Easy Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast
Transform your breakfast routine with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make baked French toast sticks! Perfectly golden, delightfully soft on the inside, and generously coated in a delightful cinnamon sugar blend, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Forget the hassle of frying; this recipe is ideal for a cozy weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or any time you crave a comforting treat without endless flipping over a skillet.
We all adore classic French toast, celebrated for its rich, custardy flavor and golden-brown perfection. However, the traditional method of cooking individual slices on a griddle can be quite time-consuming, especially when you’re trying to feed a hungry family or a gathering of friends. That’s precisely where these baked French toast sticks revolutionize your morning! This ingenious recipe offers all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional French toast – a tender, custardy interior and a beautifully browned exterior – but with a fraction of the effort. Instead of laboring over a hot pan, you bake an entire batch at once, freeing up your precious morning hours to relax and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
What truly elevates these French toast sticks beyond the ordinary is their irresistible cinnamon and sugar coating. While store-bought versions exist, nothing compares to the fresh, homemade taste you’ll achieve here. Each stick is wonderfully flavorful, boasting a perfect balance of comforting sweetness and warm spice. They emerge from the oven warm, fragrant, and ready for you to dive in. Whether you’re planning a leisurely Saturday morning, hosting a special holiday brunch, or simply want a convenient, delicious breakfast option you can prepare ahead, these baked cinnamon sugar French toast sticks are an absolute winner. They are so simple and satisfying, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered making French toast any other way!
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Homemade French Toast Sticks
Crafting homemade French toast sticks is surprisingly straightforward, relying on a handful of common pantry staples. Let’s go over each ingredient you’ll need to make this recipe, along with why it’s important and any useful tips, ensuring you’re perfectly prepared for a smooth cooking experience:
- Bread: The foundation of any great French toast is, undoubtedly, the bread. For French toast sticks, a thick-cut bread is absolutely essential. Texas toast is highly recommended due to its robust and sturdy texture, which holds up beautifully to soaking in the custard and baking without becoming overly soggy or falling apart. Other excellent choices include rich brioche, sweet challah bread, or even a hearty sourdough for a slight tangy contrast. While stale bread is often preferred for traditional, pan-fried French toast to prevent excessive absorption, fresh, thick-cut bread works exceptionally well for this baked stick recipe, absorbing just enough of the custard to create a wonderfully tender and moist center.
- Eggs: Eggs are the primary binding agent and the heart of our French toast custard. When whisked with the milk and cream, they create a rich, emulsified mixture that forms a delicious coating for each bread stick. This coating ensures a beautiful golden-brown exterior and a deliciously soft, custardy interior once baked. Make sure to lightly beat the eggs before combining with other liquids for a smooth, consistent batter.
- Heavy Cream & Milk: This dynamic duo creates a luxurious and deeply flavorful custard base for soaking the bread. The heavy cream contributes a desirable richness and a velvety texture, while the milk lightens the mixture slightly, ensuring it’s not too dense. For added convenience without sacrificing much flavor or texture, you can easily substitute both the heavy cream and milk with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of half-and-half.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is a non-negotiable ingredient that elevates the entire flavor profile of your French toast. It adds a warm, aromatic depth that beautifully complements the sweetness and cinnamon. Always opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best and most authentic taste.
- Granulated Sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar is added directly to the French toast batter. This provides a subtle sweetness to the bread sticks themselves, enhancing their overall flavor. A larger portion is then reserved and mixed with additional cinnamon to create that irresistible, sparkling outer coating that everyone loves.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a true star in this recipe, featured prominently in both the batter and the final coating. Adding ground cinnamon to the batter ensures a consistent, warm, and inviting spice note throughout each bite. The generous coating of cinnamon sugar applied at the end provides that iconic, aromatic burst of flavor and a delightful texture.
- Butter: Melted butter plays a crucial role in the final step of creating these delightful sticks. When brushed onto the warm, freshly baked French toast sticks, it acts as a flavorful adhesive, allowing the cinnamon sugar coating to cling perfectly to every surface. This not only enhances the taste but also creates a beautiful, glistening finish.
