hold their shape)
coconut oil spray, if needed
pure maple syrup, optional
nut/pumpkin butter, optional

Directions

1. Combine milk, banana, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, molasses, and vanilla extract in your blender (I used my Ninja).  Blend until pureed into a thick batter.

2. Cut each slice of bread into “sticks.”  Mine were about 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide.

3. Spray a griddle with coconut oil spray, if desired, and preheat on medium.

4. Dip each stick of bread into the pumpkin batter and generously coat both sides.  Let any excess drip away from the sticks of bread in order to avoid a mushy mess.  Transfer the French toast sticks to the griddle and cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. flipping once halfway through.  You may need to cook yours more or less depending on how crispy and sturdy you like your French toast.  I prefer French toast with crispy edges, so my French toast sticks hung out on the griddle for closer to 10 minutes.

pumpkin french toast sticks 7While I said that the syrup was optional, what I really meant is that it is only optional for those who are allergic or who do not like good food.  I kid!… sort of.  But in all seriousness, if syrup is not your dippage of choice, go with your favorite nut butter or pumpkin butter.  Both would be fantastic accompaniments!

pumpkin french toast sticsk 11Outside of the fact that French toast sticks are fun to eat, another benefit of the bite-sized pieces over whole slices of bread is that the stack is about three times as high.  A stack of nine French toast sticks is so much better than a stack of three slices.  Though, I promise that this Pumpkin Spice French Toast tastes just has good no matter what form it is in.  So if sticks aren’t your thing, go with the whole darn piece!

pumpkin french toast sticks 10This is the epitome of my perfect Fall weekend morning.  A warm, hearty, pumpkin breakfast.  A cold mug of almond milk.  And my newspaper.  Did you notice that the paper just so happens to be food-related?  Yeah, no coincidence there!  I may or may not be a foodie…

pumpkin french toast sticks 3Who is ready for stacks upon stacks of Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks?

If you shouted, “Me!” at your computer then you will want to Pin and share this recipe on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below!

Tell me… what is your favorite breakfast recipe that involves pumpkin?  Leave the link in the comments!

