These Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are a delightful way to start any day, bringing together the comforting flavors of apple pie with the beloved breakfast classic, French toast.
Imagine golden-brown sticks, crispy on the outside and tender within, infused with warm cinnamon and sweet apple. It’s a breakfast that feels special yet comes together with surprising ease.
Perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a truly satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic option for families, as these handheld sticks are fun for kids to eat and easy to dip. Get ready to enjoy a sweet and comforting breakfast that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are a delightful way to start any day, bringing together the comforting flavors of apple pie with the beloved breakfast classic, French toast. Imagine golden-brown sticks, crispy on the outside and tender within, infused with warm cinnamon and sweet apple. It’s a breakfast that feels special yet comes together with surprising ease.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the apple mixture: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and set aside. The apples should look slightly caramelized and smell fragrant.
2. 2. Set up the dipping station: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy. This is your French toast batter.
3. 3. Prepare the bread: Lay the slices of thick-cut bread on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut each slice into 3-4 equal “sticks” or strips. This makes them easy to handle and cook evenly.
4. 4. Dip the bread sticks: Working in batches, carefully dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated but not overly saturated. You want them to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy, so a quick dip is usually enough.
5. 5. Cook the French toast sticks: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, place the dipped French toast sticks in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6. 6. Achieve golden perfection: Cook the French toast sticks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll see a beautiful crust forming. Repeat with any remaining sticks, adding more butter to the pan if needed.
7. 7. Serve with apple topping: Once all the French toast sticks are cooked, arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the warm cinnamon apple mixture over the top, or serve it on the side for dipping. A drizzle of maple syrup is the perfect finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: pan frying
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks with apple topping
Keywords: french toast, apple, cinnamon, breakfast, brunch, sweet, easy, kid-friendly, comfort food, sticks
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true winner for anyone looking for a comforting, sweet breakfast that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. It works beautifully because it takes the classic appeal of French toast and elevates it with the timeless combination of apples and cinnamon, all while making it conveniently portable in stick form. It’s perfect for families with children who might prefer eating with their hands, or for adults who enjoy a dunkable breakfast treat. You can serve these for a relaxed Saturday morning, a quick weekday breakfast before school, or even as a delightful brunch item when you have guests. The familiar flavors are universally appealing, making it a go-to for many occasions and a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet breakfast with apples.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for these apple cinnamon French toast sticks is straightforward, using items you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. The key is fresh bread and a good apple to get that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Don’t feel pressured to buy expensive or specialty brands; everyday staples work perfectly here.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as challah, brioche, or Texas toast)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
For the bread, thick-cut varieties like challah or brioche absorb the egg mixture well without becoming soggy, leading to a wonderfully tender interior. If you don’t have these, Texas toast is a great substitute. Any type of milk you prefer, whether dairy or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, will work perfectly in the egg batter. When it comes to apples, a crisp, slightly tart variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith works best as it holds its shape when cooked and offers a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you don’t have unsalted butter, salted butter can be used; just be mindful of any additional salt you might add elsewhere.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for efficiency, delivering a delicious breakfast without keeping you in the kitchen for too long. From the moment you start prepping to the first bite, you’re looking at a very reasonable timeframe.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
This makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings when you want something more substantial than cereal but don’t have endless time. The steps are simple and flow smoothly, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Making these apple cinnamon French toast sticks is a simple process, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Follow these steps for perfectly golden, flavorful sticks every time.
- Prepare the apple mixture: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and set aside. The apples should look slightly caramelized and smell fragrant.
- Set up the dipping station: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy. This is your French toast batter.
- Prepare the bread: Lay the slices of thick-cut bread on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut each slice into 3-4 equal “sticks” or strips. This makes them easy to handle and cook evenly.
- Dip the bread sticks: Working in batches, carefully dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated but not overly saturated. You want them to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy, so a quick dip is usually enough.
- Cook the French toast sticks: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, place the dipped French toast sticks in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Achieve golden perfection: Cook the French toast sticks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll see a beautiful crust forming. Repeat with any remaining sticks, adding more butter to the pan if needed.
- Serve with apple topping: Once all the French toast sticks are cooked, arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the warm cinnamon apple mixture over the top, or serve it on the side for dipping. A drizzle of maple syrup is the perfect finishing touch.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
These apple cinnamon French toast sticks are wonderfully versatile, making them easy to adapt for different tastes or occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can cut the bread into fun shapes using cookie cutters before dipping, or offer a variety of dipping sauces like yogurt, fruit purées, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
To change up the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture for a more complex spice blend. You could also stir in a tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples for added crunch and nutty flavor. For a richer experience, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this breakfast into a dessert-like treat. These sticks are fantastic for a casual family breakfast, but they also make a great addition to a brunch buffet, served alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a sweet and savory spread.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls, but knowing what to watch out for will ensure your apple cinnamon French toast sticks turn out perfectly every time.
One common mistake is over-soaking the bread. If the bread sits in the egg mixture for too long, it can become overly saturated and fall apart in the pan, resulting in soggy French toast. To avoid this, dip each stick quickly, ensuring both sides are coated but not completely waterlogged.
Another frequent issue is cooking over too high heat. While you want a golden-brown crust, cooking on high heat can burn the outside before the inside is cooked through, or leave you with unevenly browned sticks. Medium heat is ideal for achieving that perfect balance of color and doneness.
Finally, overcrowding the pan can lower the skillet’s temperature, leading to steamed rather than properly browned French toast. Cook in batches, giving each stick enough space to cook evenly and develop that desirable crispy exterior. Don’t rush the process; patience will yield the best results.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
These apple cinnamon French toast sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly store them or prepare components ahead of time to make your mornings even easier.
To store leftover cooked French toast sticks, allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. For best results, store the apple topping separately in its own airtight container in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to reheat, the best method to maintain a good texture is to use a toaster oven or a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the sticks for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy again. A microwave can be used, but it may result in a softer texture.
To make ahead, you can prepare the apple cinnamon mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also cut the bread into sticks the night before and store them in an airtight bag or container at room temperature. This way, in the morning, all you have to do is whisk the batter, dip, and cook!
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Here are some common questions that often come up when preparing apple cinnamon French toast sticks, along with helpful answers to guide you.
Can I use frozen apples? While fresh apples are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen diced apples. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking them with the butter and sugar to prevent a watery sauce.
**What kind of bread is best
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
