Ultimate Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks: A Crispy & Sweet Breakfast Delight

Imagine perfectly golden French toast sticks, but with an irresistible twist: each bite coated in crunchy, cinnamon-infused cereal crumbs. These unique Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks transform a classic breakfast into an extraordinary treat. The puffed rice cereal coating provides an incredible texture that’s both satisfying and utterly delicious, making them a surefire hit for even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re planning a special weekend breakfast or an elaborate brunch, this recipe promises a delightful and memorable experience for everyone.

Oh, French Toast sticks! There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about them, especially when they’re homemade. My journey with French toast has been a long and loving one, as many of you know from past adventures like the indulgent Crème Brûlée French Toast and the festive Eggnog French Toast with Cinnamon Whipped Cream. It’s a true confession: I am absolutely devoted to sweet breakfasts. Give me pancakes, muffins, scones, or French toast, and I’m in heaven. While these delightful treats aren’t an everyday occurrence, you can bet that any morning featuring them immediately becomes a special occasion, filled with joy and delicious anticipation!

But these aren’t just *any* French toast sticks. They are truly exceptional, a league above anything you might have tasted before. Imagine a symphony of textures and flavors: bits of golden, crunchy cereal, perfectly swirled cinnamon sugar, and a rich, creamy egg custard that penetrates every fiber of the bread. This unique combination elevates the humble French toast stick to a gourmet experience, making it a breakfast item you’ll crave again and again. The crispy exterior and tender, custard-soaked interior create an unparalleled sensation with every single bite.

The secret to their incredible texture lies in the ingenious cereal coating. We take a beloved breakfast cereal, lightly crush it, and then lovingly dip each French toast stick into this cinnamon-infused crunchy goodness before pan-frying them to golden perfection. The result is a breakfast item that’s universally adored, from toddlers to grandparents. The crispy coating provides a fantastic contrast to the soft, custardy interior, ensuring a delightful mouthful every time. In fact, it’s a fantastic recipe to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Little hands will love the task of rolling these sticks in the cinnamon-cereal mixture, making it a fun and interactive cooking experience. Forget about boring breakfasts; your weekend mornings are about to get a serious upgrade with these Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks!

The inspiration for these magnificent sticks struck me one glorious Sunday morning. I found myself in the kitchen, utterly ravenous, yearning for something both warm and comforting, yet also exciting and textural. I was torn between the familiar comfort of a bowl of cereal and the indulgent richness of French toast. The distinct crunch of cereal and the buttery warmth of French toast were calling to me simultaneously. And that’s when it hit me: why choose? Why not combine the best of both worlds? And just like that, the idea for cinnamon crunch French toast was born – a harmonious fusion of textures and flavors that would redefine my breakfast experience and, hopefully, yours too!

These homemade French toast sticks evoke cherished memories of the frozen varieties found in grocery stores – but let me assure you, they are infinitely better. *Way* better. They even surpass the nostalgia-inducing sticks I remember from Burger King (do they even still make those?). They instantly transport me back to my childhood summers, when waking up at noon was perfectly acceptable, and my biggest dilemma was deciding between a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous pour of maple syrup over my French toast. This recipe brings back that carefree feeling, but with an elevated, homemade touch, proving that some childhood favorites are even better when made from scratch.

First things first: the foundation of truly great French toast is the bread. We need something substantial – thick and hearty, definitely not flimsy. Thin slices simply won’t hold up to the luscious custard and crispy coating, often becoming soggy or falling apart. For this Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks recipe, I highly recommend using thick-cut Texas toast. Its robust structure is perfect for soaking up the custard without becoming waterlogged and provides a satisfying bite. Other excellent options include challah bread or a good quality brioche or French bread. The key is to cut your slices generously thick, ideally around 1 to 1.5 inches. A serrated knife will make this task much easier, ensuring clean cuts and preventing the bread from tearing. Trust me, the right bread makes all the difference in achieving that ideal texture!

Next, we prepare our two star components: the rich custard and the irresistible ‘cinnamon crunch’ coating. While puffed rice cereal is my go-to for its neutral flavor and excellent crunch, feel free to get creative and use your favorite! I pulse the puffed rice cereal in a food processor along with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until it forms small, consistent crumbs. The texture should be coarse enough to adhere to the bread and provide a distinct crunch, but not so fine that it becomes a powder. If you prefer to use a cereal that’s already sweetened or heavily flavored, like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Froot Loops, or even Captain Crunch with Peanut Butter (a truly adventurous choice!), you might want to adjust or even omit the additional sugar and cinnamon powder in the coating mixture to maintain a balanced sweetness. The goal is a balanced flavor and a pronounced cinnamon aroma.

For the luscious custard, we need just a few simple, yet essential, ingredients. Combine three large eggs, 1/2 cup of rich heavy cream, 1/2 cup of fresh whole milk, and one tablespoon of fragrant vanilla extract. These ingredients come together to create a creamy, flavorful base that perfectly infuses the bread with moisture and taste. The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness, while the milk lightens it slightly. For those looking to lighten things up slightly, you can easily replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of additional milk, resulting in a less dense but still delicious French toast. Conversely, if you desire an even richer, more decadent French toast, swap out the milk for extra heavy cream to create an ultra-indulgent experience. I find that the middle ground, using both cream and milk, offers a perfect balance of richness and lightness that satisfies most palates beautifully.

With our thick-cut bread ready and our coating and custard perfectly prepared, it’s time for the fun part: dipping! Take each stick of bread and gently immerse it into the egg mixture. Allow it to soak just long enough to absorb the custard without becoming completely saturated or falling apart – typically a few seconds on each side should suffice for thick bread. Gently shake off any excess liquid to prevent a soggy outcome and ensure the cereal coating adheres properly. Immediately transfer the custard-soaked stick into your prepared cereal mixture. Using a clean hand, roll and press the stick firmly into the cereal crumbs, ensuring all sides are thoroughly coated. This creates that magnificent, crispy shell that makes these Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks so special and unique. Place the coated sticks on a baking dish as you work through the remaining bread.

