Key Highlights
- This recipe guides you on making delicious baked french toast sticks from scratch.
- You’ll learn how to create the perfect egg mixture and cinnamon sugar coating for your toast sticks.
- Find out which slice of bread works best, from texas toast to brioche, for the ideal texture.
- The steps involve dipping bread sticks in batter, baking until golden brown, and coating with cinnamon sugar.
- These homemade french toast sticks are a healthier and tastier alternative to those found in the freezer aisle.
- Discover tips for making a big batch to freeze for quick and easy breakfasts on busy mornings.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
To make these delightful baked cinnamon french toast sticks, you will need a few key items. Gather thick slices of bread, like texas toast, eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream. For flavor, you’ll need vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of salt. Melted butter is essential for brushing the sticks after baking, which helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere perfectly. For serving, having pure maple syrup on hand for dipping is a classic choice.
Having all your ingredients ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll create an egg mixture in a shallow dish for easy dipping. A prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper is crucial for preventing the sticks from sticking and ensuring they bake to a perfect golden brown. This easy breakfast recipe is a wonderful alternative to classic french toast or waffles and brings the joy of homemade goodness to your brunch table without the hassle.
Choosing the Best Bread for French Toast Sticks
The type of bread you choose can make a big difference in your french toast sticks. A thicker, sturdier bread is ideal because it can soak up the egg batter without becoming soggy. Breads like texas toast, brioche, or challah are excellent choices. They are thick enough to be cut into sticks and hold their shape well during baking. While you can use regular sandwich bread, it tends to be thinner and may fall apart more easily. For the best results, opt for a thick white bread.
Using a quality loaf will give your homemade french toast sticks a soft, custard-like center and a perfectly golden brown exterior. Fresh bread actually works better for this recipe than stale bread, which is often recommended for classic french toast. Whether you choose a soft whole-grain bread or a rich brioche, cutting each slice of bread into three sticks is a good rule of thumb.
| Bread Type | Why It Works Well |
|---|---|
| Texas Toast | Its thickness allows it to absorb the batter without getting mushy, creating sturdy sticks. |
| Brioche | This rich, buttery bread adds a decadent flavor and results in a soft, tender texture. |
| Challah | A slightly sweet, eggy bread that holds up well and provides a delicious, classic taste. |
Cinnamon and Spice Blend for Flavor
The secret to irresistible cinnamon french toast sticks lies in the perfect blend of spices. The cinnamon sugar topping gives these sticks their signature sweet and warm flavor. Creating this blend is simple but makes all the difference. You’ll combine granulated sugar with a generous amount of ground cinnamon. For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg can be added to the mix.
This spice blend is used in two ways. First, a small amount is whisked into the egg mixture along with vanilla extract and a touch of maple syrup. This infuses the bread with flavor from the inside out. The remaining cinnamon sugar mixture is used for the coating. After the sticks are baked and brushed with melted butter, they are tossed in this sweet, spicy blend. This two-step process ensures every bite is packed with delicious flavor.
- Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Use part of the mixture in the egg batter and the rest for the coating.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked French Toast Sticks
Making baked french toast sticks at home is a simple and rewarding process. You’ll start by cutting your chosen bread, like texas toast, into sticks. Next, you’ll prepare the egg mixture, or batter, in a shallow dish for easy dipping. After a quick dip, the bread sticks are placed on a prepared baking sheet and baked until golden brown. The final touch is brushing them with melted butter and coating them in a delicious cinnamon sugar mixture.
This method avoids the hassle of pan-frying each piece, making it a perfect easy breakfast or brunch option. You can make a big batch at once, and they can even be frozen for later. Below, we’ll walk through how to prepare the bread and batter, and then cover the ideal baking time and temperature for perfect results every time.
Preparing the Bread and Batter
First, you’ll want to prepare your bread. Take your slices of bread, preferably a thick-cut variety, and slice each one lengthwise into three even sticks, about one inch wide. Set these aside while you prepare the batter. This step ensures your french toast sticks are uniform and cook evenly.
Next, create the egg mixture. In a medium bowl or a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla extract until they are fully combined. To prevent the cinnamon from floating on top, first mix your sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then, add this cinnamon sugar to the egg mixture and whisk everything together. This creates a sweet, flavorful batter that will coat the bread perfectly.
Now it’s time to bring the two together. Dip each slice of bread into the batter, making sure to coat it completely but quickly. You don’t want the bread to soak for too long, as it can become soggy. Allow any excess batter to drip off back into the bowl before placing the stick onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each stick to ensure they bake evenly and don’t stick together.
Baking Time and Temperature Tips
Getting the baking time and temperature right is key to achieving perfectly golden brown and firm cinnamon french toast sticks. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This moderate temperature ensures the sticks cook through without burning on the outside. Place the prepared baking sheet with the bread sticks on the center oven rack for even heat distribution.
