Crispy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

There’s just something about French toast sticks that instantly makes breakfast more exciting. It’s a simple easy breakfast idea anyone can make. I grew up having French toast as a weekend treat, but when you slice it into sticks, roll them in cinnamon sugar, and serve them with fresh fruit, something magical happens.

They’re warm, golden, soft on the inside, and crispy on the outside. And they’re made for dipping, which is always great. This version is coated in cinnamon sugar and paired with juicy blueberries and strawberries for a fresh twist. It’s a breakfast that feels fun and cozy. If you love easy comfort food recipes that look beautiful on the table and still come together quickly, you’ll love it!

Why This Recipe Is Great

One of my favourite things about this French toast sticks recipe is how easy it is to make. You only need a few ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen, eggs, milk, sugar, and bread. And the cinnamon sugar coating gives it that bakery style flavor without any extra work. It’s simple, but it still feels special.

These sticks are also perfect for prepping ahead. You can freeze them after cooking and just pop them in the toaster or air fryer when you’re ready. They’re great for busy mornings or cozy brunches with friends. And they’re totally customizable.

Want them a little crispier you can leave them in the pan a few minutes longer. If you want to switch up the fruit then go for raspberries, bananas, or whatever you have on hand. You’ll be craving it again and again.

Ingredient List

1. 6 slices of thick cut bread (like brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
2. 3 large eggs
3. ½ cup whole milk
4. 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, but adds richness)
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6. 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
7. 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
8. Pinch of salt
9. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10. Fresh strawberries and blueberries, for serving
11. Powdered sugar or maple syrup, for topping

Breaking Down the Ingredients

Thick cut bread is ideal because it holds up well to soaking and frying. Brioche or challah work beautifully for their soft, buttery texture, and Texas toast is great if you’re going for something more neutral. Slightly stale bread actually gives the best results, it soaks up the custard without falling apart.

Eggs are what give the toast its structure. They bind everything together and help create that soft yet set texture inside each stick.

Whole milk adds the creaminess you want in your custard base. It balances the eggs and gives the sticks a tender bite.

Heavy cream is optional, but I love the extra richness it adds. If you have it on hand, even just a splash makes a difference in texture.

Vanilla extract gives the custard a warm aroma and that signature French toast flavor we all know and love.

Ground cinnamon is used in two places, in the custard and in the final coating. It’s what makes each bite taste cozy and slightly sweet.

Granulated sugar adds just enough sweetness and helps the outside of the toast caramelize a bit while cooking. It’s also key in the cinnamon sugar coating.

Salt might seem small, but it’s so important for balancing all the sweet elements and enhancing the vanilla and cinnamon.

Butter gives the toast a golden crust and keeps everything from sticking. It adds a slightly savory note that brings it all together.

Fresh fruit like strawberries and blueberries adds brightness and freshness. They’re a colorful, juicy contrast to the warm cinnamon coated sticks.

Powdered sugar or maple syrup are the perfect finishing touch. You can keep it light with a dusting of sugar or go all in with a syrup drizzle.

How to Make It

Start by whisking the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla extract, one teaspoon of cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl until smooth and well blended. Trim the crusts off your bread if you like a more uniform look, and slice each slice into three or four even sticks depending on how thick your bread is.

Dip each stick into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let any excess drip off before cooking to keep them from getting soggy. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt some butter. Add the sticks in batches and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden brown and crisp.

In a small bowl, stir together the remaining cinnamon and a little extra sugar. While the sticks are still warm, gently roll or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar coating. Serve immediately with berries, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Slice each slice of bread into three to four even sticks.
3. Dip each stick into the custard mixture, coating all sides, and let the excess drip off.
4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the sticks in batches and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning often, until golden and crisp on all sides.
6. Mix remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon with a little sugar, then roll the warm sticks in the mixture.
7. Serve right away with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or maple syrup.

I’ve made these French toast sticks more times than I can count, and every single time, they disappear faster than I expect. There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about them, they remind me of lazy weekends, cozy mornings, and shared breakfasts at the table.

What I love most is how easy they are to customize. You can dress them up with fresh berries and whipped cream for brunch guests or keep it simple with just a dip of syrup and a cup of coffee. They also make breakfast a little more exciting, especially for kids or anyone who wants something handheld and easy to eat.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or special tools, just a skillet, a bowl, and a few pantry basics. You can make them ahead, freeze them, and reheat them in a pinch. If you’re planning a special breakfast or just want to make your weekday morning feel a bit more special, these French toast sticks are the kind of go to recipe that never lets you down.

I hope they bring some sweetness and warmth to your table too.

Print Recipe

French Toast Sticks Recipe

Turn your mornings into something special with these warm, cinnamon-sugar coated French toast sticks. They’re soft on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and perfect for dipping into maple syrup or pairing with fresh berries.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast

Servings: 3

Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

• 6 slices of thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream optional
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh strawberries and blueberries for serving
• Powdered sugar or maple syrup for topping

Instructions

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream (if using), vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
• Slice each slice of bread into three to four sticks, trimming crusts if preferred.
• Dip the sticks into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly. Let excess drip off.
• Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Cook the sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side, turning until golden brown and crispy.
• In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon with a little sugar.
• Roll or sprinkle the warm sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Serve with berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread for the best texture, it holds up better to the custard without falling apart. Brioche and challah bring a rich, bakery-style flavor, but any thick bread will work. You can make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for later. Just let them cool, pop them in a freezer bag, and reheat in a toaster or air fryer until crisp. These are fun for kids, perfect for sharing, and one of my go-to recipes when I want something cozy but quick.