If you’re craving a breakfast treat that’s cozy, a little crispy, and totally comforting, let me share my go-to **Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe** with you. These baked sticks strike the perfect balance between tender inside and golden outside, and they’re so easy to make for a crowd or a weekend indulgence. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new favorite morning ritual!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Prep: You only need a handful of simple ingredients, and the prep is quick and straightforward.
  • Family Friendly: These sticks are perfect for little hands and great for dipping — maple syrup, fruit sauces, you name it!
  • Bake, Don’t Fry: Baking means less mess, less oil, and more even cooking. Plus, the cinnamon sugar topping gets perfectly caramelized.
  • Customizable Comfort: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, cinnamon French toast sticks, baked breakfast sticks, easy French toast sticks, cinnamon breakfast recipe - A stack of golden brown rectangular French toast sticks in four layers sits on a white plate, drizzled with amber syrup being poured from above. The top layer has two red raspberries and a small mint leaf, while scattered fresh blueberries and raspberries surround the base along with more mint leaves. Powdered sugar is lightly dusted over the toast, adding a soft white contrast to the warm colors. To the side, a whole red strawberry is partially visible. The background is a white marbled texture with a white basket of mixed berries and a bowl of orange slices softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe plays a crucial role, creating a cozy, cinnamon-scented bite that’s crisp on the outside and custardy inside. When shopping, choosing the right bread and fresh eggs is key for the best texture and flavor.

Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, cinnamon French toast sticks, baked breakfast sticks, easy French toast sticks, cinnamon breakfast recipe - Flat lay of two brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl holding golden melted butter, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a few slices of thick Texas toast bread, and a small white bowl containing a pale vanilla extract liquid, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon topping perfectly for caramelization during baking.
  • Ground cinnamon: The star spice; aromatic and warm, it flavors the sugar topping.
  • Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create that creamy egg custard base.
  • Large eggs: Essential for binding and creating the custardy texture inside the bread sticks.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and enhances overall sweetness and warmth.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
  • Texas toast bread: Thick, sturdy slices absorb the custard well without falling apart; I recommend fresh or day-old for best absorption.
  • Butter (melted): Brushed on top adds lovely buttery crispness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
  • Maple syrup: Classic for serving but feel free to use fruit syrups or honey for fun twists.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily switch things up depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences — don’t be afraid to experiment!

  • Variation: I love swapping Texas toast for brioche when I want an extra buttery richness — it soaks up the custard beautifully.
  • Dairy-free tweak: Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk and a dairy-free butter substitute for topping.
  • Extra spice: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar gives it a lovely aromatic twist.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top before baking for a fun surprise.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cinnamon Sugar Mix

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this helps with easy clean-up and prevents sticking. While the oven heats, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl; this cinnamon sugar will become that irresistible topping.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat together the whole milk, large eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until very well blended and smooth. This combo is the magic behind the soft, custardy center of your French toast sticks. Make sure it’s thoroughly mixed so every stick soaks up that flavor evenly.

Step 3: Cut Bread into Sticks and Dip

Take your Texas toast slices and cut each into three equal strips — layering a few slices and cutting them all at once can speed this up. Dip each stick into the egg mixture, soaking it thoroughly but letting excess drip off (I usually dip two sticks at a time). Arrange the sticks snugly but with a little space on your lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Butter and Sugar Coating

Using a basting brush, apply about half the melted butter over the tops of the sticks, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar evenly across. This layer sets the stage for that golden, caramelized crust you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Bake, Flip, and Finish Baking

Bake your sticks for 13 minutes, then pull the tray out and carefully flip each stick over. Brush on the remaining butter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Return it all to the oven for 13 to 18 more minutes until they’re cooked through, golden, and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Syrup

Let your sticks cool for a few minutes—this also lets the crust set up nicely. If you want a little extra buttery shine, brush with a touch more melted butter before serving with warm maple syrup for dipping. Trust me, this step makes guests swoon every time!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe

