Irresistible Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast Sticks with a Crispy Cereal Coating

This innovative French Toast Sticks Recipe takes a classic breakfast favorite and elevates it with an exciting, crispy twist. Each stick boasts perfectly golden, crunchy edges, a luxuriously custardy interior, and an explosion of sweet cinnamon flavor that will make your taste buds sing. Get ready to discover your new go-to breakfast.

Crispy Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast Sticks served on a plate with warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, ready for a delightful breakfast.

A Note from the Creator

The Secret Ingredient for Unforgettable French Toast Sticks

Growing up, my absolute favorite breakfast cereal was Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Its sweet, cinnamony squares, with that distinctive crunch, were pure joy in a bowl. While my morning routines have evolved to include healthier options like a refreshing acai bowl or hearty oatmeal, I still have a soft spot for that nostalgic flavor. This craving inspired a stroke of culinary genius: what if I could incorporate that beloved cereal into another family breakfast staple?

The result? These incredible French Toast Sticks, coated in finely crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch. This brilliant addition provides an unparalleled cinnamon crunch to the exterior, perfectly complementing the soft, custardy center of traditional French toast. It transforms a simple breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience, taking it to a whole new level of deliciousness. You’ll find these sticks wonderfully sweet and fragrant with cinnamon, boasting an addictively crispy outside and a tender, moist inside. They are truly exceptional!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Uniquely Crispy Texture: The crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal creates an irresistible, crunchy coating that sets these French toast sticks apart from any other recipe.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: A rich, custardy interior infused with brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon contrasts beautifully with the sweet, spiced crunch of the exterior.
Kid-Friendly & Fun: Served as easy-to-handle sticks, they’re ideal for little hands and make breakfast an exciting adventure for children and adults alike.
Simple to Master: Despite their gourmet taste, these French toast sticks are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them perfect for weekend brunches or special morning treats.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them simply with syrup, or get creative with a variety of toppings to suit any preference.

All the essential ingredients for making French Toast Sticks neatly prepped: brioche bread, eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, and butter, alongside suggested toppings like whipped cream and maple syrup.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect French Toast Sticks

Crafting these exceptional French Toast Sticks starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of crispy texture, custardy softness, and delightful flavor.

Ingredient	Why It Matters & Pro Tips
Brioche or French Bread	The foundation of great French toast! Slightly stale bread is truly best here because it acts like a sponge, soaking up the rich custard mixture without becoming soggy or falling apart during cooking. Brioche offers a naturally richer and sweeter flavor profile, resulting in a more decadent treat. Alternatively, French bread provides a sturdy structure that holds its shape beautifully while still absorbing flavor. For a thicker, more substantial stick, consider using Texas Toast.
Eggs & Whole Milk	This dynamic duo forms the essential custardy core of your French toast. The eggs bind everything together and provide richness, while whole milk adds a luxurious creaminess, ensuring the sticks cook up incredibly soft and moist on the inside. For an extra rich custard, a splash of heavy cream can be substituted for some of the milk.
Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract & Salt	These seemingly small additions are crucial for developing a deep, complex flavor profile in the custard. Brown sugar imparts a warm, caramel-like sweetness, vanilla extract adds aromatic depth, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, preventing the interior from tasting bland. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal	This is our secret ingredient! When pulsed into fine crumbs, it adheres beautifully to the bread, creating an incredibly crunchy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced coating. This provides a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of nostalgic flavor that truly sets this recipe apart. Ensure the crumbs are fine enough to stick but not so fine they disappear entirely.
Unsalted Butter	Cooking these sticks in butter is non-negotiable for achieving those perfectly golden-brown, crispy edges and infusing them with an unbeatable savory richness. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of your dish. Be sure to add more butter between batches to keep the pan lightly coated, ensuring even browning and preventing sticking.

A visual step demonstrating the battering process for French Toast Sticks, showing the whisked egg mixture and bread sticks being dipped, ensuring thorough coating.

