If you’ve been on the hunt for a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, look no further than this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender and custardy on the inside, these sticks bring all the comfort and sweetness you crave without the mess of slicing traditional French toast at the table. Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a truly memorable breakfast adventure that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the magic of this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe lies in its easy-to-find ingredients. Each component plays a key role—from adding sweetness and warmth with cinnamon to creating that irresistible golden crust and fluffy center.
- 2 large eggs: The foundation for that rich, custardy coating that soaks perfectly into the bread.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps balance the flavors in the egg mixture.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the egg mixture smooth and creamy for soaking the bread just right.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Infuses subtle natural sweetness and enhances the flavor complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice that’s classic in French toast.
- 6 slices white bread, cut into thirds: The perfect canvas to absorb the egg mixture and crisp up beautifully.
- Nonstick spray (or butter/oil): Ensures your French toast sticks cook evenly, developing those golden edges without sticking.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: For the delightful cinnamon sugar coating that adds crunch and sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Pairs with sugar in the coating to create that irresistible cinnamon crunch.
How to Make Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Egg Mixture
Start by whisking together your eggs, powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon until the mixture is silky smooth. This blend is what transforms plain bread into something extraordinary, packing flavor and tenderness into every stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Take your slices of white bread and cut each into three equal sticks. This size is perfect for dunking and cooking evenly, giving you that ideal crispy outside and soft inside you crave.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Briefly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated but not soggy. The quick dip means each piece absorbs just enough custard for that melt-in-your-mouth texture without falling apart.
Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and a touch of cinnamon. This simple coating will add a delightful crunch and sweet spice finish that makes these sticks irresistible.
Step 5: Heat the Pan and Cook
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a light coat of nonstick spray. Cook the dipped bread sticks for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, developing a slight crisp edge while remaining pillowy inside.
Step 6: Coat the Warm Sticks
Right after cooking, roll your French toast sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This step ensures the coating sticks beautifully and gives you that signature sweet crunch with every bite.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade French toast sticks right away with classic maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Every bite delivers comfort and joy that’s sure to make mornings special.
How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your French toast sticks by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. These little touches not only add visual appeal but also introduce refreshing flavor contrasts to the sweet, cinnamon-coated bread sticks.
Side Dishes
Pair these sticks with crispy bacon, succulent sausage links, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced, satisfying breakfast. A side of creamy yogurt can also bring a cool and tangy contrast to the warm, sweet sticks.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sticks in a fun pyramid shape or threading them onto skewers for a playful finger-food twist. For a brunch party, set out dipping sauces such as chocolate ganache, caramel, or berry compote to let guests customize their sticks and keep things interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This keeps their flavor fresh and prevents them from becoming soggy overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked and cooled French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, ready to be reheated when you need a quick breakfast fix.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated sticks in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes to crisp them back up perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that fresh-out-of-the-pan crunch.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than white bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white bread offers a soft texture that soaks up the custard well, you can experiment with brioche, challah, or whole wheat bread for extra flavor and richness.
Do I need to add vanilla extract to the egg mixture?
Vanilla extract can be a lovely addition for extra aroma and depth, but it’s not necessary. The maple syrup and cinnamon provide plenty of flavor here, making it simple without losing any of the classic taste.
How do I prevent the French toast sticks from getting soggy?
The key is to dip the bread sticks briefly and not oversoak them. Also, cooking on medium heat allows the exterior to crisp up evenly before the interior becomes too soft.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan twist, substitute the eggs and milk with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and almond milk, and use vegan butter or oil to cook. However, texture and flavor might differ slightly from the classic version.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with these sticks?
Maple syrup is the traditional favorite, but feel free to try cream cheese frosting, fruit preserves, or even chocolate sauce for a fun variation that will delight kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring a little extra joy to their breakfast table. It’s quick, simple, and totally delicious—a perfect way to make every morning feel special. Give it a try, and watch how those golden, cinnamon-coated sticks become the star of your breakfast routine.
Print
Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices of bread cut into 18 French toast sticks, serves 6-8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade French Toast Sticks are a delicious and easy breakfast treat featuring bread dipped in a sweet egg mixture, cooked to golden perfection, and coated with cinnamon sugar for a delightful crunch. Perfect for dipping in maple syrup or serving alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream, these French toast sticks are both kid-friendly and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 slices white bread, cut into thirds
Cooking
- Nonstick spray (or butter/oil)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cut the Bread: Slice each piece of white bread into thirds to create the sticks that will be dipped and cooked.
- Dip the Bread Sticks: Briefly dip each bread stick into the prepared egg mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly but not soaked through.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the coating mixture.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for cooking.
- Cook the Sticks: Place the dipped bread sticks in the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, roll the cooked French toast sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the French toast sticks immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for a tasty breakfast or snack.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread to prevent sogginess when dipped.
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity in coating according to your taste preferences.
- Can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking remaining sticks.
- These sticks can also be crisped up in an air fryer for a few minutes if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster or oven for best texture.