  • Choose Thick Bread: Bread like Texas toast or brioche holds up best and soaks up custard without turning mushy.
  • Don’t Over-soak: Too long in the custard and your sticks get soggy; just a good dip on each side works perfectly.
  • Even Spacing on Baking Sheet: Leaving a little gap between sticks helps heat circulate for even browning on all sides.
  • Flip Carefully: Use a thin spatula and gentle touch to flip without breaking your sticks.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe

Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, cinnamon French toast sticks, baked breakfast sticks, easy French toast sticks, cinnamon breakfast recipe - The image shows a baking sheet lined with parchment paper filled with many rectangular toasted bread pieces. Each piece is golden brown with some darker toasted spots, showing a crunchy texture on the top layer. The bread slices are arranged in neat rows, and their edges are slightly crispy and uneven in places. The background is a white marbled surface, and no other objects are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my baked cinnamon French toast sticks with a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation and a handful of fresh berries for freshness. A spoonful of whipped cream on the side is a decadent touch that makes the meal feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these sticks with crispy bacon or sausage links for contrast, or keep it fresh and light with some sliced fruit salad or yogurt parfait. It’s also fantastic alongside scrambled eggs if you want a hearty brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch parties, try stacking the sticks in a jar or vase with dipping bowls of flavored syrups—like pumpkin or caramel—to wow your guests. Kids love having fun dipping their own sticks, too, so individual dip cups make it interactive and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover sticks (rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before sealing to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

I like to freeze leftover sticks individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag so they don’t stick together. Freeze for up to 2 months. This way you can pop them out as needed for a quick, delicious breakfast.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated sticks in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes to regain that crisp outer texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make them softer, so I save that for last resort.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While Texas toast or brioche works best for absorbing the custard without falling apart, you can try challah or even sturdy white sandwich bread. Avoid super thin or overly fresh bread because it might get too soggy during soaking.

  2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, you can substitute the bread for your favorite gluten-free thick-cut bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard without disintegrating. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them as they cook.

  3. Is there a way to make these French toast sticks more kid-friendly?

    Definitely! Kids love having dips, so serve these sticks with a variety of sauces like fruit purees, chocolate syrup, or even yogurt-based dips. You can also cut the sticks into bite-sized pieces to make them easier for little hands.

  4. Can I prep these ahead of time and bake later?

    You can soak the bread sticks in the custard mixture and cover them tightly in the fridge overnight. Bake right out of the fridge the next morning, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely adore this Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that blends comfort with convenience perfectly. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion brunch, these sticks bring that warm, nostalgic feeling we all crave without any fuss. I hope you’ll love making (and eating!) them as much as I do — trust me, this recipe will definitely become a staple in your breakfast lineup.

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Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

These Baked French Toast Sticks offer a deliciously crispy yet tender twist on classic French toast, perfect for dipping in warm maple syrup. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked until golden, these sticks are an easy and family-friendly breakfast or snack option that requires no frying.

  • Author: Sofia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 31 minutes
  • Total Time: 46 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted, plus more for serving if desired

Main Ingredients

  • 8 slices Texas toast bread
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside—it will be used to sprinkle on top of the French toast sticks.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and slightly frothy. This mixture will be the custard coating for the bread.
  4. Cut and dip bread: Cut each slice of Texas toast bread into three even strips. To make the dipping process quicker, you can layer several slices and cut simultaneously. Dip each strip (usually two at a time) into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off before transferring them closely but with slight spacing onto the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Brush and sprinkle first side: Using a basting brush, lightly brush the tops of the French toast sticks with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
  6. Bake first side: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 13 minutes until the bottoms start to firm up and become lightly golden.
  7. Flip, brush, and sprinkle second side: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, carefully flip each French toast stick to the opposite side, brush lightly with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
  8. Bake second side: Return the sticks to the oven and bake for an additional 13 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown on both sides.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, brush with a little more melted butter for extra richness. Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping and enjoy your homemade baked French toast sticks.

Notes

  • Use thick Texas toast bread for best results as it holds the custard well and bakes nicely.
  • To save time, you can prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture in advance.
  • If desired, replace whole milk with a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe lactose-free.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
  • For added flavor, try sprinkling powdered sugar or serving with fresh fruit on the side.

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