Easy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

from 12 votes

This Easy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks recipe has been a reader favorite for over a decade! Thick-cut slices of Texas toast soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, then cooked to golden perfection. Dip and dunk in warm maple syrup for the ultimate breakfast.

Several cinnamon French toast sticks on a white plate with fresh raspberries and blueberries all being drizzled with warm maple syrup.

If you peek your head around these parts, you’ll notice I have a strong affinity for custard-soaked carbs, specifically of the French toast variety. You’ve got your banana bread French Toast, your festively flavored egg nog French toast, and last but not least, your Nutella stuffed French toast. Today, we’re adding one more to the mix with Easy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks.

So what makes these buttery batons tasty enough to steer clear of the drive-through breakfast menu? None other than a simple cinnamon-vanilla custard that lends the characteristic eggy coating.

But slices of bread were so last year. It’s about time you forget the forks and take a walk on the slender side with finger-friendly French toast sticks. All that’s missing from this breakfast party is a few fresh berry buoys and a warm maple syrup plunge pool. Dip. Dunk. Repeat.

Ingredients

French toast is a beloved classic that’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients. But here’s the secret: every ingredient choice plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect bite. So, don’t underestimate their impact! Follow my tips and ingredient swaps below:

Batons of Texas toast on a cutting board next to various sizes of glass bowls containing three eggs, vanilla extract, butter, sugar, ground cinnamon and heavy cream.
  • Bread: Thick-cut bread with sturdy crusts is essential for this recipe, as the crusts help the sticks hold their shape. If you don’t have Texas toast on hand, you can use any thick-sliced bread like brioche or challah for similar results.
  • Eggs: Serve as the binding agent for the custard, helping to create that rich and creamy texture we love.
  • Heavy cream: You can technically use any liquid to make French toast, though milk is the most popular. I prefer to use heavy cream or whole milk, but half-and-half works, too. I don’t recommend using fat-free or reduced-fat milk because these varieties lack the necessary fat content that gives the batter extra richness, creating that ideal texture we love about this breakfast favorite.
  • Cinnamon: Sprinkle it generously for that extra touch of cinnamon goodness that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
  • Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the custard, balancing out the flavors and enhancing the overall deliciousness. Tip: White, brown or even coconut sugar can be used to infuse its own unique flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: A tablespoon of pure or homemade vanilla extract provides a subtle yet essential flavor boost, rounding out the sweetness and adding depth to the egg mixture.
  • Butter: I am Team Butter when it comes to cooking French toast. It’s what gives that classic rich, golden exterior, plus adds a deliciously buttery flavor. You can use oil instead, but keep in mind that the type of oil you choose may impart a slightly different flavor to the French toast sticks. If you decide to use oil, choose a neutral-flavored one with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning during the frying process.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Pro Tip: Day-old bread that’s slightly dried out works best for French toast since it will soak up the most custard.

How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

  1. Cut the bread. Aim for similar-sized slices to ensure even cooking.
  2. Make the custard mixture. For extra flavor, let the custard mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the cinnamon and vanilla to fully infuse.
  3. Coat the bread sticks. Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture, turning to coat it on all sides so that it’s well-saturated with the custard. Shake off any excess custard before transferring the bread to a plate or baking dish.
  1. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each side typically takes about 2-3 minutes to cook. Be patient and allow each side to cook until golden brown before flipping to ensure a crisp exterior and fully cooked interior.
  2. Serve immediately with warm maple syrup. These really are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle!

I like to serve these alongside a fresh fruit salad and crispy hash browns for a family-friendly breakfast spread.

Kelly’s Tips

  • Allow the bread sticks to soak in the custard mixture for a few seconds on each side. This ensures that they absorb enough of the mixture for a flavorful and moist interior.
  • Make sure your frying pan or griddle is hot before adding the French toast sticks. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking.
  • Resist the temptation to overcrowd the pan. Instead, cook in batches. This prevents the temperature from dropping too much, ensuring each stick cooks evenly and to perfection.
  • Give these the churro treatment by gently rolling them in a cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after cooking.

How do you keep French toast warm for a crowd?

Preparing to serve a crowd of hungry holiday guests or hosting a brunch with friends? Here’s how to keep your cinnamon French toast sticks warm:

Preheat your oven to 200°F. As each batch finishes cooking on the stovetop, transfer them to a baking sheet topped with a wire rack (this helps to avoid any sogginess). Arrange the sticks in a single layer and place the baking sheet in the oven for up to 20-30 minutes, ensuring they stay warm and delicious. Be sure to periodically check them to avoid overcooking or drying out.

Storing and Freezing

  • Refrigerate: Once completely cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: After cooking and once cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the sticks are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
  • Reheat: For single servings, I recommend using a toaster oven or air fryer for the best results. While a microwave works in a pinch, it can make the sticks soggy. If reheating several at a time, arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.

