Indulge in these perfectly baked French toast sticks, generously coated in a shimmering cinnamon sugar mixture. An ideal treat for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or any time you crave a comforting, sweet start to your day!

The Ultimate Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe

While classic French toast holds a special place in our hearts, the process of standing over a skillet, flipping individual slices, can often feel like a time-consuming chore, especially when feeding a hungry crowd. Enter these incredibly easy and delicious baked French toast sticks – a brilliant solution that offers all the beloved flavors of traditional French toast with significantly less fuss!

This recipe reimagines your favorite breakfast staple, transforming it into convenient, dippable sticks that bake all at once in the oven. No more babysitting each slice! The result is a batch of perfectly cooked, soft-on-the-inside, golden-brown sticks, each generously coated in a homemade cinnamon sugar blend. Forget the store-bought versions; these taste infinitely better and are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Imagine waking up to the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen, then digging into a warm pile of these delightful treats, fresh from the oven. They are absolutely perfect for stress-free weekend breakfasts, elegant holiday brunches, or simply anytime you desire a comforting and satisfying meal. Their effortless preparation makes them a fantastic choice for busy mornings or for entertaining guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to the endless flipping of individual slices on the stovetop. Baking these French toast sticks means a hands-off approach, freeing you up to enjoy your morning.
• Perfect for Crowds: Easily scale this recipe to feed a large family or a gathering of friends. Simply use multiple baking sheets!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of a rich, custardy bread base and a generous coating of sweet cinnamon sugar is truly divine.
• Kid-Friendly & Fun: Their stick shape makes them easy for little hands to hold and dip, making breakfast an exciting experience for children.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week. Reheating is a breeze!
• Less Mess: Baking means fewer splatters and less cleanup compared to pan-frying.

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

Crafting these delectable homemade French toast sticks is surprisingly simple, relying on a few pantry staples. Let’s delve into the ingredients you’ll need to ensure you have everything on hand for this delightful recipe:

• Bread: The foundation of any great French toast. For sticks, I highly recommend using a thick-sliced bread like **Texas toast**. Its sturdy texture and larger surface area are perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart, and it creates substantial, satisfying sticks. While stale bread often works for traditional French toast, fresh Texas toast is actually preferred here for its optimal absorbency and structure when sliced into sticks. Other great alternatives include brioche or challah bread for an extra rich flavor.
• Eggs: The eggs are crucial for forming the rich, custard-like batter that coats each bread stick. When combined with the dairy, they create a protective layer that helps the French toast sticks achieve a golden-brown exterior and a tender, creamy interior during baking. Ensure they are lightly beaten for an even consistency.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: This dynamic duo provides the perfect balance of richness and moisture to our French toast custard. Heavy cream adds luxurious richness and a silky texture, while whole milk thins the batter slightly for optimal absorption. For a convenient alternative, you can substitute both with an equal amount of half-and-half (about 1/2 cup total), which offers a similar fat content and creaminess.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of high-quality pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of the French toast, adding a warm, aromatic sweetness that is essential to classic French toast taste. Avoid imitation vanilla for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar plays a dual role in this recipe. A small amount is added directly to the French toast batter to subtly sweeten the bread base, enhancing its natural flavors. The majority of the sugar, however, is reserved for creating that irresistible, sparkling cinnamon sugar coating that makes these sticks truly special.
• Ground Cinnamon: Like sugar, cinnamon is incorporated into both the batter and the final coating. Adding it to the custard ensures a warm, spiced flavor permeates every bite, while a generous amount in the coating provides that iconic, aromatic finish that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
• Melted Butter: This is the secret to achieving that perfect adhesion for the cinnamon sugar coating. Melted butter is lightly brushed onto the baked French toast sticks as soon as they emerge from the oven. This not only adds a lovely richness but also creates a slightly sticky surface for the cinnamon sugar to cling to, ensuring every stick is perfectly coated.