Mastering the Art of French Toast Sticks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these gourmet French Toast Sticks is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time:

Prepare Your Bread: Begin by slicing your chosen bread into sticks. If you’re using French bread, aim for 3/4-inch thick slices, then cut each slice lengthwise into 2–3 thick sticks. For pre-sliced Brioche, simply cut each slice into 4 sticks. Arrange the cut bread sticks on a baking sheet or wire rack and leave them uncovered while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This brief exposure to air helps them become slightly stale, which is ideal for soaking up the custard.
Craft the Custard: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the large eggs, whole milk, lightly packed light brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined, with no visible streaks of egg white. A well-whisked custard ensures a uniform, rich flavor in every bite.
Crush the Cereal: Transfer the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal to a blender or food processor. If your appliance is small, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Pulse the cereal until it forms fine, consistent crumbs. The texture should be similar to breadcrumbs or fine sand, allowing it to adhere beautifully to the bread. Once crushed, pour the cereal crumbs into a large, shallow bowl or dish, ready for coating.
Coat Each Stick: Working with one bread stick at a time, gently dip it into the prepared egg custard mixture. Quickly turn the stick to ensure it’s fully coated on all sides, then lift it, allowing any excess custard to drip back into the bowl. Immediately transfer the custard-soaked stick to the bowl of crushed cereal. Roll the stick generously in the crumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thick and even coating. Place the coated stick on a clean plate or baking sheet and repeat this process with the remaining bread sticks.
Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, or preheat an electric griddle to 375°F (190°C). Add a generous pat of unsalted butter to the hot pan, or lightly run a stick of butter across the griddle surface. Once the butter is melted and begins to lightly bubble, carefully arrange the coated bread sticks in a single layer in the pan. Ensure there is about 1/2 inch of space between each stick to allow for even cooking and to achieve that desirable crispness. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, or until the bottoms are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other sides until they reach the same golden perfection.
Serve Immediately: As each batch of French toast sticks finishes cooking, transfer them to a wire cooling rack. This is crucial for maintaining their crisp exterior, as placing them on a flat plate would trap steam and make them soft. Wipe out the skillet or griddle with a paper towel and add more butter before cooking the next batch. Serve these delightful French toast sticks immediately, ideally with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup or a rich vanilla sauce. Enjoy!

Quick Tip for Cereal Crushing

No blender or food processor on hand? No problem! Simply seal the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in a sturdy plastic bag and use a rolling pin or even a meat mallet to crush it into fine crumbs. It’s a great way to relieve a little stress and get the job done!

Chelsea’s Expert Tips

Achieving French Toast Stick Perfection

Gentle Dipping: When coating the bread sticks in the egg mixture, handle one stick at a time. This prevents the bread from becoming overly saturated and soft, which could cause it to break apart. A quick dip and turn is all you need.
Space for Crispness: Always leave ample space (about 1/2 inch) between the sticks while they cook in the pan. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and causes the sticks to steam rather than fry, resulting in a less crispy exterior. Cook in batches if necessary.
Maintain Crispy Edges: To ensure your cooked French toast sticks stay delightfully crisp, transfer them directly to a wire cooling rack after frying. Placing them on a solid plate will trap steam underneath, leading to a soggy texture.
Keeping Warm for Crowds: If you’re preparing a large batch for a hungry crowd, you can keep the cooked French toast sticks warm and crispy. Simply place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and hold them in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) until ready to serve.
Don’t Over Soak: A quick dip is enough! Brioche and French bread are absorbent. Too much time in the custard will make them soggy and hard to handle.
Even Heat Distribution: Ensure your pan is evenly heated before adding the sticks. This prevents some sticks from burning while others remain undercooked. Medium-low heat is key for a golden crust without burning.

Close-up shot of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal finely blended into a crumb coating, generously applied to the batter-dipped toast sticks before being cooked to perfection.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Your French Toast Sticks

These Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast Sticks are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings and sides, making them perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion.

My All-Time Favorite Combination: Elevate your breakfast experience by plating these French Toast Sticks with a medley of vibrant fresh berries, a drizzle of rich homemade vanilla sauce, and a generous dollop of light and fluffy whipped cream. The blend of sweet, tart, and creamy is simply divine.
Tropical Caramel Delight: For a unique twist, serve your French toast sticks with slices of perfectly ripe banana and a luscious drizzle of this healthy caramel sauce. The combination of banana and caramel is incredibly satisfying.
Blueberry Bliss: Drench your crispy sticks with a vibrant blueberry syrup and finish with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar. The fruity tang of the blueberry perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon.
Classic Savory Sides: Balance the sweetness by serving these sticks alongside savory breakfast staples. Options include fluffy scrambled eggs, hearty breakfast potatoes, or crispy baked bacon for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutty Indulgence: Drizzle with warm maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness.
Fruit Compote: Top with a warm, homemade fruit compote made from apples, peaches, or mixed berries for a fresh, seasonal touch.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These French Toast Sticks are undeniably at their best when served immediately, hot off the griddle. The crispness of the cereal coating and the warmth of the custardy interior are truly unbeatable when fresh.

