Crispy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe with Easy Maple Drizzle

Let me tell you, the scent of cinnamon and vanilla sizzling in butter, mingling with the sweet aroma of maple, wafting from my skillet is enough to make anyone’s mouth water first thing in the morning. The first time I made these crispy cinnamon French toast sticks, I was instantly hooked — the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. It was one of those lazy Sunday mornings, years ago, when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and my grandma would whip up something similar for our family. But this recipe? It’s a little twist that I wish I’d discovered way back then.

Honestly, my family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). These sticks are dangerously easy to pick up and dunk into that luscious, easy maple drizzle, making them perfect for potlucks, weekend breakfasts, or even a sweet treat for your kids after school. You know what I mean — those moments when you want something comforting but also a little fun to eat. This crispy cinnamon French toast sticks recipe has become a staple at our family gatherings, gifting those cozy Sunday vibes to everyone lucky enough to have a plate in front of them.

After testing this recipe multiple times in the name of research, of course, I’m confident you’re going to want to bookmark this one. It’s pure, nostalgic comfort with a crispy twist, ideal for brightening up your Pinterest recipe board and your breakfast table alike.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe

Having made these French toast sticks more times than I can count (seriously, I’ve lost track!), I can share why this recipe stands out from the pack:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips needed; you likely already have everything in your pantry or fridge.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a fun family brunch, or a festive holiday morning, these sticks fit right in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave over the crispy outside and soft, cinnamon-kissed inside.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The texture combo of crispy edges and tender center paired with a sweet maple drizzle is next-level comfort food.

What makes this recipe different? Well, instead of thick slices, cutting the bread into sticks lets you get that perfect golden crunch on every bite. Plus, the cinnamon sugar coating is just right — not too heavy, but enough to bring out that cozy spice. And the maple drizzle? It’s an easy, lightly sweetened sauce that’s way better than plain syrup (and you’ll love how simple it is to whip up!).

This recipe isn’t just good — it’s the kind of breakfast that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and smile. It’s comfort food that feels homemade, fun to eat, and absolutely worth making a regular part of your breakfast rotation.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, so you can have this breakfast on your table in no time.

• Bread: 6 slices of thick-cut white bread or Texas toast (day-old or slightly stale works best for soaking)
• Eggs: 3 large eggs, room temperature (adds richness and helps hold the batter together)
• Milk: ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk or 2% milk (for a creamier texture; use dairy-free milk like oat or almond if preferred)
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (for mild sweetness in the batter)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (fresh and fragrant vanilla makes all the difference)
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the star spice of this recipe)
• Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying (I recommend Kerrygold for best flavor)
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Maple Drizzle:
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pro tip: Look for firm bread slices so they hold up well during soaking and frying. You can swap the cinnamon sugar coating with a mix of nutmeg and brown sugar for a warm twist. And if you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread that’s sturdy enough to soak without falling apart.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl for the egg batter
• Whisk or fork to blend eggs and milk
• Shallow dish or pie plate for dipping the bread sticks
• Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan (my favorite for even frying and crispiness)
• Tongs or a slotted spatula for flipping the sticks
• Cooling rack placed over a baking sheet (to let the excess butter drip and keep sticks crispy)
• Small saucepan for warming the maple drizzle

If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a good heavy-bottomed non-stick pan works just as well. Investing in a silicone spatula and quality tongs will save you a lot of hassle when turning those delicate sticks. And trust me, a cooling rack is a game changer here — it keeps the crust crispy instead of soggy.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the bread: Start by slicing your thick bread slices into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide sticks. You should get about 6 sticks per slice. Set aside on a plate.
2. Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, ¾ cup (180 ml) milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until combined and smooth. This will be your dipping batter.
3. Make the cinnamon sugar coating: In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Stir to mix well.
4. Heat the skillet: Place your skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons just before frying each batch to keep the pan nicely buttered.
5. Dip and coat: Take each bread stick and dip it into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 5 seconds per side. Don’t over-soak or the bread will fall apart. Immediately transfer the dipped stick to the cinnamon sugar mixture, rolling it gently to coat all sides evenly.
6. Fry the sticks: Place coated sticks in the hot skillet, cooking in batches without overcrowding. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip carefully. The sticks should feel firm and smell buttery with a hint of cinnamon.
7. Drain and keep warm: Transfer cooked sticks to the cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess butter and keep crisp. You can keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C) while finishing the rest.
8. Make the maple drizzle: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine ½ cup pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon butter, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Warm gently, stirring until butter melts and the mixture is fragrant. Remove from heat.
9. Serve: Arrange your crispy cinnamon French toast sticks on a platter and drizzle generously with the warm maple glaze. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Tip: If the sticks aren’t crisply golden after 3 minutes per side, increase the heat slightly but watch carefully to avoid burning. Also, don’t crowd the pan — frying in batches ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

