Ready to transform your breakfast with an easy and delicious treat? Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks are quick to make and perfect for any morning! With simple ingredients like bread, eggs, and plenty of cinnamon, you can whip up this tasty dish in no time. Fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these sticks are just waiting to be dipped in maple syrup. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices or add ingredients like chocolate chips or fruit to suit your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: These French toast sticks are fun to eat and great for dipping, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of cinnamon sugar and maple syrup creates a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
To make the best Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks, gather these simple ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick bread (challah or brioche)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Butter or cooking oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Maple syrup for serving
These ingredients create a rich and flavorful base for your French toast sticks. Using thick bread like challah or brioche gives the best texture. The eggs and milk form a creamy custard that soaks into the bread. The vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg add delicious flavors, while the sugar helps create a sweet crust. You can use butter or cooking oil for frying, depending on your preference. The powdered sugar and maple syrup make for delightful toppings.
By having these ingredients ready, you set yourself up for a tasty treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Custard Mixture
To start, you need to whisk the custard. Grab a big bowl. Add 3 large eggs. Next, pour in 1 cup of whole milk. Then, add 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. If you like, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for extra flavor. Don’t forget 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well and look frothy.
Preparing the Bread
Now, it’s time to prepare the bread. Choose thick bread like challah or brioche. Cut each slice into strips that are about 1 inch wide. This makes the perfect shape for French toast sticks. Make sure your bread is fresh for the best taste.
Cooking the French Toast Sticks
Next, you will cook the sticks. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add some butter or cooking oil. This helps prevent sticking. Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture. Make sure they are coated well but not soaked. Let the excess mix drip off. Place the coated sticks in the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. If you have a lot of sticks, cook them in batches to avoid crowding.
Adding the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the sticks cook, prepare the cinnamon sugar. In a shallow dish, mix 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir it well to combine. Once your French toast sticks are done, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure each stick is evenly coated. This gives them that sweet, tasty finish.
Serving Suggestions
For serving, dust the warm sticks with powdered sugar if you like. Offer a small bowl of maple syrup on the side for dipping. You could also try adding fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra fun!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To avoid sogginess, make sure to dip the bread sticks just enough. You want them coated, but not soaked. Let the excess custard drip off before cooking. This helps them stay firm and crisp. Use medium heat on your skillet. Too high and they burn outside, but stay raw inside.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding nutmeg boosts the flavor nicely. Just a little can make a big difference. You can also try using a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a fun twist. For a sweeter touch, consider vanilla sugar or a splash of orange zest. These small changes can make your French toast sticks really pop!
Equipment Recommendations
A non-stick skillet works best for easy cooking. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple. If you have a griddle, that’s great too! A spatula is key for flipping the sticks without breaking them. Use a whisk for mixing the custard, and a shallow dish for the cinnamon sugar. These tools make the process smooth and fun!
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture and flavor, opt for thick slices of challah or brioche. Their richness complements the custard beautifully.
- Don’t Soak Too Long: Dip each bread stick just enough to coat it in the egg mixture. Over-soaking can lead to soggy sticks that won’t crisp up.
- Adjust the Heat: Keep an eye on the skillet temperature. If the butter is browning too quickly, lower the heat to ensure the sticks cook through without burning.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or a splash of orange zest to the custard mix for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make your cinnamon sugar French toast sticks even better with flavor twists. Adding fruits is a great way to do this. Fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, or even blueberries add a burst of taste. You can mix these fruits into the custard or serve them on the side.
For nut and chocolate options, think about adding nut butter. A layer of almond or peanut butter gives a rich taste. You can also sprinkle chocolate chips on the sticks before cooking. This adds sweetness and a little fun!
Dietary Substitutions
If you need gluten-free options, try using gluten-free bread. Many brands offer soft and tasty choices. This makes the recipe accessible to everyone.
For dairy-free options, swap whole milk for almond or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free butter substitute for frying. Both options work well and still give great flavor.
Creative Serving Ideas
Serving ideas can elevate your French toast sticks. Consider unique dips like chocolate sauce or yogurt. These dips add a fun twist and make each bite exciting.
For special occasions, plating matters too. Stack the sticks high and dust them with powdered sugar. Add a few berries on the side for a pop of color. This makes the dish look fancy and inviting.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your French toast sticks fresh, let them cool completely first. Avoid stacking them while they are warm. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for about three months.
Reheating Techniques
To reheat your French toast sticks, you have a few great options. The oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sticks on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a toaster oven for a quick reheat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep their crisp texture. If you must use a microwave, heat them in short bursts. This way, they won’t get too soggy. Enjoy your tasty treats warm!
FAQs
How do I make French toast sticks crispy?
To make French toast sticks crispy, you need to follow a few key steps. First, use thick bread like challah or brioche. This helps keep the inside soft while the outside gets crispy. Next, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the sticks. A preheated skillet helps create that golden crust. Also, do not overcrowd the pan. This allows hot air to circulate around the sticks for even cooking. Lastly, cook them for a few minutes on each side until they are perfectly golden.
Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the custard mixture ahead of time. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Store this mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using it. This will save you time on busy mornings. It also allows the flavors to blend nicely.
What type of bread works best for French toast sticks?
The best bread for French toast sticks is thick bread, like challah or brioche. These types hold up well when dipped in the custard. They soak up flavor without falling apart. Other good options include Texas toast or even sourdough. Just make sure the bread is fresh and thick to achieve the best texture.
You can make delicious French toast sticks with simple ingredients and clear steps. Start by whisking eggs, milk, and spice. Cut your bread and fry it to golden perfection. Tossing in cinnamon sugar adds a sweet touch. Don’t forget the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Experiment with flavors and variations to make it your own. Enjoy these sticks for breakfast or any time you want a treat. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will love the