Common Questions

How to keep French Toast from being too soggy?

To avoid soggy French toast, make sure your pan is at a high enough heat so that you get a quick sear on the outside of the bread. This will guarantee a nice crispness while maintaining a soft (but not soggy!) center.

Can I use dairy-free milk?

Yes, you can absolutely use dairy-free milk as a substitute. Just keep in mind that different types of dairy-free milk may have slightly different flavors and consistencies, which can subtly alter the taste and texture of your French toast.

What type of bread is best for French toast sticks?

Thick-cut bread like Texas toast or brioche works best for French toast sticks due to their sturdy texture, which holds up well to soaking and frying.

Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the custard mixture ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a stir before dipping the bread sticks when you’re ready to cook.

A pile of French toast sticks on a plate being drizzled with maple syrup.

Best French Toast Recipes

And for all those joining in my French toast frenzy, don’t miss additional top-rated recipes.

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Breakfast

Easy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

Skip the forks in favor of your fingers with this family-friendly recipe for Easy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks.
Author: Kelly Senyei
4.92 from 12 votes
Several cinnamon French toast sticks on a white plate with fresh raspberries and blueberries all being drizzled with warm maple syrup.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • 8 slices thick-cut Texas toast (See Kelly’s Notes)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Unsalted butter, for cooking
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions 

  • Cut each slice of Texas toast into four sticks. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture, turning to coat it on all sides so that it’s well-saturated with the custard.
  • Shake off any excess and place the coated bread on a large plate or baking dish. Repeat the dipping process with the remaining pieces of bread.
  • Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, place several of the coated sticks in a single layer in the pan. (Do not overcrowd the pan.) Cook until golden brown on one side then flip and continue cooking until the sticks are golden brown and slightly crisped on all edges.
  • Serve immediately with maple syrup for dipping.

Kelly’s Notes

  • Day-old bread that’s slightly dried out works best for French toast since it will soak up the most custard.
  • Thick-cut bread with sturdy crusts is essential for this recipe, as the crusts help the sticks hold their shape. If you prefer regular French toast, skip slicing the Texas toast into sticks or use a crusty French baguette sliced into 1-inch-thick rounds.
  • Freeze: After cooking and once cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the sticks are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
  • Reheat: For single servings, I recommend using a toaster oven or air fryer for the best results. While a microwave works in a pinch, it can make the sticks soggy. If reheating several at a time, arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.
  • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 163mg, Sodium: 336mg, Potassium: 70mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 740IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 8.6mg

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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.


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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I was missing a few things, I subsided cinnamon with cloves, the syrup with honey, and added some banana slices to the top. It was great, thank you for sharing the recipe. P.S. If you’re okay with getting your fingers sticky and have topped your French toast sticks with fruit, you can wrap the fruit in the French toast, it’s so good!

    1. 5 stars
      We’ve been making these for years and love them!! It’s a great recipe and my 8 year old son makes them for us now! Thank you! :)

      1. LOVE reading this, April! I’m thrilled your family has been enjoying the recipe for 8 YEARS! :)

    1. Hi Virginia! I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but many other commenters have and say that it works if you cool them completely before freezing.

  2. 5 stars
    This was a very tasty recipe. I’m a 7th grader and I needed to cook something for a grade and i was hungry and it was really good! I got an A so thank you Kelly!

  3. I love to use both cinnamon and nutmeg to flavor french toast! If I did that with this recipe, what measurements would I use for both cinnamon and nutmeg?

    1. I don’t think so! Just don’t keep the oven too warm and, if possible, arrange them on a rack atop a baking sheet so that they don’t get soggy.

    1. 4 stars
      This recipe is very good and my family loved it! BUT there is way too much cinnamon so when we made it we just added 1 teaspoon but it was still a lot.

    1. Yes! As per the recipe above, you’ll need to heat a large sauté pan over medium heat with 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter. Hope that helps!

  4. Would these be able to be made ahead and kept warm in the over? I am hosting a brunch for 50 and think these would be a good addition to the menu.

    1. Hi Laurie! Yes, that should work! Just don’t keep the oven too warm and, if possible, arrange them on a rack atop a baking sheet so that they don’t get soggy.

  5. Help me figure out why these are soggy in the middle? The main sides I flip cook just fine but the middle is soggy. I can’t really flip onto those sides because they are thinner than the main two sides. Hope this makes sense!

    1. Hi there! Was your pan hot enough when you added the French toast sticks to it? If the heat was too low, the bread would just absorb the butter and get soggy rather than slightly crisped. Hope that helps!

    1. Hi Brittany! I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but many other commenters have and say that it works if you cool them completely before freezing.

