Meta Description: Learn how to make irresistible maple cinnamon French toast sticks at home. This easy recipe is perfect for a special weekend breakfast or a fun, family-friendly treat.
Growing up, French toast was a rare and treasured treat. It was the kind of breakfast my dad would make on a slow Saturday morning, a special occasion that meant we weren’t rushing off to soccer practice. I remember him carefully dipping each slice of bread into a custard mixture and the sweet, comforting smell of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen as it cooked. The only problem? It was a little messy to eat. So, as an adult, I had an idea. Why not take all the best parts of that classic French toast and make it more fun and portable? I started experimenting, and that’s how these maple cinnamon French toast sticks were born. They capture all the nostalgia and deliciousness of the original but in a fun, dippable format. They’re perfect for kids (and big kids!) and make a weekend morning feel extra special without a lot of extra work. This recipe brings back those warm, cozy memories for me, and I hope it does the same for you. It’s a sweet, simple way to make breakfast a moment of pure joy. You’re going to love them! 😋
🌟 Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s a little more exciting than cereal but just as easy, these French toast sticks with cinnamon are your answer. They’re a fantastic twist on a classic for a few key reasons. First, the shape! The stick format makes them fun to eat, perfect for dipping into a little pool of maple syrup. They’re a huge hit with kids and make for a playful family breakfast. Second, the flavor. The combination of warm cinnamon and rich maple syrup creates an irresistible aroma and taste. This isn’t just plain old French toast; it’s an elevated, comforting experience. This easy French toast recipe is also incredibly versatile and great for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on Sunday and have a delicious breakfast ready to reheat all week long. They are a much healthier, and tastier, alternative to the frozen breakfast foods you find at the grocery store. This recipe is all about bringing a little bit of joy and a lot of flavor to your breakfast table without any of the stress. It’s perfect for a lazy Saturday morning or a special holiday brunch.
✅ Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a good loaf of bread.
For the French Toast Sticks:
- 8 slices of day-old bread: Challah or brioche bread works best because of its rich flavor and sturdy texture.
- 4 large eggs: The foundation of our custard.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk works best for a rich custard. You can also use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: For a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The key to that classic, warm spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil: For cooking the sticks.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: The perfect amount for a sweet coating.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Doubles down on that delicious cinnamon flavor.
This simple list of ingredients comes together to create a complex and delicious flavor profile. The slight sweetness of the maple syrup and the warmth of the cinnamon and nutmeg are what really make this a standout recipe.
🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Sticks
Making these maple cinnamon French toast sticks is a fun and simple process. The total preparation and cooking time is about 25 minutes.
- Prep the Bread: Cut each slice of bread into three or four equal-sized sticks. A thick slice of bread will give you a better result. Day-old bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
- Make the Custard: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and a light yellow color.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a separate shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set this aside for later.
- Dip the Sticks: Working in batches, place the bread sticks into the egg custard mixture. Let them soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side. Don’t let them soak for too long, or they will fall apart when you cook them.
- Cook the French Toast Sticks: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked French toast sticks in a single layer on the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat and Serve: Immediately after removing the French toast sticks from the skillet, while they are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure they are evenly coated on all sides.
Serve them warm with a side of extra maple syrup for dipping. This sweet French toast stick recipe is a perfect way to start your day.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas
These maple cinnamon French toast sticks are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can turn them into a complete and unforgettable meal.
- Dipping sauces: A small bowl of extra maple syrup is a must, but you can also serve them with a little caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
- Fresh fruit: A side of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a fruit salad adds a refreshing and healthy contrast to the sweet sticks.
- Add a protein: For a more balanced meal, serve the sticks with a side of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a couple of sausage links.
- A little dusting: A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the sticks adds a classic, elegant touch.
- With a warm drink: A hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a mug of hot chocolate would be a perfect complement to these cozy treats.
These cinnamon French toast sticks are perfect for a special family breakfast, a holiday brunch, or even a fun, sweet snack. They are so versatile you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
📝 Nutritional Information (Approximate)
These maple cinnamon French toast sticks are a satisfying and delicious breakfast. The nutritional information below is an estimate and can vary based on the ingredients you use, especially the type of bread and milk.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.
💡 Recipe Variations and Pro-Tips
One of the best things about this French toast stick recipe is how easy it is to customize. It’s a fantastic base that you can tweak to match your taste or what you have on hand.
- Swap the spices: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can use pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or just a little extra vanilla.
- Try different bread: While challah or brioche are my top choices, you can use Texas toast, sourdough, or even a gluten-free loaf. The key is to use a slightly thick, sturdy bread.
- Make them mini: For a fun twist, you can cut the bread into smaller cubes instead of sticks and serve them with toothpicks as a fun appetizer.
- Add a nutty flavor: Add a little almond extract to the custard for a nutty flavor. You can also mix in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Make them savory: While these are meant to be a sweet treat, you can easily make them savory by omitting the sugar and cinnamon and serving them with a side of eggs and bacon.
- For a healthier option: Use a whole-wheat bread, a lower-fat milk, and a sugar substitute for the coating. The result will still be delicious and satisfying.
- Make them ahead of time: You can cook a large batch of these sticks and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast. Once they are fully cooked and cooled, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven or an air fryer.
My number one pro-tip for this breakfast stick recipe is to not rush the cooking process. Cooking them over medium heat allows them to cook all the way through without burning the outside. A little patience will result in a perfectly golden, crispy-on-the-outside, and tender-on-the-inside French toast stick.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the best bread for French toast sticks?Challah or brioche bread is highly recommended. Their sturdy texture and rich, eggy flavor are perfect for soaking up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Can I make these in the air fryer?Yes! To make these in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- How do I store leftovers?Store any leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that delicious crispy texture.
- Can I make this dairy-free?Yes, you can! Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk in the custard and a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil for cooking. The results will be just as delicious.
- Why do my French toast sticks fall apart?This usually happens if the bread is too fresh or if you soaked the sticks for too long in the custard. Using day-old bread and limiting the soaking time to 15-20 seconds on each side will help them hold their shape.
📝 Conclusion: A Simple Treat for a Sweet Morning
These maple cinnamon French toast sticks are more than just a recipe; they are a little piece of breakfast magic. They are a way to turn a simple meal into a special moment, a little something to look forward to on a busy morning. The classic flavors of cinnamon, maple, and vanilla come together to create a treat that is comforting, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s simple, adaptable, and a perfect way to bring a little extra sweetness to your life. So go ahead, make a batch, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfect breakfast. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! What dipping sauces will you serve them with? Share your experience—I’d love to know!
