Homemade French Toast Sticks recipe
Indulge in the comforting and irresistible flavor of Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks, a delightful breakfast treat that’s perfect for cozy mornings or weekend brunches. With crispy edges, a soft, warm center, and a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating, these French toast sticks bring a fun twist to the classic French toast. Not only are they easy to make, but they also deliver a satisfying crunch and an unbeatable flavor with every bite.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks are made with thick-cut bread, soaked in a rich custard of milk, eggs, vanilla, and a hint of maple syrup. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with browned butter, these sticks are generously coated in a mix of cinnamon and sugar, creating a deliciously sweet and slightly spiced exterior. Served warm with extra maple syrup, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast for a crowd or looking for a make-ahead option to freeze for busy mornings, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks offer the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this recipe so irresistible.
Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks
- Thick-cut bread (whole grain or brioche) – The sturdy texture of whole grain or brioche bread holds up well to soaking in the egg mixture, creating a soft interior and crisp exterior.
- Whole milk or nut/seed-based milk – Adds richness and moisture to the custard mixture, ensuring the French toast sticks remain tender inside.
- Large eggs – The foundation of the custard, providing structure and helping the bread soak up all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, aromatic sweetness into the custard base, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Maple syrup – Adds a natural sweetness to the custard and complements the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Freshly grated nutmeg – A hint of spice that pairs perfectly with cinnamon for a cozy flavor profile.
- Salted butter – Adds richness and flavor, especially when browned to create a nutty undertone that complements the cinnamon sugar.
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon – The classic combination that creates the perfect sweet and spiced coating for the French toast sticks.
Quick and Easy Steps to Make French Toast Sticks
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut the thick slices of bread into 1-inch wide sticks, then whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, maple syrup, nutmeg, salt, and a tablespoon of melted butter in a bowl.
- Dip each breadstick into the mixture, coating thoroughly, and allow any excess to drip off before placing on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.
- While the sticks are baking, brown the remaining butter in a pot until it smells toasted and nutty.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Brush the baked French toast sticks with browned butter and either sprinkle or toss them in the cinnamon sugar for an extra dose of sweetness.
- Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Recipe Tips for Perfect French Toast Sticks
- Use day-old bread for best results. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- Brown the butter carefully, watching it closely to avoid burning, as this adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Adjust the cinnamon-sugar coating to your liking. For a less sweet version, lightly sprinkle instead of coating fully.
Variations to Try
For a fun twist, try different types of bread, like challah or cinnamon raisin. You can also add a hint of citrus zest, like orange or lemon, to the custard for a refreshing flavor. For a dairy-free option, use almond or coconut milk and swap out the butter for plant-based alternatives.
Storing Your French Toast Sticks
To store leftovers, let the French toast sticks cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and keep them in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the microwave for about a minute on each side or until warmed through, and enjoy a delicious breakfast any day of the week.
Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Zutaten
- 12 slices of thick-cut soft whole grain or brioche bread
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk or any nut/seed-based milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup plus extra for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons salted butter divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Anleitungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each piece of bread into 1-inch wide sticks. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, nutmeg, salt, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Dip each breadstick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Allow any excess mixture to drip back into the bowl, then place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Continue with the remaining breadsticks. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each stick and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
- While the breadsticks are baking, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Let the butter cook until it begins to brown and gives off a nutty aroma, about 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the cinnamon.
- Once the french toast sticks are baked, brush them with the browned butter, then either sprinkle or toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. Serve warm with additional maple syrup if desired.