How to Easily Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks
Get ready to simplify your breakfast prep with these easy-to-follow steps for baking perfect French toast sticks. This method is specifically designed for efficiency, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Baking Setup: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and for an extra layer of non-stick protection, lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray. Set this prepared sheet aside. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Slice the Bread: Take your six to seven pieces of thick Texas Toast. For uniform sticks, carefully slice each piece lengthwise into three even strips. Uniformity is key for even baking, so aim for similar sizes. Arrange the sliced bread sticks on a clean surface, ready for dipping.
- Whisk the French Toast Batter: In a shallow baking dish (the shallow shape makes dipping considerably easier), whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, whole milk, rich heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, forming your luxurious custard base.
- Infuse the Batter with Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of granulated sugar and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This crucial pre-mixing step prevents the cinnamon from clumping or floating on top of the liquid egg mixture. Once combined, add this fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture to your main egg custard and whisk again until it is fully integrated. This ensures a subtle, even cinnamon flavor throughout each baked stick.
- Dip the Bread Sticks (Quickly!): Working efficiently, quickly dip each bread stick into the prepared egg mixture. Ensure all sides are coated, but be mindful not to let the bread soak for too long – just a swift dunk on each side is sufficient to prevent the bread from becoming overly saturated and soggy. Gently shake off any excess batter before placing.
- Arrange and Bake Initially: Carefully place the coated bread sticks onto your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure to leave a small space between each stick. This allows for proper air circulation, ensuring even baking and browning. Bake in the preheated oven for an initial 10 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Baking: After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using kitchen tongs, gently flip each French toast stick to ensure even cooking on both sides. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes, or until the French toast sticks are firm to the touch, thoroughly cooked through, and boast a beautiful golden-brown hue. Once done, remove from the oven.
Creating the Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Brush with Melted Butter: Immediately after taking the French toast sticks out of the oven, lightly brush the top of each stick with melted butter. A pastry brush works perfectly for this step, ensuring an even and light coating. Using tongs, flip each stick over and lightly brush the other side with more melted butter. This butter layer is essential; it acts as a flavorful adhesive, allowing the cinnamon sugar to cling perfectly to every surface and adding a wonderful richness.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a shallow bowl or on a large plate with raised edges, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they are thoroughly combined. This creates your irresistible, sparkling cinnamon sugar coating.
- Coat the Sticks Generously: While the sticks are still warm and buttery, add them to the cinnamon sugar mixture, a few at a time. Gently toss or roll them until each stick is evenly and generously coated. If you find you have any additional cinnamon sugar leftover, feel free to give the sticks a second dip for an extra burst of sweetness and spice, or simply sprinkle it on top right before serving for an extra flourish.
Your warm, fragrant, and perfectly coated cinnamon French toast sticks are now ready to be devoured! Serve them as is for a simple treat, or for an extra special indulgence, dunk them into a bowl of pure maple syrup. They are also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or fresh berries. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About French Toast Sticks
Can I Freeze These Baked French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! These baked French toast sticks are an ideal candidate for meal prepping and can be easily frozen, making them perfect for quick and delicious breakfasts on busy mornings. Once they are fully baked and coated with cinnamon sugar, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming. Once thoroughly cooled, arrange the sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 30 minutes, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together. After flash freezing, transfer the frozen sticks to a large freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if necessary. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat directly from frozen in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through, until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. For an even quicker reheat and crispier texture, you can also use a toaster oven or an air fryer.
What Other Types of Bread Can I Use for French Toast Sticks?
Certainly! While Texas Toast is my top recommendation for this recipe due to its ideal thickness and impressive ability to absorb the custard without becoming soggy, many other thick white breads will work wonderfully and offer slight variations in flavor and texture. Brioche and challah bread are fantastic alternatives; their rich, eggy consistency and inherent sweetness lend themselves perfectly to French toast, resulting in a very tender and flavorful stick. You could also experiment with a thick-sliced sourdough for a more robust flavor with a delightful tangy note. Even a good quality, thick-sliced white sandwich bread can work in a pinch if you don’t have the other options available. The most important factor is to choose a bread that is robust enough to hold its shape and absorb the custard without disintegrating. Avoid thin or very airy breads, as these tend to become overly soft and lose their structure when dipped and baked.
