These Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are a delightful way to start any day, especially when you’re looking for something a little more exciting than plain toast.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks: Easy Sweet Breakfast Recipe 16

They combine the warm, comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon with the fun, dippable format of French toast sticks, making breakfast an instant hit for everyone at the table.

Perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and quick. You’ll love how easily these come together, transforming simple ingredients into a sweet and satisfying meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

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

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe for Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks is a true winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly family-friendly; the stick format makes them easy for little hands to hold and dip, turning breakfast into a fun experience. For parents, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate fruit into a sweet treat that kids will eagerly devour. You can serve these for a quick weekday breakfast when you have a few extra minutes, or as a star dish for a leisurely weekend brunch with friends and family. The combination of warm apples and fragrant cinnamon is universally appealing, creating a comforting and inviting aroma in your kitchen. It’s also a great option for those who enjoy a sweet breakfast but want something a bit more substantial and flavorful than just pancakes or waffles.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for these French toast sticks is simple, focusing on common pantry staples and fresh produce. You won’t need any exotic items, which makes this a stress-free recipe to pull together on short notice.

INGREDIENTS:

8 slices of sandwich bread (brioche or challah work well too)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk (any kind: dairy or non-dairy)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large apple (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Maple syrup for serving

For the bread, a slightly thicker slice is ideal as it holds up well to dipping and cooking. Brioche or challah bread will give you a richer, more decadent French toast stick, but regular sandwich bread works perfectly fine for a quicker, everyday option. When choosing your apple, select one that holds its shape well when cooked and offers a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are excellent choices. If you prefer a dairy-free option, feel free to substitute your favorite plant-based milk and butter alternative.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you want a delicious breakfast without a long wait.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

The prep time includes dicing the apple and mixing the egg batter. The cooking time accounts for sautéing the apples and then frying the French toast sticks in batches until golden brown. You’ll be enjoying these warm, sweet treats in well under an hour!

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Prepare the Apple Filling: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced apple, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the brown sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the French Toast Batter: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.
Cut the Bread: Take each slice of bread and cut it into 3-4 equal “sticks.” You can cut them lengthwise or widthwise, depending on your preferred stick size.
Dip the Bread Sticks: Working in batches, quickly dip each bread stick into the egg batter, ensuring all sides are coated but not overly saturated. You want the bread to absorb some of the liquid, but not become soggy.
Cook the French Toast Sticks: In a large non-stick skillet or griddle, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, place the dipped bread sticks in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Brown and Finish: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to flip them a few times to get an even color. Repeat with remaining bread sticks, adding more butter to the pan if needed.
Assemble and Serve: Once all the French toast sticks are cooked, arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the warm apple cinnamon mixture over the top of the sticks. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve immediately with a side of maple syrup for dipping.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are already a hit, but a few simple variations and serving ideas can make them even more versatile and fun.

For a truly kid-friendly experience, offer a variety of dipping sauces alongside the maple syrup. Think about a small bowl of plain yogurt, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a fruit preserve. You can also add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles over the top for an extra touch of fun. If you want to make them even more substantial, serve them with a side of scrambled eggs or breakfast sausage.

To vary the fruit, consider swapping the apples for finely diced pears or even a mix of berries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained). A pinch of cardamom can be added to the cinnamon-apple mixture for a slightly different warm spice profile. For a richer flavor, you could use a splash of apple cider or apple juice in the apple mixture as it cooks. These French toast sticks also make an excellent addition to a breakfast buffet; simply keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) on a baking sheet until ready to serve.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help you avoid them and 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 batter for too long, it will become soggy and fall apart in the pan. Dip quickly, ensuring all sides are coated, but don’t let it linger. Another slip-up is overcrowding the pan. Cooking too many sticks at once lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed rather than nicely browned French toast. Cook in batches, giving each stick enough space to cook evenly. Not preheating the pan properly can also be an issue. A hot pan with melted butter is essential for achieving that beautiful golden crust. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the sticks will absorb too much butter and become greasy. Finally, burning the apples is a possibility if the heat is too high. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently to ensure they soften without scorching.

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 leftovers or prepare components ahead of time to make your morning even easier.

To store leftovers, allow the cooked French toast sticks to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Store the apple cinnamon mixture separately in its own airtight container in the fridge. When ready to reheat, you can warm the French toast sticks in a toaster oven, air fryer, or a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through and slightly crispy again. Reheat the apple mixture gently in the microwave or a small saucepan.

For making ahead, you can prepare the apple cinnamon mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This saves a significant amount of time on the morning you plan to serve. You can also cut the bread into sticks the night before and store them in an airtight bag or container at room temperature. The egg batter, however, is best made fresh just before dipping and cooking the French toast sticks.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions that often come up when making Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks.

Can I use frozen apples? While fresh apples are preferred for texture, you can use frozen diced apples. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking them with butter and brown sugar.

What kind of bread is best for French toast sticks? Brioche, challah, or Texas toast are excellent choices because they are sturdy and absorb the batter well without becoming soggy. Regular sandwich bread works too, especially if it’s slightly thicker.

Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread

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.