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{ 82 comments… add one }
  • Jessie November 16, 2014, 11:37 pm
    Woah! I cannot believe I missed this post. Sure I'm only a day late but I would've been heartbroken if it kept slipping before my eyes. Ha! I imagine these would be just as great frozen & warmed back up? Jessie recently posted...Babies Update: 29 Weeks & 2 Days + a Giveaway!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 2:56 pm
      Oh I could definitely see that working! I would just make sure to warm them up in the toaster or oven? Let me know if you try them. I'd love to hear how it goes.
  • Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating November 17, 2014, 12:03 am
    I used to eat french toast every single weekend a couple years ago. Never missed a weekend! It's one of my favorites, even today! I like the addition of the molasses. Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating recently posted...Holiday Spinach Salad with Cranberry VinaigretteMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 2:57 pm
      The molasses definitely gives it a little something extra.. plus, it's healthy! I sadly went years without French toast and finally brought it back into my life this year. I think I love it even more after being without it for so long ;)
  • Justine Y November 17, 2014, 12:06 am
    These look and sound delicious! And it cracked me up when you said you could eat pumpkin all year, when my friend was pregnant the first time it was the middle of Summer and she was craving pumpkin pie so badly! Everything else was making her so sick, but somehow she was able to keep her pumpkin pie down. :) Justine Y recently posted..."grateful" signMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 2:57 pm
      That is hilarious!! And let's be honest.. pumpkin pie is amazing, so I could totally see myself doing something like that ;)
  • GiGi Eats November 17, 2014, 12:12 am
    I used to make pumpkin pancakes every single day for breakfast when I could eat eggs... Alas, no longer because I cannot eat those delicious protein orbs anymore :( GiGi Eats recently posted...Mean Girls Is Quite The Holiday MovieMy Profile
    • Katherine November 17, 2014, 8:55 am
      Oh my goodness, I hope you didn't give up your pancakes just because of the eggs! You can use Ener-G Egg Replacer, a flax egg, or even just a mashed banana. I'm so hungry for pancakes AND French toast now, haha.
      • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 2:59 pm
        YES to flax eggs! I love using them!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 2:58 pm
      Pumpkin pancakes are the shiz!! You def need to get them back into your life!
  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine November 17, 2014, 5:10 am
    I need these in my life NOW! (wishing I could reach through the screen and get these in my mouth NOW)! Haha ;)
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 3:56 pm
      Lucky for you, they are SUPER easy to make!! ;)
  • missy November 17, 2014, 6:25 am
    i get so worried that vegan recipes won't taste good but this looks great im going to have to give it a try!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:20 pm
      Oh trust me, there are SO many delicious vegan recipes out there. Hunt around my site a bit and you just might find some that surprise you ;)
  • CARLA November 17, 2014, 6:53 am
    (((adds molasses to the shopping list))) CARLA recently posted...I’m POPCORNing!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:21 pm
      Molasses is awesome!! I especially love it during the wintertime. I add it to oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, french toast, hot cocoa, etc!
  • Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies November 17, 2014, 6:54 am
    French toast sticks are a major childhood favorite! I remember the dorms having them too for their "Be A Kid Again" meals. I turn 26 in just over a week (eeeeee). Good way to celebrate tipping the scales towards 50 :-p Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies recently posted...Butternut Squash GravyMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:22 pm
      YES! A great way to celebrate! And if it makes you feel any better, my 26th year has been GREAT so far!
  • Linz @ Itz Linz November 17, 2014, 7:14 am
    well this looks and sounds fantastic!!! Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted...scenes from the weekendMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:26 pm
      Thanks you Lindsay! You should definitely give them a try :)
  • Ashley November 17, 2014, 7:15 am
    Happy birthday to your mom!! I'm definitely not pumpkin'd out yet. I got a late start with pumpkin this season anyway so the more the merrier in my opinion! These look awesome! Ashley recently posted...Apple Cheddar Beer Bread with Sage ButterMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:27 pm
      I have a feeling I'll still be eating pumpkin after the new year. I go as far as stocking up on TJ's pumpkin butter so that I have it when it is out of stock for the other 9 months of the year ;)
  • Julie @ Running in a Skirt November 17, 2014, 7:36 am
    These look awesome. My personal favorite is pumpkin pancakes, but I will have to give these a try! Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted...Orlando Like a LocalMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:31 pm
