Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to wake up sleepy kids (and let’s be honest – sleepy adults too) on weekend mornings! These french toast sticks are my secret weapon – golden crispy on the outside, soft and custardy inside, just begging to be dunked in warm maple syrup. I’ve been making this version for years after tweaking my grandma’s classic french toast recipe to be more kid-friendly (and let’s face it, more fun for grown-ups too).
What makes these sticks so magical? That perfect contrast of textures – the slight crunch giving way to that eggy, cinnamon-kissed center. And the best part? No forks needed! Just grab a stick, dip it in syrup, and enjoy the perfect bite every time. I’ve served these at countless Saturday morning breakfasts and holiday brunches, watching even the pickiest eaters gobble them up. Trust me, once you try making french toast this way, you’ll never go back to soggy slices again!
Why You’ll Love These French Toast Sticks
Listen, I know you’re busy—we all are—but these french toast sticks are worth every second. Here’s why:
- Quick magic: From fridge to plate in under 25 minutes (yes, even with kids hanging on your legs!)
- Kid-approved: The stick shape turns breakfast into finger food fun—no messy syrup hands!
- Brunch superstar: Looks fancy but takes half the effort of pancakes (shh, our little secret)
- Cinnamon hug: That warm spice makes your whole kitchen smell like Sunday mornings should
- Customizable: Add nutmeg, swap in pumpkin spice—make it yours!
Seriously, once you taste that crispy edge dipped in syrup? You’ll be hooked.
Ingredients for French Toast Sticks
Gather these simple ingredients – trust me, you probably have most in your kitchen already! The magic happens when they all come together:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (Texas toast or brioche works best – I’ll explain why below)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature blends smoother)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (the richness makes all the difference)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (pack it in there for that perfect sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff, not imitation!)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (my secret – I usually add an extra pinch)
- 1/8 tsp salt (balances all the flavors)
- 2-3 tbsp butter (for that golden, crispy exterior)
Pro tip: When dipping your bread sticks, count to three and flip – any longer and they’ll get soggy. We want them coated, not drowned!
Ingredient Substitutions
No worries if you need to swap things out – I’ve tested all these variations:
- Milk: Almond or oat milk works, but your sticks won’t get quite as rich
- Bread: Gluten-free or challah both work (just adjust cook time slightly)
- Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup instead of sugar – reduce other liquids slightly
- Egg-free: Try flax eggs, but expect a less custardy center
Remember – substitutions change texture slightly, but the flavor will still be amazing!
How to Make French Toast Sticks
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect french toast sticks every time:
- Cut the bread: First, slice each piece of bread into 3 sticks (about 1-inch wide). My secret? Use a serrated knife in a gentle sawing motion to prevent squishing.
- Make the custard: In a shallow bowl (I use a pie plate), whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until completely smooth. No streaks!
- Dip, don’t drown: Here’s where most people go wrong – just quickly dip each bread stick into the mixture, turning to coat all sides. Count to three and lift out. Any longer and they’ll get mushy.
- Cook to golden perfection: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat (not high – patience is key!). Cook sticks in batches, turning every 1-2 minutes with tongs until all sides are golden brown (6-8 minutes per batch). Add more butter between batches as needed.
- Serve immediately: Plate those beauties up with fresh strawberries and warm syrup for dipping. The crispiness is best right out of the pan!
Pro Tips for the Best French Toast Sticks
After making hundreds of batches, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Use slightly stale bread – it absorbs the custard without falling apart
- Keep heat at medium – too hot burns the outside before the inside cooks
- Taste your custard – add more cinnamon if you want that warm hug of flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – give each stick space to crisp up properly
Serving Suggestions for French Toast Sticks
Now comes the fun part – making these french toast sticks feel extra special! My kids love when I arrange them standing up in a glass with a little bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping (less mess, more fun). For brunch guests, I dust them with powdered sugar and pile fresh strawberries on the side.
Here’s my go-to serving combo:
- Classic: Warm maple syrup with a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Fruity: Fresh berries or banana slices with whipped cream
- Decadent: Chocolate hazelnut spread for dipping (trust me!)
- Kid’s choice: Rainbow sprinkles on top – instant smiles!
The best part? Everyone gets to customize their perfect bite!
Storing and Reheating French Toast Sticks
Okay, let’s talk leftovers – because let’s be real, sometimes the kids actually leave some behind! Here’s how to keep your french toast sticks tasting fresh:
Pop any uneaten sticks in an airtight container (I love my glass ones with the snap lids) and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave – it’ll make them soggy. Instead, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the toaster until they’re warm and crispy again. They won’t be quite as perfect as fresh off the griddle, but they’ll still beat cereal any day!
French Toast Sticks FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time – here’s everything you need to know about making perfect french toast sticks:
Can I freeze french toast sticks?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about a month. Reheat straight from frozen in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up!
What’s the best bread alternative to Texas toast?
My second favorite is challah – it’s got that perfect eggy richness. Day-old sourdough works great too if you like a little tang. Just make sure whatever you use is thick enough to hold up to dipping!
Can I prep anything the night before?
You bet! Mix your custard (eggs, milk, etc.) and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. The flavors actually meld together beautifully. Just give it a quick whisk before dipping your bread sticks in the morning.
How do I prevent soggy french toast sticks?
Three words: quick dip technique! Count to three while coating each side, then lift out. Also, make sure your skillet is properly preheated before cooking – that initial sizzle is crucial for texture.
Are these cinnamon french toast sticks kid-friendly?
Oh honey, these are practically kid magnets! The stick shape makes them easy to grab, and you can adjust the cinnamon to taste. My nephew calls them “breakfast cookies” and always asks for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers can vary a bit depending on your exact ingredients and brands, but here’s the general breakdown per serving (about 6 sticks):
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 14g (7g saturated)
- Carbs: 52g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 15g
Now go enjoy them without guilt – life’s too short not to indulge in good french toast sticks!
Share Your French Toast Sticks
Did you make these? Snap a pic of your crispy creations – I’d love to see your version! Tag me so I can cheer you on.
Print
25-Minute French Toast Sticks Your Family Will Devour
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade French toast sticks, crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for dipping in maple syrup. A kid-friendly breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (Texas toast or brioche)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp butter (for the pan)
- Warm maple syrup (for dipping)
- Fresh strawberries (for serving)
Instructions
- Cut the bread: Slice each piece of bread into 3 sticks (about 1-inch wide).
- Make the custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Dip: Quickly dip each bread stick into the mixture, turning to coat (don’t soak too long).
- Cook: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sticks in batches, turning every 1–2 minutes, until golden brown on all sides (about 6–8 minutes per batch). Add more butter as needed.
- Serve: Plate the French toast sticks with strawberries and a small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar to taste.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg