Gingerbread French Toast (Stale Sourdough Redemption)

Some flavors whisper “holiday.”
Gingerbread… shouts it from the rooftop.

Today’s Stale Sourdough Redemption brings you Gingerbread French Toast — warm, deeply spiced, buttery, and unbelievably festive. If you’ve ever wished your breakfast tasted like the inside of a Christmas bakery… this is the one.

I made this with my specialty Diablo Dough gingerbread loaf, and WOW — the flavor was out of this world. Soft, fragrant, spiced with molasses and warm winter spices… it’s basically designed to become French toast.

But the best part?
You can make this even if you don’t have a gingerbread loaf.
Just use your regular sourdough (or any sturdy bread!) and load the custard with spices. The results are still magical — cozy, aromatic, and absolutely holiday-coded.

This recipe caramelizes beautifully in the pan thanks to the molasses and brown sugar, fills the whole house with gingerbread warmth, and tastes like winter comfort on a fork.

Full recipe below — and trust me, this one deserves a spot in your December breakfast lineup.

GINGERBREAD FRENCH TOAST

Warm, spiced, nostalgic, and perfectly festive.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the custard:

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup milk

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla

• ½ tsp molasses (optional but incredible)

• Pinch of salt

Gingerbread spice blend:

(Use all if your bread is plain. Use lightly if using your gingerbread loaf.)

• ¾ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• ⅛ tsp nutmeg

• ⅛ tsp allspice

• Pinch of cloves

Bread options:

✔ Thick slices of Diablo Dough Gingerbread Loaf (best option!)
✔ OR thick slices of classic sourdough/French bread with the spices above

For cooking:

• Butter

Toppings:

Choose 2–4 for best flavor + visuals:

• Maple syrup

• Powdered sugar “snow”

• Gingerbread cookie crumble

• Cinnamon sugar

• Caramel drizzle

• Whipped cream

• Pecans or candied nuts

• Orange zest (SO good with gingerbread)

Instructions

1. Make the custard.

Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, molasses, and salt.

2. Add the gingerbread spices.

Stir in cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Your kitchen will already start smelling like Christmas.

3. Dip the bread.

Gingerbread loaves can be soft — so dip quickly:
4–5 seconds per side max.
(Regular sourdough can soak 10–12 seconds.)

4. Cook.

Heat butter over medium-low.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden, fragrant, and slightly caramelized.

5. Plate + finish.

Add:

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup or caramel

• Gingerbread cookie crumble

• Orange zest

• Candied pecans

Serve immediately for maximum warm spice vibes.

Why This Recipe Works

This Gingerbread French Toast hits every cozy holiday note:

• Warm spices blooming in the pan

• Soft, custardy centers

• Crispy, caramelized edges

• Deep molasses flavor

• That nostalgic “gingerbread house” aroma

It’s comforting, festive, and ridiculously easy — especially if you already have a gingerbread loaf on hand.

This might be the most holiday French toast in the entire series.

Variations

Gingerbread Caramel Toast:

Add a salted caramel drizzle + candied pecans.

Orange Gingerbread Toast:

Top with orange zest + a little orange icing.

Gingerbread Cookie Crunch:

Crush gingerbread cookies over the top (SO good).

Storage & Reheating

Reheats beautifully in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
OR in a skillet with a touch of butter.