      You can never ever go wrong with pumpkin pancakes! I have been on a kick lately with my pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes. I definitely do not hate eating chocolate for breakfast ;)
  • Kim November 17, 2014, 8:04 am
    Amazing recipe for those who are seeking to indulge but all eat clean. I will definitely be pinning this and then trying it soon! Thanks so much for the recipe! Kim recently posted...Farther Than I Meant To GoMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:34 pm
      Thank you, Kim! You are so welcome. I hope you enjoy it :)
  • Katherine November 17, 2014, 9:03 am
    This looks wonderful! Katherine recently posted...Lindo Mexico RestaurantMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:34 pm
      Thanks Katherine! They really are... though I might be biased ;)
  • Alexis @ Hummusapien November 17, 2014, 9:33 am
    I will never be pumpkind out. EVER. Love that you used ezekiel bread here!!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:37 pm
      I am a big-time Ezekiel bread lover! That is about all that I ever buy. It's SO good!
  • Em @ Love A Latte November 17, 2014, 10:39 am
    Wow, this looks amazing, and I love Ezekiel bread! Em @ Love A Latte recently posted...Quick Life UpdateMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:39 pm
      Isn't it SO good? It is definitely my favorite. My old wheat bread-hating self is amazed that I love it so much :)
  • Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious November 17, 2014, 10:49 am
    Yum! This reminds me of pumpkin coconut pancakes that I haven't made in awhile. This time of year is perfect for that kind of food. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted...Spicy Pumpkin Spaghetti Squash PastaMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:40 pm
      Those sound amazing! I have been loving on my pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes lately, but the coconut addition sounds fab!
  • Alissa Apel November 17, 2014, 10:51 am
    Yummy! This recipe looks so tasty. I'm pinning it now. http://theapels.blogspot.com/ Alissa Apel recently posted...Piczzle Review and #Giveaway!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:43 pm
      Thank you, Alissa! I hope you enjoy it :)
  • janelle November 17, 2014, 11:03 am
    I am a huge French toast fan, and this is calling my name! Great job.
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 22, 2014, 4:09 pm
      Thanks Janelle! I hope you give these a try :)
  • Olivia Schwab November 17, 2014, 11:07 am
    This looks amazing!! I love pumpkin flavored anything and I love french toast! I would have to use gluten free bread though since I'm celiac
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:44 pm
      I bet that would work JUST FINE!! Give it a go and let me know how it works :)
  • robbin November 17, 2014, 11:20 am
    Tryed it.. Smelled wow! But turned into mush. Maybe got bread too wet. Will try again.
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:48 pm
      Thanks so much for trying it out! Yes, you definitely need to let some of the batter drip off before putting it on the griddle. I also recommend using a rather sturdy bread (something thick or that has more structure to it- Ezekiel is great). French toast is definitely one of those things that takes some experimenting with to. Depending on the type of bread, you may need to actually leave it on the griddle a bit longer it order for it to crisp/firm up a bit. I hope you give it a go again! :)
  • Lisa Trudell November 17, 2014, 12:05 pm
    French Toast is one of my favorite breakfast options. Whom am I kidding, love French Toast for any meal. Pumpkin would be a great new twist. Lisa Trudell recently posted...Pizza! Pizza! Omaha Culinary Tours features tasty samples of local eateriesMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:49 pm
      Yes! French toast is definitely not just for breakfast. I have eaten it many a times for brinner ;)
  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul November 17, 2014, 12:08 pm
    These look so good! I haven't had french toast sticks in years! Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted...Weekend Snapshots Link-upMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:50 pm
      Me either... until I made these! It was definitely a nice trip down memory lane. Though I imagine these are much healthier than the frozen french toast sticks I was eating back then ;)
  • Larisa Dixon (@0to26point2) November 17, 2014, 1:05 pm
    Looks so good! Thanks for sharing.
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 22, 2014, 4:10 pm
      Thanks Larisa! You are SO welcome! :)
  • Larisa Dixon (@0to26point2) November 17, 2014, 1:07 pm
    Omg this looks amazing! Thanks for sharing! http://www.larisadixon.com/2014/11/puritans-pride-november-seasonal.html
  • Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie November 17, 2014, 2:05 pm
    There is no such thing as getting pumpkin-ed out in my book!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:51 pm
      YES! I am so glad that so many other are on the same page as me when it comes to pumpkin. It should definitely no longer be a seasonal item.
  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance November 17, 2014, 2:48 pm
