This French Dip Sticks Recipe transforms classic French toast into irresistible, cinnamon-sugar coated sticks, enhanced with crushed cereal for a fun, kid-friendly breakfast that’s ready in minutes.
author’s note
Crispy, Custardy, Cinnamon-Sugary Perfection!
Growing up, few things brought me as much joy as a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Its signature sweet cinnamon flavor and satisfying crunch were a staple in my childhood mornings. While my breakfast habits have evolved—I often opt for a nutritious Green Smoothie or a vibrant Blueberry Smoothie these days—the nostalgic pull of that classic cereal remains strong. I can still happily devour a box!
So, an idea sparked: why not combine the beloved flavor and texture of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with one of my family’s all-time favorite breakfasts, French toast? The result is an inventive twist on a breakfast classic that has become an instant hit in our home. My kids are absolutely obsessed, and honestly, I doubt they’ll ever let me prepare French toast sticks any other way!
These unique French Toast Sticks offer a fantastic textural contrast: a wonderfully crispy, cinnamon-infused exterior thanks to the crushed cereal, yielding to a soft, custardy interior that practically melts in your mouth. They’re not just breakfast; they’re an experience, delivering a burst of sweet, spicy, and satisfying crunch with every bite. This recipe elevates ordinary French toast into something extraordinary, making mornings brighter and more delicious for everyone.
Ingredients for Ultimate French Toast Sticks
Crafting these irresistible French Toast Sticks requires a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect crispy, custardy, cinnamon-sugary balance. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Brioche or French Bread: The foundation of any great French toast. Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal because it’s less prone to falling apart and absorbs the rich egg mixture more effectively, resulting in a custardy interior without becoming soggy. Brioche offers a buttery richness, while French bread provides a classic texture.
- Eggs: These form the essential custard base, binding the ingredients and creating the signature soft texture. Whisking eggs thoroughly ensures a smooth, consistent coating for every stick.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for its creamy texture and full flavor, which contributes to a richer custard. While lower-fat milk can be used, it may result in a thinner mixture and a slightly less luxurious finish.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramelized sweetness to the custard that beautifully complements the cinnamon from the cereal. Lightly packed brown sugar is preferred for its moisture and flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors, adding warmth and depth to the overall profile of your French toast. Don’t skimp on quality here for the best taste.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch of fine sea salt is vital to balance the sweetness, preventing the French toast from being overly sugary and bringing out the nuanced flavors of the other ingredients.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: The star ingredient that gives these sticks their unique, crispy, and cinnamon-sugar packed exterior. Crushing the cereal into fine crumbs ensures an even and complete coating, delivering maximum crunch and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for cooking the French toast sticks, butter is key to achieving that golden-brown, crispy crust and adds an unparalleled richness and flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Essential Equipment
To make this recipe a breeze, gather these essential kitchen tools:
- Blender or food processor: For quickly crushing the cereal into fine crumbs.
- Large nonstick skillet or electric griddle: Essential for cooking the French Toast Sticks evenly and preventing sticking.
- Cooling rack: To ensure the cooked sticks remain crispy by allowing air circulation.
- Large shallow bowl: For easily dipping the bread sticks in the egg mixture.
- Whisk: For combining the custard ingredients until smooth.
How To Make Crispy French Toast Sticks: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of our sensational Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Sticks. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
- Prepare the Bread: Begin by cutting your chosen bread (Brioche or French bread works best) into uniform sticks. If using a loaf of French bread, slice it into approximately 3/4-inch thick pieces, then cut each slice lengthwise into 2-3 thick sticks. For pre-sliced bakery brioche, cut each piece into 4 sticks. Arrange them on a platter or baking sheet and leave them uncovered for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients; slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
- Craft the Custard: In a large, shallow bowl (wide enough to dip the bread sticks), combine the eggs, whole milk, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined, ensuring no streaks of egg white remain. This smooth custard is key for an even coating.
- Crush the Cereal: Take your Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and place it in a blender or food processor. Pulse the cereal until it forms fine crumbs, similar to breadcrumbs. Depending on the size of your appliance, you might need to do this in batches. Transfer these crushed crumbs to another large, shallow bowl, ready for dredging.
- Coat the Bread Sticks: Work with one bread stick at a time. Dip it into the egg and milk custard mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated but not overly saturated. Gently shake off any excess liquid to prevent a soggy outcome. Immediately transfer the dipped stick to the bowl of crushed cereal, generously coating it on all sides. Press lightly to help the crumbs adhere. Repeat this process until all your bread sticks are beautifully coated. You may have a bit of extra egg mixture or cereal, depending on the bread’s absorbency and stick size.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, or preheat an electric griddle to 375°F (190°C). Add about a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the hot surface, allowing it to melt and lightly bubble. Carefully place the coated French Toast Sticks into the pan in a single layer, ensuring they are about 1/2-inch apart. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and prevent even browning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful crispy golden brown.