  6. Omg these were so good! Will make again and again. I didn’t have unsalted butter so I used regular butter. They were darker in color but the taste was awesome. Dusted with powdered sugar. My neighbors loved them too. Thank you for sharing this. ❤️

  7. This So delicious and So easy!! I make it for my little sisters at breaks fast!! It fast and they love helping me stir the custard!!

    1. Hi there, Karla! I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but many other commenters have and say that it works if you cool them completely before freezing. Hope that helps!

  8. so hi liked that the recipe is easy since i am a single guy living alone and has like only cook either scrambled eggs or scrambled pancakes having this will substitute for my local dd’s donuts which i am starting to develop a hate for but the question is i have toast that isn’t thick like that my store sells thin toast can i use that ?

    1. Thick-cut bread with sturdy crusts is essential for this recipe, as the crusts help the sticks hold their shape. You could skip slicing the thin bread for classic French toast instead of sticks. Hope that helps!

      1. I think it might work to slice something like a Kings Hawaiian loaf, or another dense bread like a soft Italian. Have you tried that? Also the heavy cream has only slightly more fat than the whipping cream so I’m wondering about that too. Have you made it that way?

    1. If you’re viewing the site on a mobile device, click TAP HERE TO READ THE FULL POST and scroll down to view the recipe.

  9. I have 0 unsalted butter at my house, can i just use my Country Crock that i already have in my fridge??

    Also, for heavy cream – is it the same as heavy whipping cream? all i found in the store a few days ago was the latter…. The gal at the store said it was the same thing?

  10. I cook for people for a living. I was looking for a way to store these in the freezer and saw that many other wanted to as well. I have the solution! (Or at least it works for me and my clients). If you let them cool to room temperature or even flash cool them in the fridge, then place them in a ziploc or storage container, they freeze just fine. If you freeze them still warm, they are soggy when reheating them. Now I make giant batches of these and have them on hand all the time! Also, we use raisin bread instead of texas toast. Have also tried the Cinnabon brand with the cinnamon “bursts” & have had rave reviews. Even with the additional cinnamon, it isn’t overpowering with either of the two. Anyway, thank you for the recipe. I had never been able to make mine quite like my granny’s…it was the cream! I did a serious facepalm ;)

  11. Hi,

    I like that recipe, Im gonna try this one for first time!. But whats means “heavy cream” Im new made recipe, you use some special brand for “heavy cream”.

    Thanks!!

  12. Very good! I used coconut milk and ghee to be dairy-free. I used some whole grain bread that wasn’t thickly-sliced, and it worked fine. Some of the pieces from the middle of the bread got floppy, but only one fell apart – no biggie! Bonus: my kids loved ’em, too. :) Even though they’re more fussy than regular French toast, I like all the crispy edges.

  13. lots of comments here are commenting on how good the photos look. unfortunately when you actually cook these, it’s not as great as it seems.
    They were too soggy and the ‘custard’ was strange and nowhere near the same sweet, flavoursome goodness of the simple egg-milk-sugar french toast surprisingly. I had high expectations and unfortunately this did not deliver.

    1. Hi Rachel – I’ve never experienced the sogginess you noted with this recipe. Was your pan hot enough when you added the French toast sticks to it? If the heat was too low, the bread would just absorb the butter and get soggy rather than slightly crisped.

  14. These are delish. My great grandchildren love them because they can eat with their hands. Someone mentioned they were soggy? Well you might try baking 5 min after cooking. This makes them a little more crispy and they hold up better.

  15. Hi wondering if you or if anyone has tried freezing leftovers for a quick bake & eat breakfast? If so I would love your feedback!!

  16. OMG, this recipe looks like the last recipe I need for a weekend…no any day breakfast! Yumminess to the max! Can’t wait to share with my daughter and my son! They will be in heaven eating this!

  17. This are fantastic! For everyone asking, yes they can be frozen. I stick them in my toaster oven for about 7 minutes at 350 for a quick school day breakfast that my kids love.

  18. Hi. I have a nice Cuisinart brand sauté pan but can’t seem to find the right temperature on my cooktop for cooking anything. I know it’s user error! Any advice for knowing how to tell the pan is at the right temperature before adding the butter to melt (and before the fire department arrives)?

  19. Yes! Yes! Yes! I use my stone the same way. It makes left over fried chicken crispy again. I have also done grilled cheese this way and it works amazing for bacon.

  20. Mmmm yummy. My Grandmother has been making this exact recipe for ages. Taught to her by her mother and so on. It never gets outdated.

  21. Thank you so much for this recipe, as I have started a new food journey, eating only foods that I can pronounce the ingredients. My 18 month old dauther’s breakfast usually consist of frozen French Toast and the question I have is can I cook a large batch and freeze them for the week or bi-weekly use. We live an active lifestyle and I don’t always have time to cook from scratch, however I do reheat all foods on the stovetop or in the oven and steer away from microwaves. So will these reheat well in a pan on the stove or better in the oven? Thank you in advance for your response!

