Welcome to your new favorite breakfast recipe! Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks are easy, fun, and oh-so-delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these tasty treats up in no time. Imagine crispy bread sticks, coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, making every bite a joy. In this post, I'll guide you through the steps to make these delightful sticks that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a mouthwatering flavor that is irresistible, making it a perfect breakfast treat.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can whip up these French toast sticks in no time, perfect for busy mornings.
- Fun to Eat: The stick shape makes them a fun finger food, great for kids and perfect for dipping in syrup or your favorite sauces.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
To make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)
- Butter or cooking spray for frying
These ingredients come together to create a sweet and crispy breakfast treat. Thick bread like brioche or challah holds up best, giving you soft insides and a crispy crust. The eggs and milk form a custard that soaks into the bread. Vanilla and cinnamon add warmth and flavor, making each bite delightful.
You can add nutmeg for a hint of spice, but it’s not a must. The sugar and cinnamon mixture for coating gives the sticks a sweet crunch. Using butter or cooking spray helps the sticks fry perfectly. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish a hit at your breakfast table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Custard
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together four large eggs and one cup of milk. Add in one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and one tablespoon of sugar. If you like, you can sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Finally, add a pinch of salt, about 1/4 teaspoon. Mix it all well until smooth. This mixture is your custard. It will give the toast a rich flavor.
Slicing the Bread
Next, take six slices of thick bread. Brioche or challah works best for this recipe. Cut each slice into three equal sticks. You will end up with 18 tasty French toast sticks. Make sure the sticks are not too thin. They should hold up well when you soak and cook them.
Soaking the Bread Sticks
Now it’s time to soak the bread sticks. Dip each stick into the custard mixture. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side. You want them to absorb the custard but not get too soggy. This step is key for that soft inside and crispy outside.
Cooking the French Toast Sticks
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter or cooking spray to coat the surface. Place the soaked bread sticks in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan; this will help them cook evenly. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. You will love the smell as they cook!
Coating with Cinnamon Sugar
While the sticks are still warm, prepare to coat them. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll each cooked French toast stick in this mixture. Make sure they are evenly coated. This adds a sweet crunch that makes them irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the warm French toast sticks on a platter. They are best served right away. Offer a side of maple syrup for dipping. You can also add fresh fruit or whipped cream if you like. Enjoy these sticks for breakfast or as a sweet snack!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Bread
Choose thick bread for the best French toast sticks. Brioche or challah are my favorites. They soak up the custard well. Avoid thin bread; it can break easily. If you want a heartier option, use whole grain bread. Just remember, the bread should be fresh but not too soft.
Cooking Tips for Crispy Texture
To get that nice crisp, use medium heat. This allows the sticks to cook evenly. Add butter or cooking spray to your pan. Make sure to coat it well. Fry the sticks in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to soggy sticks. Flip them gently to avoid breaking. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is soaking the bread too long. Aim for 10-15 seconds per side. If you soak too long, the bread gets too soggy. Another mistake is not rolling the sticks in cinnamon sugar right away. If you wait too long, the sugar won’t stick. Lastly, remember not to skip the nutmeg. It adds a great flavor boost!
Pro Tips
- Use Stale Bread: Older bread works best for French toast as it absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart.
- Keep the Heat Moderate: Cooking on medium heat prevents the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a splash of orange zest or almond extract to the custard for a unique twist.
- Serve with Dipping Options: Along with maple syrup, consider offering fruit compote or chocolate sauce for added variety.
Variations
Flavor Add-Ins
You can easily change the flavor of your French toast sticks. Add in fun extras to the egg mix. For a sweet twist, try adding a pinch of cocoa powder or some pumpkin spice. If you love fruit, mix in some mashed bananas or finely chopped strawberries. You can even toss in a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor. Each option brings a unique taste to your sticks.
Different Coating Options
The classic cinnamon sugar coating is amazing, but you can try new options! For a chocolatey treat, sprinkle melted chocolate over the sticks after frying. You can also use crushed nuts for a crunchy texture. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a sweet finish. If you want a fun twist, roll the sticks in crushed graham crackers for a s'mores vibe. These variations keep breakfast exciting!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your French toast sticks warm. Pair them with maple syrup for dipping. You can also add fresh fruit on the side, like sliced bananas or berries. A dollop of whipped cream can make it extra special. For a fun twist, serve them with yogurt or a chocolate sauce. You can even make a breakfast platter by adding scrambled eggs and bacon. These ideas make your meal more enjoyable!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your cinnamon sugar French toast sticks fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. They can last in the fridge for about three days. If you want to enjoy them later, storing them properly is key. Just make sure they cool down before you seal them up.
Reheating Instructions
When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven or on the stove. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sticks on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This makes them warm and crisp again. If you use a skillet, heat a little butter over medium heat. Cook the sticks for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are hot and crispy.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
You can also freeze French toast sticks for later! Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, just follow the reheating instructions. Enjoy warm, sweet, and crispy bites whenever you like!
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these sticks ahead of time. You can prepare the custard and soak the bread sticks. Then, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to eat, cook them fresh. This keeps them crunchy and warm.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, try using flaxseed meal or applesauce. For flaxseed, mix one tablespoon with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. For applesauce, use a quarter cup per egg. Both options work well in this recipe.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works great in this recipe. Choose a thick slice for the best result. Check the texture and flavor of the bread you pick. Some brands may toast better than others.
How do I make the sticks extra crunchy?
To make your French toast sticks extra crunchy, cook them longer on medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the sticks. You can also add a touch more sugar to the coating mix. This will help create a lovely crunch.
In this blog post, we walked through making delicious cinnamon sugar French toast sticks. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for the best results, fun variations, and storage advice. French toast sticks can be quick, fun, and tasty. They are great for breakfast or snacks. You can easily customize them to fit your taste. Use the tips to ensure they turn out perfectly. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bite!