The total baking time is usually around 16 to 20 minutes. You’ll bake them for 10 minutes on the first side. Then, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and use tongs to flip each stick over. Return them to the oven and bake for another 6 to 10 minutes. The sticks are done when they are firm to the touch and lightly golden.
For best results, follow these tips:
- Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
- Use a timer to keep track of the baking time for both sides.
- Once baked, transfer the french toast sticks to a wire rack to cool slightly before coating. This helps them stay crisp.
Perfecting Crispy Baked French Toast Sticks
Who doesn’t love a satisfying crunch? Achieving crispy baked french toast sticks is easier than you might think. The key is in the baking technique and how you prepare your baking sheet. Ensuring the oven is at the right temperature allows the exterior to get golden and crunchy while the inside remains soft. A wire rack can also be your secret weapon for all-around crispiness, as it allows air to circulate under the sticks.
Don’t let your sticks get soggy by soaking them too long in the egg mixture. A quick dip is all you need. Brushing the baked sticks with melted butter before adding the cinnamon sugar not only adds flavor but also contributes to a delightful texture. We’ll explore specific oven techniques and discuss whether butter, oil, or cooking spray is best for getting that perfect crunch.
Oven Techniques for Extra Crunch
To get that extra crunch on your crispy baked french toast sticks, a few simple oven techniques can make a significant difference. First, ensure your oven is fully preheated. Placing the baking sheet in a hot oven helps the exterior of the sticks to start crisping up immediately. Proper spacing on the prepared baking sheet is also vital. If the sticks are too close together, they will steam instead of bake, resulting in a softer texture. Leave a little room between each one for air to circulate.
Another great trick is to use a wire rack. You can place an oven-safe wire rack on top of your baking sheet and arrange the bread sticks on the rack. This allows hot air to flow all around each stick, ensuring they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides, not just the top and bottom. Flipping them halfway through the baking time is still important for an even golden brown color.
Here are a few more tips for an extra crispy finish:
- Bake on the middle oven rack for the most consistent heat.
- After flipping, you can increase the temperature slightly for the last few minutes of baking, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Let the sticks cool for a minute on the wire rack before coating them to help them firm up.
Butter, Oil, or Cooking Spray: What Works Best
When aiming for crispy baked french toast sticks, the fat you use on your baking sheet matters. While all options help prevent sticking, they can yield slightly different results in texture and flavor. Nonstick cooking spray is a convenient choice that provides a light, even coating and helps achieve a good crunch without adding much flavor or fat. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a slightly lighter version.
Melted butter, on the other hand, adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly. Brushing the parchment paper with a thin layer of melted butter before placing the french toast sticks can help the bottoms get extra crispy and golden. Oil can also be used, but it won’t contribute the same delicious flavor as butter. For this recipe, the combination of a prepared baking sheet with parchment paper and a light spray is effective, but brushing with butter after baking is what truly enhances the flavor.
| Fat Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstick Cooking Spray | Convenient, low in fat, helps create a crispy exterior. | Does not add flavor. |
| Melted Butter | Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps with browning. | Can burn if the oven is too hot; adds more fat. |
| Oil | Prevents sticking and can create a crispy texture. | Lacks the flavor of butter. |
Ingredients
- Bread
- 5 thick slices bread — Texas toast brioche, or challah (each slice cut into 3 sticks)
- Egg Custard Batter
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup 60 ml whole milk
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ⅓ cup 65 g granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- For Finishing
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted (for brushing after baking)
- Pure maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prep. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or a thin brush of melted butter.
- Cut the bread. Slice each piece of bread lengthwise into 3 even sticks, about 1 inch wide. Set aside.
- Make the cinnamon sugar. In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup sugar and 1½ tsp cinnamon. Set aside for coating.
- Make the egg batter. In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Dip the sticks. Quickly dip each bread stick into the egg batter, coating all sides. Do not soak — a quick turn is enough. Let excess batter drip off before placing on the baking sheet. Space sticks apart so they don’t touch.
- First bake. Bake on the center rack 10 minutes until the bottoms are set and starting to turn golden.
- Flip and finish. Remove from oven; flip each stick with tongs. Return to oven and bake 6–10 more minutes until firm, golden brown, and crisp on all sides.
- Butter and coat. Transfer sticks to a wire rack. Immediately brush all sides with melted butter, then toss or roll each stick in the cinnamon sugar coating until fully covered.
- Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
To reheat frozen french toast sticks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also warm them in a microwave for about one minute per side or use an air fryer for a crispier result.
Yes, baked french toast sticks are generally considered a healthier option than fried ones. Baking requires significantly less oil or butter than frying, which reduces the overall fat and calorie content. While they are still a sweet treat, especially with syrup, baking is a lighter cooking method for this breakfast favorite.