Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe
If you’re longing for a breakfast that’s both nostalgic and a total crowd-pleaser, Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are pure gold on a plate. These irresistible, dunkable treats are a fun twist on the classic French toast, taking the familiar flavors of cinnamon and sugar to snackable perfection. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or a surprise weekday treat, Cinnamon French Toast Sticks offer the ultimate comfort food experience—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and dusted with a magical layer of cinnamon-sugar that never fails to make people smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Cinnamon French Toast Sticks is refreshingly simple, yet each ingredient is key to getting that perfect taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need—and why every component is a must for the magic to happen.
- Thickly Sliced Toast: Sturdy bread absorbs the custard without falling apart, giving you sticks that’re crispy outside and fluffy within.
- Eggs: The backbone of your custard; eggs provide richness and help the mixture cling to every bread stick.
- Milk (Evaporated or Regular): Adds creaminess to the custard. Evaporated milk makes it extra decadent, but regular milk works too.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens and balances all the sweet, warming flavors.
- Sugar: The sweet component in your cinnamon sugar coating, ensuring every bite is scrumptiously satisfying.
- Cinnamon Powder: Warm, aromatic, and essential for that cozy classic flavor.
- Butter (for Frying): Butter adds richness and helps the surface get beautifully golden and flavorful.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Bread
Start by trimming the crusts off your bread slices—this ensures every stick has perfectly soft, uniform edges. Next, cut each slice into sticks about one inch thick. Using thicker slices prevents them from getting soggy, so choose bread that’s sturdy enough to hold its own in the custard bath.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. This custard is the secret to that creamy, tender interior in every Cinnamon French Toast Stick. The balance of egg and milk makes it just right—rich but not too heavy.
Step 3: Mix Up the Cinnamon Sugar
On a large plate, stir together your sugar and cinnamon powder. Keep this mixture shallow and spread out; you want every French toast stick to roll easily and get fully coated for maximum flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Heat the Pan and Melt the Butter
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let it sizzle and coat the bottom of the pan evenly. The sizzling butter not only crisps up the bread but infuses it with an irresistible richness and color.
Step 5: Dip and Coat the Bread Sticks
Now for the fun part: roll each slice of bread in the egg-milk mixture, making sure all sides get a good soak. Shake off any excess; you want each piece moist but not dripping. This step ensures the bread cooks up soft inside, yet holds its shape.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden and Gorgeous
Lay the soaked sticks into the hot pan, making sure none are touching. This allows the edges to get evenly crisp. Turn them occasionally so every side turns a lovely golden brown, usually about 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 7: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as they’re golden and hot, transfer the sticks to your cinnamon sugar plate. Use tongs or your fingers to roll each one, coating all the sides while they’re still warm—this helps the sugar melt slightly and stick perfectly.
Step 8: Serve and Repeat
Place the finished Cinnamon French Toast Sticks on a serving platter, and keep going with the remaining bread until you’ve made a stack worthy of proud display. If making a big batch, consider keeping them warm in a low oven while you finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Garnishes
Pile your Cinnamon French Toast Sticks high and shower them with fun toppings. Classic warm maple syrup for dipping is a must, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey instantly elevates the presentation. For something extra, toss on a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a breakfast plate that feels truly special.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate brunch spread, serve these with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a tangy yogurt parfait. The sweetness of the Cinnamon French Toast Sticks pairs beautifully with savory sides and creates a perfectly balanced meal that everyone will want seconds of.
Creative Ways to Present
Cinnamon French Toast Sticks make eating with your hands not only acceptable, but encouraged! Arrange them standing up in a mug, mason jar, or tall glass for easy grabbing—especially fun for kids or casual gatherings. For parties or brunch buffets, offer a variety of dunking sauces like chocolate, fruit compote, or flavored whipped creams to let everyone customize their own plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have a few sticks left over? Simply let them cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days, making for a quick reheat-and-eat breakfast or snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, lay cooled Cinnamon French Toast Sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or sealed container. This method keeps them from sticking together and makes future cravings easy to handle—just pull out as many as you need!
Reheating
To recapture their original crispiness, reheat the sticks in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. If in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick, though for the best texture the oven is your friend.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for Cinnamon French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! Thick, sturdy breads like brioche or Texas toast work best. Avoid very soft, thin-sliced sandwich breads which may not hold up well in the custard mixture.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
Regular whole milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk can all be used. Evaporated milk adds extra richness, but any preferred milk will do just fine.
Can I double or triple the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales beautifully. Just make extra batches of the custard and cinnamon sugar mixture, and fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
How do I keep Cinnamon French Toast Sticks warm for serving?
Arrange cooked sticks on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the remainder. This keeps them hot and crisp until you’re ready to serve everyone at once.
Are Cinnamon French Toast Sticks good for meal prep?
They certainly are! You can make a large batch ahead, store or freeze them, then quickly reheat for fuss-free breakfasts all week. Perfect for busy mornings or whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up.
Final Thoughts
If you want a breakfast that feels both playful and totally decadent, give these Cinnamon French Toast Sticks a try. They’re quick to make, easy to share, and always guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to the table. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and celebrate the simple pleasure of good food done right.
Print
Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are a delicious twist on traditional French toast. These crispy, sweet sticks are perfect for dipping in maple syrup or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Sticks:
- 4 pieces toast (thickly sliced)
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (evaporated milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 4–5 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 – 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
- Butter for frying
Instructions
- Cut the Toast: Cut the edges off the toast slices and then slice each piece into sticks about an inch thick.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt in a bowl.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: Combine sugar and cinnamon powder on a plate.
- Fry the Sticks: Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Dip in Egg Mixture: Roll each stick in the egg mixture, then coat with cinnamon sugar.
- Cook the Sticks: Fry the sticks until golden on all sides.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the cooked sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining sticks.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: French toast sticks, cinnamon, breakfast, easy recipe