  22. I made this for my family today. It was delicious, everyone loved it. We like french toast but this recipe takes it to another level. Thanks for sharing!

  23. Hi there! I just wanted to say that I made these recently and they are positively divine!! I had to shoo everyone out of the kitchen so they wouldn’t eat them all before i was finished with the whole batch!! That being said,I do have a question,would it be possible to make the egg and cream mixture ahead of time? Say, tonight,to be used tomorrow morning.
    Thanks for your time and your fantastic recipe!

    1. Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! You can definitely make the custard a day ahead, but just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then remove it and continue with the recipe as directed :)

  24. My son has requested French Toast Sticks this morning and I’m thinking, “How in the world do I make them?” I knew there was a trick….look at someone else’s recipes before I try my own. :)

    1. Hi Breana! I’ve never tried this recipe using 2% milk so I can’t say for certain if you’ll get the same results.

    1. Hi Flor! I haven’t tried baking the French toast sticks before, so I can’t say with certainty if that would work out. Feel free to use less butter in the pan, if you’re looking to lighten calories!

  25. Can these be frozen? I am always looking for homeade versions to my kids store bought favorites…

    1. Hi Jacy! To avoid soggy French toast, make sure your pan is at a high enough heat so that you get a quick sear on the outside of the bread. This will guarantee a nice crispness while maintaining a soft (but not soggy!) center. Hope this helps!

  26. Hi I know this is probably a silly question but what is heavy cream? These look amazing but with my minimal cooking adventures I’ve never heard of heavy cream.

  27. Hi all! the best way to warm up anything that has a crispy crust to it (including french toast sticks) is to use a Pampered Chef Baking stone.. heated in the oven at 350 for about 10 mins.. then put your food on the stone and back in the oven for about 6ish minutes. If heating from frozen, leave a little longer. For mulitple sided things like these sticks, turn them over half way… everything comes out all nice and hot, and crispy just like fresh cooked! The centers do NOT get soggy! This is also the very BEST way to reheat a slice of pizza! .. NOTE: i have tried other brands of baking stones.. and really just prefer the overall performance of the ones from Pampered Chef (no.. i am NOT a sales person.. just love to cook!)

  28. Do you think if you made these up and and let them cool before freezing them they would be okay? I have a toddler and a baby on the way and thought they would be an easy breakfast in the morning

    1. Hi Ashlee! I’ve never tried freezing them after they’ve been cooked and cooled, so I can’t say with certainty that they wouldn’t me mushy upon reheating them. Let me know if you try it! And congrats on the soon-to-be addition!

  29. OMG these were so good the second time around. DO NOT forget to add the cream. It makes a world of difference in the taste.

  30. Custard soaked carbs are the best! These french toast sticks are perfect for weekend brunch!

    1. Hi Jennifer! I’ve never tried freezing these so I can’t say with certainty if they’d work out, but my concern is the center of the sticks might get too soggy. If you do give it a try, let me know how they turn out!

  31. I can’t believe I’ve never come across your blog until now. I love it!
    Great recipes.
    This one looks especially good. My kids will thank me for sure for making these. :)

  32. With the Holiday’s just over I found I had some left-over egg nog. So, I used the egg nog instead of the usual milk. Yum!!! I’ve also used vanilla ice cream and it’s yummy too. Also, I don’t use syrup on my french toast. I used granulated or powdered sugar.

  33. These post brought up some serious dejuvu. I used to eat french toast sticks from the box every weekend when I was a kid. I’m gonna have to make this recipe with cartoons in the background like old times.

    1. I’m right there with you, Nicole :) I used to eat these as a kid (the frozen variety) and loved every bite!

  34. Custard soaked carbs are the best! I loved french toast sticks growing up and have made a similar recipe before, but yours are just gorgeous! Such pretty photos!

  35. I just want to carry those around in my pocket all day. They look so delicious! And there needs to be a dunking situation going on with those, they are perfect for dunking.

  36. OK, this might be becoming my favorite blog for 2014. . oh my goodness! yummm! and love that you used Texas toast. Awesome.

  37. Man, oh, man do I need one of those French Toast Sticks in my mouth, like now! Do they every look delicious! I should know better than to read one of your blog posts early in the morning before I’ve had my breakfast {grin}! Thanks for whetting my appetite with yet another beautiful, tasty post! Tootles!

  38. As a treat growing up, I was able to get french toast sticks and oh, how I loved them so. Yours are seriously the best looking FTS’s Ive ever seen! WOW! I want like a zillion sticks, right now! Pinned!

    What kind of bread did you actually use? I know you said day old and cut thick, but if you have a brand, LMK – because I want my sticks to turn out JUST like these pics. pinned!

    1. Thanks so much, Averie! I used a brand of Texas toast that I found in Colorado. It was just basic, thick-cut Texas toast, and it seemed to do the job pretty well!