Now, for the cooking! Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat. This lower temperature is crucial, as the sugar in the cereal coating caramelizes quite quickly, and we want a beautiful golden brown color, not burnt crumbs. Add about a teaspoon of unsalted butter and a teaspoon of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) to the pan for each batch. The butter adds incredible flavor and helps with browning, while the oil helps prevent the butter from burning and ensures more even crisping. Once the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, carefully place a single layer of 4-5 coated French toast sticks into the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until each stick is deeply golden brown and deliciously crispy on all sides. Repeat this process with the remaining sticks, adding more butter and oil as needed for each new batch.

Once your Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks are perfectly cooked and beautifully golden, it’s time for the best part: serving! Arrange them artfully on a platter or individual plates, then generously dust them with powdered sugar. The delicate sweetness and airy texture of the powdered sugar beautifully complement the rich French toast. Pair them with a vibrant medley of fresh fruit – plump, juicy blueberries and bright, sweet strawberries are always a fantastic choice, adding a burst of freshness, color, and a healthy component. And, of course, no French toast is complete without a generous drizzle of syrup! While classic maple syrup is always a winner, I urge you to try agave pancake syrup if you haven’t already. Its unique, mellow sweetness is unbelievably delicious and has completely converted me from traditional pancake syrups. You might also consider a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of extra cinnamon for an added touch of indulgence.

And here’s a fantastic bonus that makes this recipe even better: these delectable French toast sticks are incredibly freezer-friendly! You can easily prepare a large batch and store them for future cravings, making weekday mornings a breeze or ensuring you’re always ready for unexpected guests. To freeze, simply place the freshly fried (and cooled completely) French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them solid for several hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months, retaining their flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze: for a soft interior, pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For a crispier exterior, which I highly recommend to revive that crunch, heat them in a 300ºF (150ºC) toaster oven for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and delightfully crispy.

Imagine a towering pile of these magnificent Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks, adorned with a healthy dusting of powdered sugar, gleaming with maple or agave syrup, and surrounded by a colorful array of fresh berries. Your weekend breakfast spread has truly never looked this inviting or tasted this incredible! Prepare yourself for compliments and requests for seconds; this recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your home, bringing smiles to faces of all ages.

Yield: 4-6 servings

Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

These Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks are a delightful twist on a breakfast classic. Each stick is generously coated in perfectly crushed, cinnamon-infused cereal crumbs, giving them an incredibly satisfying crunch. The unique texture and sweet cinnamon flavor make them irresistible for all ages, transforming ordinary breakfast or brunch into a truly special meal. They’re quick to prepare, fun to eat, and perfect for picky eaters looking for something new and exciting!

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut Texas toast, challah, or brioche, each cut into 4 uniform sticks
• 1 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal (or your favorite crunchy cereal like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Captain Crunch)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust or omit if using a pre-sweetened cereal)
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste, especially with flavored cereals)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (see notes for lighter/richer options)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (see notes for lighter/richer options)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• 1-2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil), for cooking

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Cereal Coating:** In a food processor, pulse the puffed rice cereal until it forms small, consistent crumbs – aim for a texture that’s still visibly crunchy, not a fine powder. Transfer the pulsed cereal to a shallow dish. Add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then stir well to combine thoroughly. Set this mixture aside.
2. **Prepare the Custard & Coat the Bread:** In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the large eggs, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth. Dip each stick of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the custard fully. Gently shake off any excess liquid from the stick. Immediately transfer the custard-soaked stick into the prepared cereal mixture. Using a clean hand, roll and press the stick firmly into the cereal crumbs, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides for maximum crunch. Place the coated sticks on a clean baking dish or plate and repeat the dipping process with the remaining bread sticks.
3. **Cook the French Toast Sticks:** Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add a small pad of butter (about 1 teaspoon) and a bit of neutral oil (about 1 teaspoon) to the pan. Once the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, carefully place 4-5 coated French toast sticks in a single layer into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each stick is beautifully golden brown and deliciously crispy on all sides. Maintaining medium-low heat is crucial to prevent the sugar in the coating from burning before the bread is cooked through. Repeat with remaining sticks, adding more butter and oil as needed for each batch.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Transfer the cooked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Sticks to a serving platter. Serve them warm, generously dusted with powdered sugar, alongside fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries work wonderfully), and a drizzle of your favorite maple syrup or agave pancake syrup. Enjoy this delightful breakfast!

Notes

• **Bread Choice:** Using day-old bread works exceptionally well as it tends to absorb more custard without becoming overly soggy. Avoid using thin-cut bread for this recipe, as thick slices are essential for the desired texture and structural integrity. Challah or brioche are also excellent choices for a richer French toast base.
• **Cereal Variations:** Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cereals! While puffed rice cereal provides a neutral base for the cinnamon, other options like Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Captain Crunch, or even corn flakes can add exciting new flavors and textures. If using pre-sweetened or heavily flavored cereals, you might want to reduce or omit the additional granulated sugar and cinnamon in the coating mixture to prevent it from becoming too sweet.
• **Custard Customization:** For a lighter French toast, you can replace the heavy cream with an additional 1/2 cup of milk. If you prefer an even richer, more indulgent flavor, substitute the milk with an additional 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This allows you to tailor the richness to your preference.
• **Freezing & Reheating:** These French toast sticks are perfect for meal prepping! To freeze, arrange the freshly fried and cooled French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for several hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or for a crispier result that recaptures that wonderful crunch, warm them in a 300ºF (150ºC) toaster oven for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

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