    No joke I made a plain version of this last week for breakfast and devoured it so quickly that I regretted making a single batch haha. So perfect and definitely trying it with pumpkin next time. Christina @ The Beautiful Balance recently posted...Crockpot Apple ButterMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 4:52 pm
      Yes! You will love the pumpkin addition. I mean seriously, what's not to like??
  • She Rocks Fitness November 17, 2014, 6:05 pm
    I honestly never get sick of pumpkin either, but I don't overdo it. Lately I've been especially liking pumpkin smoothies...It's creamy, yummy, and almost like ice cream, except healthier! :) She Rocks Fitness recently posted...Strong LEGS…3 Of My Favorite Strength ExercisesMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 9:19 pm
      I cannot believe that I STILL haven't added pumpkin to my smoothies! I really need to change that and ASAP!
  • Sandra Laflamme November 17, 2014, 8:24 pm
    These sound delicious! A perfect fall breakfast! Sandra Laflamme recently posted...Discover the Benefits of Being a Solo Runner.My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 17, 2014, 9:34 pm
      These are SO perfect for Fall. Nothing is more perfect! Except maybe pumpkin pie... can I eat that for breakfast? ;)
  • Christine November 17, 2014, 10:13 pm
    Sounds delicious! I've never thought of using banana for my french toast. Christine recently posted...Heaven on Earth – Hiking Ontario PeakMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 22, 2014, 4:11 pm
      I swear, bananas may be one of the most versatile foods out there!
  • Michaela ~ An Affair from the Heart November 17, 2014, 10:55 pm
    What a delicious sounding breakfast!! Happy Birthday to your mom!! Michaela ~ An Affair from the Heart recently posted...Malted Chocolate Chip CookiesMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 18, 2014, 7:31 am
      Thanks Michaela! I'd say it is the prefect breakfast for birthdays... or any day really ;)
  • Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together November 17, 2014, 11:11 pm
    I forgot about french toast sticks... I always just remembered them as those gross ones in the freezer section. #ew Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together recently posted...Cuban Black Bean and Quinoa Veggie BurgerMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 18, 2014, 7:33 am
      Haha, I hear you! These are definitely NOT those... thank goodness ;)
  • Joanna @Makingmine November 18, 2014, 6:11 am
    Ever since I saw you post these on Instagram, I've been (not so) patiently waiting for you to blog the recipe! They look SO good! Joanna @Makingmine recently posted...merry musicMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 18, 2014, 7:34 am
      Thanks Joanna! Maybe even Miss Eleanor might enjoy these ones!
  • Robyn R November 18, 2014, 7:53 am
    Those look so incredible! I'm not even vegan, but I want to give THESE a whirl. Yum - and thanks! Robyn R recently posted...AWA Services Can Help with Donations, Junk Removal and More #Giveaway Omaha AreaMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 18, 2014, 7:38 pm
      There is definitely no need to be vegan for these babies! Everyone can enjoy 'em :)
  • Mom November 18, 2014, 10:59 am
    Thanks for the birthday wishes favorite daughter!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 18, 2014, 7:39 pm
      You are quite welcome, mama dearest!
  • Mary November 18, 2014, 4:50 pm
    Wow! This looks beyond amazing. You've combined two of my favorites pumpkin and french toast. YUM! I've pinned this and can't wait to try it out. Mary recently posted...Christmas Rice Krispie PopsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 18, 2014, 7:39 pm
      Thank you, Mary! I hope you love it! Let me know what you think :)
  • Jamie | Jamie's Recipes November 18, 2014, 5:15 pm
    YUM! This is where pumpkin spice is supposed to be used not in hand soaps and lotions :) I could gobble these up in a heart beat!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 18, 2014, 7:41 pm
      Haha! Yes, pumpkin spice should first and foremost go into the food! But I have to say that I am a sucker for the soaps, lotions, and candles too ;)
  • Kim November 18, 2014, 7:07 pm
    I could never get tired of pumpkin spice either. These are my kind of french toast. Kim recently posted...7 Christmas Shows In Omaha 2014My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 18, 2014, 7:43 pm
      I am glad to hear that, Kim. You are one smart lady :)
  • dina November 19, 2014, 12:56 pm
    great healthy breakfast! dina recently posted...10 Holiday Gift Ideas for FoodiesMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 22, 2014, 4:12 pm
      Thanks Dina! I hope you give it a try :)
  • Phoebe @ Feed Me Phoebe November 19, 2014, 1:57 pm
    I would absolutely love to start my mornings with these french toast sticks! And I agree, you can never have too much pumpkin at this time of the year! Phoebe @ Feed Me Phoebe recently posted...Gluten-Free Is Me: Vegan Pumpkin Risotto with RosemaryMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl November 19, 2014, 4:25 pm
      I am so glad to hear that others are with me on the pumpkin obsession. Let me know if you try this out!
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