- Keep Crispy and Serve: As the French Toast Sticks finish cooking, transfer them directly to a wire cooling rack. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing steam from building up and keeping them wonderfully crispy. If you’re cooking a large batch, you can keep the cooked sticks warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture!
Quick Tip: No Blender? No Problem!
Don’t have a blender or food processor? No worries! Simply seal the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in a sturdy plastic bag and crush it using a rolling pin, a meat mallet, or even the bottom of a heavy pan until you achieve fine crumbs. If you’re out of Cinnamon Toast Crunch or prefer a different flavor, you can easily substitute it with a classic cinnamon-sugar mixture for a simpler, yet equally delicious, French toast stick.
Serving Suggestions for Your French Toast Sticks
These Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Sticks are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right toppings can elevate your breakfast experience to new heights. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:
- My Ultimate Indulgence: Arrange your warm French Toast Sticks on a plate and generously top them with an abundance of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries!), a drizzle of luscious homemade vanilla sauce, and a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. This combination creates a truly decadent breakfast or dessert.
- Tropical Twist: Serve alongside slices of fresh, ripe bananas and a drizzle of this delightful healthy caramel sauce. The creamy banana complements the crispy toast beautifully.
- Classic Comfort: A generous pour of warm, pure maple syrup is always a winner. Enhance it further with fresh berries and/or a cloud of whipped cream for a timeless breakfast.
- Berry Bliss: Drench your French Toast Sticks in a vibrant homemade blueberry syrup and scatter fresh blueberries over the top for a fruity and satisfying meal.
- Powdered Sugar Dust: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a subtle sweetness that never goes out of style.
- Savory Side Balance: Since these French Toast Sticks are delightfully sweet, consider balancing your meal with savory elements like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a simple scramble of eggs.
Expert Tips & Storage Solutions
Achieving perfectly crispy and custardy French Toast Sticks is easy with a few key techniques:
- Dip Carefully: Always dip one bread stick at a time into the egg mixture. This prevents the bread from becoming overly saturated and ensures it retains its structure, especially with softer bread like brioche.
- Shake Off Excess: After dipping, gently shake off any excess egg mixture. This allows the cereal crumbs to adhere better and ensures a crispy exterior without a gummy layer underneath.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking, leave about 1/2 inch of space between each stick. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and steams the French toast instead of frying it, resulting in a less crispy texture.
- Use a Wire Rack: Once cooked, immediately transfer the French Toast Sticks to a wire cooling rack. Placing them directly on a plate can trap steam, making them soft. The rack allows air to circulate, keeping them crispy.
- Serve Hot: For the absolute best flavor and texture, serve your French Toast Sticks immediately after cooking. If preparing a larger batch, you can keep the cooked sticks warm on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven.
Handling Leftovers: Egg Mixture and Cereal
It’s common to have some leftover egg or cereal mixture, depending on your bread and how generously you coat the sticks.
- Extra Egg Mixture: Any unused egg custard can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for making a fresh batch of traditional French toast later in the week!
- Crushed Cereal: Unfortunately, crushed cereal does not store well. It tends to lose its crunch and can become stale quickly. We recommend using it generously on your current batch of French Toast Sticks to minimize waste.
Storage and Reheating
Should you have any Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast Sticks leftover, they store beautifully for a quick future breakfast:
- Storage: Place cooled French Toast Sticks in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy again. A microwave can be used, but the sticks may lose some of their crispiness.
- Freezing Option: For longer storage, flash freeze cooked and cooled French Toast Sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1-2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster oven or regular oven for a quick and easy meal.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes:
Breakfast
Classic Quiche Lorraine Recipe
Pancakes And Waffles
Fluffy Blueberry Pancake Recipe
Desserts
Decadent Croissant Breakfast Bake
Breakfast
Sweet Banana Crepes
Print Recipe
Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Sticks Recipe
Chelsea Lords
These Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast Sticks get a unique, crispy twist with a coating of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This easy-to-make recipe is incredibly kid-friendly, perfect for a delicious and fun breakfast or brunch!
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
6 servings
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Large nonstick skillet
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 8 slices Brioche bread or French Bread (day old/stale is best)
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Serving suggestions (e.g., fresh berries, syrup, whipped cream, vanilla sauce)
- Sprinkle of powdered sugar (Optional)
Instructions
- If using French bread, slice into 3/4-inch thick pieces. Slice each piece into 2–3 thick sticks. If using pre-sliced bakery brioche bread, cut each piece into 4 sticks. Set aside (uncovered) while preparing everything else to allow it to slightly dry.
- In a large, shallow bowl, combine eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until completely smooth.