From my many mornings of testing this recipe, here’s what I’ve learned to get the perfect crispy cinnamon French toast sticks every time:

• Use slightly stale bread: Fresh bread is too soft and will soak up too much batter, turning soggy. Day-old bread holds up beautifully.
• Don’t over-soak: A quick dip in the egg mixture is all you need. Over-soaking can cause the bread to fall apart during frying.
• Medium heat is key: Too high and the sticks burn before cooking through; too low and they won’t get crispy. Adjust as needed.
• Butter vs. oil: Butter adds flavor and browns beautifully but watch the heat to prevent burning. A mix of butter and neutral oil can help if you want more heat tolerance.
• Keep cooked sticks warm: Place finished sticks on a cooling rack over a baking sheet in a warm oven to keep them crispy while you finish frying the rest.
• Maple drizzle timing: Warm the maple drizzle just before serving to maintain its smooth texture and rich flavor.

Honestly, I once tried to save time by frying all the sticks at once, and let’s just say soggy cinnamon sticks are not a thing you want to serve. Patience and small batches pay off here!

Variations & Adaptations

This crispy cinnamon French toast sticks recipe is super flexible, so you can easily switch it up to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite gluten-free bread that’s sturdy enough to soak without falling apart. I’ve had great luck with gluten-free brioche-style loaves.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes), use plant milk, and fry in coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a warm spice twist. Or sprinkle chopped nuts on the sticks right after frying for extra crunch.
• Fruit-Infused: Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas alongside for a bright, fresh contrast.
• Cooking Methods: I’ve even tried baking the sticks on a greased sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway — still tasty, though not as crispy as frying.

One personal favorite variation I tried was swapping out the cinnamon sugar coating for a mix of cocoa powder and powdered sugar — it was surprisingly delicious and perfect for chocolate lovers!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these crispy cinnamon French toast sticks warm, straight from the skillet and drizzled with the maple glaze. They’re perfect alongside fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch treat.

If serving to a crowd, keep them warm on a rack in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C) so the crispiness holds up. Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or freshly squeezed orange juice for a complete morning delight.

To store leftovers, place cooled sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch.

Flavors actually develop a bit overnight, especially if you drizzle the maple sauce just before serving the next day. Just reheat the sticks and warm the maple drizzle separately, then combine.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of these crispy cinnamon French toast sticks contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on bread type and portion size. They provide a satisfying balance of carbohydrates and protein from the eggs and milk.

Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties and potential to help regulate blood sugar, making this a tasty way to sneak in a little extra spice with benefits. The use of real maple syrup offers minerals like manganese and zinc compared to processed syrups.

This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets, and using whole grain or sprouted bread can boost fiber content. Just watch portions if you’re mindful of sugar since the cinnamon sugar and maple drizzle add sweetness.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both fun and comforting, this crispy cinnamon French toast sticks recipe is absolutely worth trying. It’s simple, quick, and full of that cozy cinnamon warmth everyone loves. I adore how easy it is to make yet how impressive it looks on the plate — a real treat that feels homemade.

Feel free to customize the spices, bread, or maple drizzle to fit your cravings. I’d love to hear how you put your own spin on it, so don’t hesitate to share your variations or questions in the comments below. Give it a go, and I promise this recipe will become a family favorite before you know it!

Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

Can I use regular sliced bread instead of thick-cut bread?

Yes, but thick-cut bread like Texas toast works best to hold up during soaking and frying. Regular bread may become too soggy or fall apart.

How do I keep the French toast sticks crispy after cooking?

Place them on a cooling rack over a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F / 93°C) to drain excess butter and maintain crispiness.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crisp edges. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

Can I make the maple drizzle ahead of time?

You can prepare the drizzle ahead and gently rewarm it before serving. Just stir well so the butter doesn’t separate.

Is there a vegan alternative to eggs in this recipe?

Yes, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) works well as an egg substitute in the batter for a vegan version.

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