Description

These French Toast Sticks are a fun and delicious breakfast treat made with thick bread slices dipped in a rich custard mixture, lightly pan-fried until golden brown, and finished in the oven for a perfectly soft and custardy interior. Served with berries, maple syrup, butter, whipped cream, or yogurt, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that kids and adults alike will love.

Ingredients

Custard Mixture

3 large eggs
240 mL full fat milk (1 cup)
15 g cornstarch (1 ½ tbsp, or 2 ½ tbsp all-purpose flour)
50 - 66 g maple syrup or brown sugar (¼ - ⅓ cup)
¼ tsp sea salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Bread

6 thick slices of sturdy bread (such as brioche or Japanese milk bread)

For Cooking and Serving

Butter and/or oil for frying
Berries (for serving)
Maple syrup (for serving)
Butter (for serving)
Whipped cream or yogurt (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the bread: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top. Slice the bread into ¾ to 1 inch thick slices, then cut off the crusts to form rectangles. Cut each rectangle into 2 to 3 sticks depending on size. Place the sticks on the wire rack and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly stale but not browned or overly dried. Remove and let cool to room temperature.
Make the custard mixture: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with just enough milk to make a smooth paste without lumps. Transfer to a shallow dish for soaking. Add the remaining milk to this slurry while whisking. Add the eggs, maple syrup or brown sugar, sea salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Whisk thoroughly until smooth with no gloopy texture. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Soak the bread sticks: Dip each bread stick in the custard for about 10 seconds on each side, ensuring they absorb enough without becoming soggy or falling apart. Place soaked sticks back on the wire rack and let them rest for 5–10 minutes to evenly distribute the custard and prevent excess pooling while cooking.
Cook the French toast sticks on stovetop: Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and spread it evenly on the surface. Place the soaked bread sticks in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until golden and caramelized. Flip and cook another 2 minutes, adding a bit more butter to help with browning if desired. Remove the cooked sticks and place on the wire rack.
Finish cooking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the wire rack with the caramelized French toast sticks on the baking pan into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes until cooked through with a soft, custardy center.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as berries, maple syrup, butter, whipped cream, or yogurt for dipping and extra flavor.

Notes

Use sturdy bread like brioche or Japanese milk bread for best texture and to avoid excessive sogginess.
Staling the bread in the oven before soaking helps prevent the sticks from becoming too soggy.
Adjust soaking time based on bread thickness and freshness to avoid breakage during cooking.
Butter helps with caramelization, but you can also use oil or a combination for frying.
If you prefer, use a stick blender to mix the custard ingredients smoothly.
Serve with a variety of toppings or dipping sauces to enhance the flavor experience.