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore their glorious crispness, avoid microwaving. Instead, reheat them in a toaster, toaster oven, or even a conventional oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Serve with fresh toppings after reheating.

Dealing with Leftover Mixture

The amount of egg and cereal mixture you use can vary based on the type and freshness of your bread, as well as how generously you coat each stick. It’s common to have some egg custard leftover. Any extra egg mixture can be safely stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be used for another batch of French toast or even savory egg dishes. However, the crushed cereal mixture tends to absorb some moisture from the egg and doesn’t store well once combined. Therefore, it’s best to coat your sticks generously to use as much of the cereal as possible in the initial preparation.

Explore More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes:

If you enjoyed these unique French Toast Sticks, you’ll love exploring other delightful breakfast and brunch ideas from our kitchen. Expand your morning repertoire with these irresistible recipes:

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Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Sticks

By
Chelsea Lords

Experience the ultimate breakfast treat with these French Toast Sticks: crispy edges, a soft custardy middle, and an explosion of sweet cinnamon flavor in every delightful bite, thanks to a special cereal coating.

Prep Time:

15

Cook Time:

10

Total Time:

25

Servings:

6
servings

Video Tutorial

Watch a video demonstration of how to make these delicious French Toast Sticks!

Equipment Needed

Blender or food processor for crushing cereal
Large nonstick skillet for frying
Wire cooling rack to keep sticks crispy
Large mixing bowl
Shallow dish or bowl

Ingredients

8 slices Brioche bread or French Bread (day old/stale is best), see note 1
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: powdered sugar, whipped cream, berries, vanilla syrup, etc (see note 2)

Instructions

1. Prepare Bread: Slice the bread into sticks. If using French bread, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices, then cut each slice into 2–3 thick sticks. If using sliced Brioche, cut each slice into 4 sticks. Set aside uncovered while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
2. Make Custard: In a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until completely smooth and well-combined.
3. Crush Cereal: Add cereal to a blender or food processor (work in batches if needed). Pulse until the cereal forms fine crumbs, then transfer to a large shallow bowl.
4. Coat Bread: Working with one bread stick at a time, dip it into the egg mixture, quickly turning to coat and letting the excess drip off. Immediately roll the stick in the cereal crumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well. Repeat with the remaining bread sticks.
5. Cook Sticks: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat or heat an electric griddle to 375°F. Add a pat of butter to the pan or run a stick of butter across the griddle. Once the butter is melted and lightly bubbling, place the coated bread sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each stick. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp (approx. 2-4 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until crisp.
6. Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked sticks to a wire cooling rack (see note 3). Wipe out the skillet or griddle with a paper towel and repeat with the remaining sticks, adding more butter as needed. Serve immediately with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup or vanilla sauce, if desired.

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Recipe Notes

Note 1 – Choosing Your Bread: I highly recommend using pre-sliced bakery Brioche bread for its richness and texture. French bread or even plain Texas toast are also excellent alternatives that provide a sturdy base.

Note 2 – Homemade Vanilla Syrup: For an extra special topping, try our favorite homemade syrup: Combine 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and let cool slightly before serving. This syrup is incredibly decadent!

Note 3 – Serving Freshness: These French toast sticks are truly at their peak when served immediately after cooking. If you’re preparing a larger quantity, keep them warm and crisp by placing them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until all batches are ready.

Nutrition Note: The provided nutrition information for this recipe does not include any additional syrups or toppings. Please factor in the nutritional value of your chosen accompaniments.

Storage & Reheating: For best results, serve fresh. Store any leftover French toast sticks (without syrup) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and regain their crisp texture, use a toaster, toaster oven, or a conventional oven (not a microwave).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It does not include optional syrups or toppings.

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