- In a blender or food processor, add the measured cereal (you may need to do this in batches). Pulse cereal until it forms fine crumbs, then transfer the crushed cereal to another large, shallow bowl.
- Working with 1 stick of bread at a time, dip it into the egg and milk mixture, gently shaking off any excess (dip quickly if using tender brioche bread to prevent it from breaking). Immediately coat/dredge it very generously with the cereal crumbs, pressing lightly to ensure adhesion. Repeat until all bread sticks are coated.
- Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat (or heat an electric griddle to 375°F). Add a pat of butter (or run a stick of butter across the heated griddle). Once the butter has melted and is lightly bubbling, add French Toast Sticks in a single layer, about 1/2-inch apart. Cook until golden brown and crispy on one side, then flip and cook until the other side is also golden and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the French Toast Sticks to a wire cooling rack (not a plate!) to maintain crispiness. Wipe out the skillet or wipe off the griddle with a paper towel and repeat with the remaining sticks, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve French Toast Sticks immediately off the griddle/skillet with a dust of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup (or homemade vanilla sauce) if desired.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: For the best texture, we recommend using pre-sliced bakery brioche bread, French bread, or plain Texas toast. Day-old or slightly stale bread works wonders as it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
Note 2: For serving, consider a variety of delicious toppings like our homemade whipped cream, pure maple syrup, fresh berries, or this quick vanilla sauce recipe:
- To make the vanilla sauce: Combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt in a heavy-bottomed pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5–8 minutes or until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Allow to cool slightly before serving over your French Toast Sticks!
Note 3: You might have some leftover egg mixture or crushed cereal. Store extra egg mixture in the fridge for 3-4 days for future French toast. Crushed cereal, however, doesn’t store well and is best used generously on your current batch.
Note 4: To keep your French Toast Sticks optimally crispy, serve them as quickly as possible after cooking. If preparing a large batch, keep cooked sticks warm in an oven preheated to 200°F (95°C) on a cooling rack placed over a large sheet pan.
Nutrition Note: The nutrition information provided below is an approximation and does not include any additional syrups or toppings.
Storage: Store any leftover Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore warmth and crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 403 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 43g |
Protein: 9g |
Fat: 21g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g |
Cholesterol: 177mg |
Sodium: 308mg |
Potassium: 165mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 19g |
Vitamin A: 563 IU |
Vitamin C: 2mg |
Calcium: 88mg |
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.
Achieving French Toast Stick Perfection: Pro Tips
While the recipe itself is straightforward, these additional tips will help ensure your Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Sticks turn out absolutely perfect every time – crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
- The Right Bread Matters: As mentioned, day-old or slightly stale bread is your best friend. Fresh bread can absorb too much custard and become soggy. Brioche is highly recommended for its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, but a good quality French bread or challah will also yield excellent results.
- Don’t Rush the Whisk: Take your time to thoroughly whisk the egg mixture until it’s completely smooth and homogeneous. Any unmixed egg white can lead to an uneven coating and texture.
- Crush Cereal Finely and Evenly: The key to that signature crispy coating is finely crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch. A food processor or blender makes quick work of this, ensuring a consistent texture that adheres well to the bread sticks. Avoid large chunks as they won’t stick as effectively and might burn.
- Moderate Dipping Time: Especially with softer breads like brioche, a quick dip (just a few seconds per side) is sufficient to absorb enough custard without causing the bread to fall apart. You want a coating, not a soak.
- Butter for Flavor and Crispiness: Don’t be shy with the butter when cooking! It not only prevents sticking but also contributes significantly to the golden-brown color and irresistible crispy texture. Use fresh butter for each batch.
- Mind the Heat: Medium-low heat is crucial. Too high, and the cereal coating will burn before the interior is cooked through. Too low, and the sticks won’t get that desirable crispness. Adjust as needed; the butter should bubble gently, not furiously.
- The Oven Trick for Batches: If you’re feeding a crowd or simply want to keep all your French Toast Sticks warm and crispy, utilize your oven. Preheat it to 200°F (95°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet inside. As you finish cooking each batch, transfer them to this warm rack in the oven. This method prevents them from getting cold or soggy while you finish the rest.
- Balancing Sweetness: These French Toast Sticks are a sweet treat, perfect for indulging. To create a balanced breakfast spread, pair them with savory options. Consider whipping up a hearty Country Breakfast Egg Skillet, a comforting plate of One Pan Breakfast Potatoes and Bacon, or simply some fluffy scrambled eggs to complement the sweetness.
- Get Creative with Cereal: While Cinnamon Toast Crunch is fantastic, don’t limit yourself! Experiment with other cereals like Frosted Flakes, Fruity Pebbles, or even crushed cornflakes mixed with cinnamon for different flavor profiles and textures.