How to Prepare Your Delicious Baked French Toast Sticks

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of the best cinnamon sugar French toast sticks you’ve ever tasted:

1. Prepare the Bread: Start with six to seven slices of thick Texas toast. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each piece of bread lengthwise into three even sticks. Arrange them on a clean surface and set them aside while you prepare the custard.
2. Whip Up the Custard: In a wide, shallow baking dish – one large enough to comfortably dip your bread sticks – whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
3. Infuse with Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This step ensures the cinnamon doesn’t just float on top of the liquid. Gradually add this cinnamon sugar blend to your egg mixture, whisking thoroughly until it’s fully integrated and no clumps remain. This will provide a subtle spice to the core of your French toast.
4. Dip the Sticks: Working quickly, take each sliced piece of Texas toast and gently dip it into the egg mixture. Ensure each side is fully coated, but don’t let it soak for too long, as this can lead to soggy French toast. Allow any excess batter to drip off, then arrange the coated sticks on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one to allow for even baking and browning.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for an initial 10 minutes, allowing the sticks to begin firming up. Then, carefully remove the tray from the oven and use tongs to flip each French toast stick over. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for another 6 to 10 minutes, or until the sticks are firm to the touch, cooked through, and beautifully golden brown. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on your oven and bread thickness.
6. The Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the French toast sticks are still hot from the oven, gently brush the top of each stick with the melted butter. A pastry brush works wonderfully for this. Flip the sticks over and repeat the process on the other side, ensuring both sides are lightly coated in butter.
7. Coat and Serve: In a large, shallow plate or bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon for your final coating. Add the warm, buttered French toast sticks to this mixture and gently toss them until each stick is evenly coated with the fragrant cinnamon sugar. If you have any extra cinnamon sugar, feel free to sprinkle it on top just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your warm, cinnamon-spiced French toast sticks as they are, or take them to the next level by dunking them in a pool of pure maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries!

Serving Suggestions for Your French Toast Sticks

These baked French toast sticks are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways:

• Classic Maple Syrup: The timeless pairing! A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is always a hit.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a medley of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or peaches for a burst of freshness and natural sweetness.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially if serving as a dessert or a sweeter brunch item.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
• Fruit Compote: A warm berry or apple compote can add a lovely texture and tangy counterpoint to the sweet sticks.
• Nut Butter: For a more filling breakfast, serve with a side of peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread for dipping.
• Savory Sides: Balance the sweetness with savory breakfast favorites like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze These French Toast Sticks?

Absolutely! These baked French toast sticks are fantastic for meal prepping and freezing. Once they are fully baked and coated in cinnamon sugar, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30-60 minutes until solid. Then, transfer the frozen sticks to a large freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat from frozen in a 350ºF (180ºC) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until warmed through and slightly crispy.

Can I Use Another Type of Bread?

Certainly! While Texas toast is my preferred choice for its excellent texture and ability to create substantial sticks, you can absolutely experiment with other types of thick white bread. Brioche bread offers a richer, more buttery flavor and a softer crumb, while challah bread provides a slightly denser, eggy texture that holds up beautifully to the custard. Ensure whichever bread you choose is thick-cut to prevent it from becoming too soggy or falling apart during the dipping and baking process.

More Easy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes to Delight!

• The Best Classic French Toast
• Apple French Toast Casserole
• Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
• Delicate Homemade Crepes
• Classic English Scones

Recipe Card: Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

French Toast Sticks

Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 1 rating.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

These baked French toast sticks are coated in cinnamon sugar before being dunked in maple syrup. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients

Yields: 18 french toast sticks

For the French Toast Sticks:

• 6 to 7 slices Texas toast (thick cut)
• 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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter (melted)
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, then lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Slice the Bread: Slice each piece of Texas toast lengthwise into 3 even sticks.
3. Make the Custard: In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
4. Add Cinnamon Sugar to Custard: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add this mixture to the egg custard and whisk again until fully integrated.
5. Dip the Bread: Quickly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess liquid to drip off before placing the stick onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each stick.
6. Bake the Sticks: Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven, use tongs to carefully flip each stick, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes, or until the French toast sticks are firm and golden brown. Remove from the oven.
7. Prepare for Coating: While the sticks are still warm, lightly brush the top of each with the melted butter. Flip each stick and brush the other side with butter.
8. Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a large, shallow plate or bowl, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
9. Coat and Serve: Add the warm, buttered French toast sticks to the cinnamon sugar mixture and gently toss to coat each one evenly. If desired, sprinkle any leftover cinnamon sugar on top just before serving.

Notes

• Storage Instructions: Leftover French toast sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in 20-second intervals in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing Instructions: Once completely cooled, freeze French toast sticks in a large freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Bread Choices: While Texas toast is recommended, any thick bread like brioche or challah bread will work beautifully for this recipe.
• Dairy Substitute: The heavy cream and milk can be replaced with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of half-and-half for convenience.