If you’ve ever found yourself craving the comforting warmth of breakfast but want something a little more fun and finger-friendly, this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, cinnamon-kissed bread sticks, golden browned on the outside and tender inside, perfect for dipping into syrup or enjoying as is. These sticks bring a playful twist to classic French toast, making mornings more joyful whether you’re feeding kids, hosting brunch, or just treating yourself. Simple ingredients come together quickly to create a deliciously addictive breakfast treat that feels both homemade and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing its own important role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma.
- 2 large eggs: The binding agent that gives the French toast sticks their rich and custardy base.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a smooth egg mixture for coating.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the batter light and ensures the bread soaks up just the right amount.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Infuses the batter with warm sweetness and hints of classic breakfast flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice that perfectly complements the sweet notes.
- 6 slices white bread: The star ingredient to become your golden sticks; softer bread works best for tender insides.
- Nonstick spray (or butter/oil): For frying, to get that golden crust without sticking.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Makes up the crunchy, sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Adds warmth and extra spice to the finishing touch on the sticks.
How to Make Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together those eggs, powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon until everything is perfectly smooth. This mixture is the magic sauce that turns plain bread into a sweet, custardy delight.
Step 2: Slice the Bread into Sticks
Next, take your bread slices and cut each one into thirds lengthwise. This creates the perfect size for dipping, cooking, and eating with your fingers—fun and practical!
Step 3: Dip Bread Sticks in the Mixture
Briefly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture. Don’t soak them too long or they’ll get soggy; just enough to coat each piece evenly is perfect.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a shallow bowl, stir together granulated sugar with that extra cinnamon. This coating will give every stick a crunchy, sweet finish that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Heat the Skillet for Cooking
Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with nonstick spray (or use a little butter or oil if you prefer). This step ensures your French toast sticks will develop a gorgeous golden crust without sticking.
Step 6: Cook Each Stick Until Golden Brown
Place each dipped bread stick in the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, watching closely for a deep, golden color. This quick cooking locks in moisture while giving you that toasty exterior.
Step 7: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar While Warm
As soon as your sticks come off the skillet, roll them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar adhere beautifully, creating that satisfying crunch and spice burst in every bite.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
These sticks are best enjoyed immediately, paired with your favorite maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for a breakfast experience that feels both classic and playful.
How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate these French toast sticks to next-level deliciousness. Consider dusting with powdered sugar, sprinkling chopped nuts for texture, or adding a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries bring a lovely burst of color and flavor contrast too.
Side Dishes
While the French toast sticks shine on their own, pairing them with sides like crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a small bowl of yogurt makes breakfast even more balanced and satisfying. These sides add savory, juicy, or creamy elements that keep each bite interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, serve your Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe with a trio of dipping sauces—maple syrup, honey, and a chocolate drizzle make an irresistible combo. Alternatively, arrange them in a bowl or on a platter stacked like mini logs for sharing, making it a perfect party or weekend treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover French toast sticks (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day to keep them from getting soggy. For longer storage, refrigeration is better to maintain freshness.
Freezing
These sticks freeze wonderfully. Place cooled, uncoated sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month, making them a convenient breakfast option on busy mornings.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover sticks back to life, reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven on low heat until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make them soft or chewy instead of crisp and golden.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white bread is classic and yields tender sticks, you can use brioche, challah, or even whole wheat for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure the bread isn’t too dense or crusty to soak up the egg mixture well.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond, oat, or soy milk to keep it dairy-free. The maple syrup and cinnamon combination will still deliver plenty of flavor, and the texture will remain deliciously satisfying.
How do I keep the French toast sticks crispy after cooking?
Coating the freshly cooked sticks in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm helps lock in crunch. Also, avoid stacking them before serving, since that can trap steam and soften the crust.
Can I prepare the egg mixture and bread sticks ahead of time?
You can whisk the egg mixture a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Cutting the bread into sticks ahead of time is also fine. However, it’s best to dip and cook the bread sticks just before serving for maximum freshness and texture.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these French toast sticks?
Maple syrup is the classic pairing, but you can also try honey, fruit compotes, caramel sauce, or even a flavored yogurt dip. The sweet, seasoned sticks are versatile, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite combo.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully cozy and fun about pulling a batch of Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe from the skillet—golden, cinnamon-coated, and ready to be dipped into syrup or enjoyed solo. It’s a recipe that turns breakfast into a playful moment and reminds you how simple ingredients can create real magic in the kitchen. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and start your day with a bit of homemade joy.
Print
Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6-8 sticks per serving)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade French toast sticks made with a cinnamon-sugar coating, perfect for a quick and tasty breakfast or snack. These crispy, golden sticks are coated in a sweet egg mixture, cooked on the stovetop, and then rolled in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
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
For 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 bread slice into thirds to create smaller sticks, perfect for dipping and cooking.
- Dip the bread sticks: Briefly dip each bread piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it is coated but not too soaked to avoid sogginess.
- Mix cinnamon sugar coating: In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for rolling the cooked sticks later.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the bread sticks: Place the dipped bread sticks on the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar: While the sticks are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them evenly for a sweet and crunchy finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with additional maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast or snack experience.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar in the coating to your taste preference.
- Serve with fresh berries or bananas for added flavor and nutrition.
- These sticks are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven for a crisp finish.
