Make breakfast exciting with these easy homemade French toast sticks. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, these French toast sticks are perfect for kids, busy mornings, or a fun weekend treat. They’re fast, simple, and you can make a big batch to freeze for later.
Why You’ll Love These French Toast Sticks
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun stick shape makes them easy to hold.
- Perfect Texture: Crunchy exterior, fluffy interior.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze and reheat for later.
- Sweet & Flavorful: Cinnamon sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Egg Batter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Bread
- 6 slices white bread (cut into thirds)
- Nonstick cooking spray
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Tools
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small plate
- Large skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before You Begin
Wash and dry ingredients thoroughly. Prepare your tools and equipment. Ingredient sizes, appliance performance, and moisture levels vary, so adjust amounts and timing as needed. Cooking results and prep times may vary depending on your kitchen setup.
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture
Whisk together the eggs, powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. - Cut and dip the bread
Slice the bread into thirds to create sticks. Dip each stick briefly into the egg mixture, coating all sides without soaking. - Prepare cinnamon sugar
Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon on a small plate and set aside for coating after cooking. - Cook the sticks
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Cook the French toast sticks for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. - Coat and serve
While still warm, roll each stick in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve immediately with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store cooked sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crisp.
- Times may vary depending on appliance and portion size.
Serving Ideas
- Dip in warm maple syrup
- Top with fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for extra sweetness
- Serve with whipped cream for a special treat
Tips for Perfect French Toast Sticks
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook in batches for even browning.
- Choose Thick Slices: White, brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Soaking Too Long: Quick dip only—over-soaking makes sticks soggy.
- Low Pan Heat: Medium heat ensures a crisp outside.
- Not Coating Immediately: Cinnamon sugar sticks best while sticks are hot.
FAQs
Q: What type of bread works best for French toast sticks?
Soft white bread is the most reliable option because it absorbs the egg mixture evenly without falling apart. Brioche, challah, or Texas toast also work well if you want a richer flavor, but thinner sandwich bread gives the most consistent results, especially when cooking for kids.
Q: Can I make French toast sticks ahead of time?
Yes. These French toast sticks are ideal for make-ahead breakfasts. Cook them fully, let them cool, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat in a toaster oven, air fryer, or skillet to bring back the crisp exterior.
Q: Why use powdered sugar in the egg mixture?
Powdered sugar dissolves quickly and creates a smoother batter without graininess. It also helps the sticks brown more evenly while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Q: How do I keep the sticks crispy and not soggy?
Avoid soaking the bread for too long. A quick dip coats the bread without oversaturating it. Cooking over medium heat and working in batches also prevents steaming, which can make the sticks soft instead of crisp.
Q: Can I bake or air fry French toast sticks instead of pan-frying?
Yes. For baking, place sticks on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (205°C), turning once, until golden. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Are French toast sticks freezer-friendly?
They freeze very well. Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and makes reheating easy.
Conclusion
Homemade French toast sticks are a simple way to turn an everyday breakfast into something fun, comforting, and family-friendly. With a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating and a soft, fluffy center, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and practical. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the skillet, prepping breakfasts for the week, or stocking the freezer for busy mornings, this recipe delivers consistent results without complicated steps. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels special but fits easily into real life.
Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 18 sticks
Author: Isaac blogger
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 slices white bread, cut into thirds
- Nonstick spray
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
Before You Begin
Wash and dry ingredients thoroughly. Prepare your tools and equipment. Ingredient sizes, appliance performance, and moisture levels vary, so adjust amounts and timing as needed. Cooking results and prep times may vary depending on your kitchen setup.
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture
Whisk together the eggs, powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. - Cut and dip the bread
Slice the bread into thirds to create sticks. Dip each stick briefly into the egg mixture, coating all sides without soaking. - Prepare cinnamon sugar
Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon on a small plate and set aside for coating after cooking. - Cook the sticks
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Cook the French toast sticks for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. - Coat and serve
While still warm, roll each stick in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve immediately with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store cooked sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crisp.
- Times may vary depending on appliance and portion size.
Nutrition Information (Estimated, Per Serving – 3 sticks):
Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sodium: 220 mg
Sugar: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