Expert Baking Tips for Your Perfect French Toast Sticks
Achieving perfectly baked French toast sticks that are tender on the inside and beautifully coated on the outside is simple with a few key pointers:
- Quick Dunk, Not a Deep Soak: When dipping your bread slices into the batter, remember that speed is your friend. A swift dip on each side ensures the bread is coated but doesn’t have time to absorb too much liquid. If the bread becomes overly saturated, it will turn soggy, significantly increase baking time, and may not achieve that desirable firm-yet-tender texture. Think of it as a quick bath, not a long swim!
- Prevent Sticking at All Costs: It’s absolutely crucial to always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. For extra insurance and guaranteed non-stick release, give the parchment a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. This vital step prevents the French toast sticks from sticking to the pan during baking, ensuring they lift off easily and maintain their beautiful shape without any tearing.
- Batch Baking for a Crowd: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and scales up beautifully! It can easily be doubled or even tripled to efficiently feed a larger gathering for brunch or a party. If you’re increasing the quantity, it’s essential to use two or more baking sheets. Overcrowding a single baking sheet can lead to uneven cooking, as the sticks will steam instead of bake, preventing them from developing that lovely golden crust and firm texture.
- Slice Evenly for Even Cooking: Take a moment to ensure your bread slices are cut into uniform sticks. Consistently sized pieces will bake at the same rate, preventing the frustrating scenario where some are undercooked and doughy while others become overly crispy or even burnt. A sharp serrated knife works best for clean cuts.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Process (for Freezing): If you plan to freeze your French toast sticks for future enjoyment, patience is key. Ensure they cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack before transferring them to the freezer. This step is critical as it prevents condensation and subsequent ice buildup, which can compromise their texture and quality upon reheating.
More Delicious and Easy Breakfast Recipes to Try!
If you’ve enjoyed making and devouring these baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic breakfast recipes from our collection. They are all simple to make and perfect for any morning, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely weekend feast:
- The Best Classic French Toast
- Comforting Apple Streusel French Toast Casserole
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes from Scratch
- Delicate and Delicious Homemade Crepes
- Classic English Scones for a Special Treat
Watch the Video Tutorial!
French Toast Sticks Recipe
Pin Recipe
SaveSaved!
Leave a Review
Ingredients
French toast sticks:
- 6 to 7 slices Texas toast
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon sugar coating:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter (melted)
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
-
To make the French toast sticks: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, spray the parchment paper lightly with nonstick cooking spray, and set aside.
-
Slice each piece of Texas toast lengthwise into 3 pieces. Set aside.
-
In a shallow baking dish, whisk the lightly beaten eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract together until fully combined.
-
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until fully combined.
-
Quickly dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to fully coat it. Allow any excess to drip off and place onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room between each one.
-
Bake for 10 minutes, remove from the oven, and use tongs to flip each one. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes or until the french toast sticks are firm and fully cooked through. Remove from the oven.
-
To make the cinnamon sugar coating: Lightly brush the top of each stick with the melted butter (I use a pastry brush for this step). Using tongs, flip each one, and lightly brush the other side of each stick with more butter.
-
Whisk the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together until well combined and transfer the mixture to a large plate.
-
Add the french toast sticks to the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss to coat each one. If you have any additional cinnamon sugar leftover, you can dip the sticks in it again, or sprinkle it on top right before serving.
Notes
Freezing Instructions: Once the French toast sticks have cooled completely, you may flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a large freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or use a toaster oven/air fryer for speed and crispness.
Bread Choice: I prefer to use Texas toast for this recipe due to its ideal thickness and sturdy texture, but any thick bread like brioche or challah bread will also yield excellent, tender results. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider a thick-sliced sourdough.
Heavy Cream & Milk Substitution: For convenience, you may replace the specified quantities of heavy cream and milk in this recipe with a single ingredient: 1/2 cup (120 ml) of half and half. This maintains the rich, custardy texture essential for delicious French toast.