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.

Baked Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Save
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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: a stack of golden brown rectangular French toast sticks in four layers on a white plate Save

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: flat lay of two brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of whole milk Save
  • 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; it’s best to use 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 the best 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: Swap Texas toast for brioche when you 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.

Before You Start

  • Pan and oven: Line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with parchment and heat the oven to 350°F.
  • Melt the butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter for brushing, plus extra if you want it for serving.
  • Cinnamon sugar: Mix the sugar and cinnamon; half goes on before the flip and half after.
  • Cut the bread: Cut each slice of Texas toast into three strips.

Step-by-Step: How to 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. 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. This step makes guests swoon every time!

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: a baking sheet lined with parchment paper filled Save

Garnishes

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

Kids love having fun dipping their own sticks, too, so individual dip cups make it interactive and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Just make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before sealing to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

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 save that for last resort.