Name: Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 thick slices Texas toast or French bread; 4 eggs; 1 cup half and half; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons butter; Maple syrup (for serving, optional)

Nothing beats the warm, cozy feeling that Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe brings to your morning table. With crispy cinnamon sugar coating and soft, custardy centers, these sticks are a fun twist on traditional French toast you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows a stack of thick, golden-brown sticks of cinnamon sugar toast on a white plate. The toast sticks are arranged in three layers, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar that adds texture and a warm color contrast. Around the plate, there are fresh sliced strawberries and whole blueberries adding bright reds and deep blues to the scene. A fork with a wooden handle rests on the right side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with some blurred fresh fruits and a bottle of syrup visible in soft focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly hooked on these homemade French toast sticks—they’re such a crowd-pleaser at breakfast or brunch. Plus, they're super easy to whip up, and dipping them in warm maple syrup feels like a little hug in every bite.

Crispy outside, tender inside: The cinnamon sugar coating adds just the right amount of crunch while keeping the center moist and delightful.
Kid-friendly and fun to eat: Perfect finger food that even picky eaters will enjoy gobbling up.
Quick and straightforward: Ready in about 20 minutes, ideal for busy mornings when you want something special without hours in the kitchen.
Customizable flavors: You can easily tweak the sugar, use different breads, or add spices to make it your own.

A white plate holds a stack of six rectangular golden-brown French toast sticks with a crispy texture and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top. The sticks are arranged in two layers, with four sticks on the bottom and two on top, some tilted to show their fluffy inside. Maple syrup is being poured over the top sticks, creating a glossy stream. Around the toast sticks, there are fresh, sliced red strawberries and whole blue blueberries adding bright color. A copper spoon rests on the edge of the plate. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl of blueberries and a blurred plate of more toast sticks in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its role perfectly here—making sure the sticks are rich but not overwhelming, sweet but balanced, and with a flavor that sings. Here's a quick look at what you'll need and why:

Flat lay of thick slices of fresh French bread cut into sticks, four whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half, a small white bowl filled with fine white sugar, a small white bowl with light golden vanilla extract liquid, a small white bowl containing fine white salt, a few cubes of fresh pale yellow butter, a small white bowl with a mix of brown cinnamon powder and granulated sugar, and a small white bowl holding amber maple syrup, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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

Texas toast or French bread: Thick slices hold the custard soak and keep the sticks tender without falling apart.
Eggs: Provide structure and that luscious creamy texture inside the toast.
Half and half: Richer than milk, it makes the batter more decadent and smooth.
Sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness in the custard and coating.
Vanilla: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
Butter: For that golden, flavorful crust in the skillet.
Cinnamon: The star spice in the coating that makes these sticks unmistakably delicious.
Maple syrup (optional): Classic pairing but totally optional if you want to use honey or fruit preserves instead.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up depending on the mood or season; this recipe is a great canvas to play with flavors or tweak for dietary needs. You can really make it your own!

Gluten-Free Variation: I once made this with gluten-free bread, and it worked beautifully—just be sure your bread is sturdy enough to soak without falling apart.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the coating boosts the autumn vibes, perfect for cozy mornings.
Less Sugar: For a lighter touch, I reduce both sugar amounts by half and still get plenty of flavor.
Vegan Swap: You can try using a plant-based milk and a flaxseed “egg” replacement, though texture will vary from the original.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread into Sticks

Start by cutting your thick Texas toast or French bread into 4 equal sticks each. This size is perfect—it’s small enough to be finger food but sturdy enough to hold up during cooking. Set these aside while you prep the batter.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, and salt. This mix is your magic bath that will soak into the bread, creating that creamy interior. Make sure everything is well combined for an even flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Using a separate bowl, combine your sugar and cinnamon. This simple mixture will add that signature sweet crunch when you roll the cooked sticks in it. Having this ready early keeps things moving smoothly.

Step 4: Cook Your Toast Sticks

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt half a tablespoon of butter, making sure it coats the pan. Dunk each bread stick into your custard mixture, letting the excess drip off (don’t overload it or the sticks get soggy), then lay them flat in the skillet. I can usually fit 6-8 sticks at a time, but give them some space so they crisp evenly.

Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. Watching that color change is always fun—it’s a great visual cue they’re almost ready!

Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar and Serve

Once the sticks are cooked, immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks while they’re hot. Lay them out on a serving tray and repeat the frying and coating until all your bread is transformed into irresistible sticks.

Serve warm with maple syrup on the side if you like a little extra sweetness and drizzle. Enjoy immediately for the best texture!

Top Tip

After making these French toast sticks dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make the difference between good and fantastic:

Choose the right bread: Thick slices of sturdy bread like Texas toast work best because they soak up the custard without falling apart.
Don’t oversoak: Dip the sticks just long enough to soak but not saturate—they should drip excess before hitting the pan to avoid sogginess.
Use medium heat: Cooking at medium heat ensures the interior cooks fully without the outside burning too quickly.
Butter in batches: Add extra butter as needed between batches to keep the skillet from sticking and to maintain that golden good crust.

How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe

French toast sticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar on top for a delicate finish, or adding fresh berries like raspberries and strawberries on the side to brighten the plate. A dollop of whipped cream never hurts either if you’re treating yourself.

Side Dishes

These sticks are great alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage, and I often pair them with fresh fruit salad or even a yogurt parfait for a balanced plate. For a heartier brunch, scrambled eggs and avocado slices work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the sticks in a fan shape on a large platter with dipping ramekins of syrup, honey, or fruit compote. Kids especially love dunking and dipping – it turns breakfast into a fun activity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They lose a bit of their crispness but still taste wonderful after reheating. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing to keep sogginess at bay.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver for busy weeks. I let the sticks cool, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They hold up well for up to 2 months, and you can reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

To keep that crispy outside, I reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes. Microwave is quicker but tends to make them soft. Using the oven really brings back the original texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Texas toast?

You can substitute regular sandwich bread, but choose thicker slices if possible. Thinner bread tends to get soggy and fall apart, making it harder to cook the sticks evenly. Day-old or slightly stale bread also holds the custard better than fresh bread.

How do I make these French toast sticks dairy-free?

Try replacing half and half with a rich plant-based milk like coconut cream or cashew milk. For the butter, use a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in the skillet. Eggs can be substituted with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) if you want to make it fully vegan, though texture will be a bit different.

What’s the best way to keep the cinnamon sugar coating from falling off?

Rolling the French toast sticks in the cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking ensures the coating sticks well to the warm surface. If you wait too long or let them cool completely, the sugar might not adhere as nicely. Also, make sure the coating mixture has enough cinnamon, which adds a bit of texture and stickiness.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

You can bake them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t get quite as crispy but will still taste delicious, especially if you spritz a little melted butter on top before baking.

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe has become my go-to for breakfasts when I want something a little extra—and so easy to share with family or friends. They bring that perfect balance of sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness and cozy comfort food vibes. Trust me, once you try these sticks, your mornings get a whole lot better. So grab some thick bread, whisk up that custard, and let’s get cooking!