This cozy apple butter cinnamon French toast sticks recipe brings warm fall flavors to your breakfast table. Soft bread gets dipped in a sweet egg mix, cooked until golden, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. The apple butter inside makes every bite taste like homemade apple pie. Perfect for weekends or special mornings with family.
Use real apple butter to get rich fruit flavor in every stick. Cook on medium heat so the outside turns crispy without burning. Roll the hot sticks in cinnamon sugar right away for perfect coating. Serve warm with extra apple butter or maple syrup on the side. These sticks stay soft inside and have a nice crunch outside. Kids and adults both love this fun twist on classic French toast.
Why This Recipe Tastes So Good
The Magic of Apple Butter in French Toast
Apple butter gives a deep apple taste that normal apples cannot match. It cooks down slowly so the flavor becomes thick and sweet. When you spread it inside the bread, each bite feels like warm apple dessert. The natural sweetness means you do not need too much extra sugar. This makes the whole dish taste homemade and special.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating for Extra Crunch
The outside coating of cinnamon and sugar adds a sweet crunch that everyone loves. Cinnamon brings warm spice that pairs perfectly with apple. When the hot French toast sticks touch the sugar mix, it sticks well and makes a nice crust. This simple step turns plain bread into something exciting and fun to eat.
Thick Bread Makes Better Sticks
Using thick slices of bread is very important. Thin bread becomes too soft and falls apart. Thick bread like brioche or Texas toast holds the egg mix well. It stays soft in the middle while the outside gets golden. Cut the bread into sticks so they are easy to dip and eat with hands.
Half Baked Harvest Inspiration
This recipe takes ideas from Half Baked Harvest style. They love using real ingredients and cozy fall tastes. Apple butter and cinnamon make it feel like their warm comforting recipes. You get that same homemade feel but in an easy fun shape with these sticks.
Ingredients You Need
Main Ingredients List
You need 8 to 10 thick slices of bread. Choose brioche, challah, or Texas toast for best results. Get one cup of apple butter. Use four large eggs. Add one cup of milk. Have two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Take one teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the dip. Use a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix half a cup of white sugar with two tablespoons of ground cinnamon. This makes the sweet spicy roll that goes on the outside. Make sure the cinnamon is fresh so the flavor pops. You can add a little nutmeg if you like more spice warmth.
Butter and Oil for Cooking
Use two to three tablespoons of butter for the pan. Butter gives rich taste and nice brown color. Add one tablespoon of oil to stop the butter from burning too fast. This mix helps cook the sticks evenly without dark burnt spots.
Optional Extras for Serving
Have extra apple butter ready for dipping. Maple syrup tastes great too. Some people like powdered sugar on top. Fresh fruit like apple slices or berries make it look pretty. Whipped cream adds fun for kids.
How to Prepare the Bread
Choose and Slice the Bread Right
Pick day-old bread if possible because it soaks up the egg mix better. Fresh bread can get too soggy. Cut each slice into three or four long sticks. Make them about one inch wide. This size is perfect for dipping and eating by hand.
Spread Apple Butter on Each Stick
Take one side of each bread stick. Spread a thin layer of apple butter on that side. Do not put too much or it will leak out when cooking. The apple butter adds flavor inside and keeps the bread moist. Press two sticks together with apple butter sides facing in to make a sandwich stick.
Let the Sticks Rest a Bit
After making the apple butter sandwiches, let them sit for five minutes. This helps the apple butter stick to the bread. It also makes the bread firmer for dipping. Keep them on a plate while you make the egg mix.
Making the Egg Mixture
Crack and Beat the Eggs Well
Break four eggs into a wide shallow bowl. Beat them with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites mix fully. No big egg white pieces should stay. Beating well makes the coating smooth and even on the bread.
Add Milk and Flavorings
Pour in one cup of milk. Whole milk gives richer taste but any milk works. Add two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Put one teaspoon of cinnamon and a small pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it looks smooth and light yellow.
Test the Mix Thickness
The egg mix should not be too thin or too thick. It needs to coat the bread without dripping too much. If it feels too thin, add a little more milk. Taste a tiny bit to check if it needs more vanilla or cinnamon.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Heat the Pan to Right Temperature
Put a large non-stick pan or griddle on medium heat. Add one tablespoon butter and one teaspoon oil. Let it melt and get hot but not smoking. Hot pan makes the outside crispy fast while keeping inside soft.
Dip Each Stick Carefully
Take one apple butter stick at a time. Dip it in the egg mix for about 10 to 15 seconds per side. Let extra mix drip off back into the bowl. Do not soak too long or the bread gets mushy.
Cook the Sticks Evenly
Place four to six sticks in the pan at once. Do not crowd them. Cook for two to three minutes on each side. Turn when the bottom turns golden brown. Cook until all sides look nice and crisp.
Keep Cooked Sticks Warm
Put cooked sticks on a plate in a warm oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps them hot while you finish the rest. Cover loosely with foil so they do not dry out.
Coating and Serving Tips
Roll in Cinnamon Sugar While Hot
Mix half cup sugar and two tablespoons cinnamon in a shallow plate. As soon as a stick finishes cooking, roll it in the sugar mix. The heat makes the sugar stick well. Roll gently to cover all sides.
Serve Right Away for Best Taste
Put the coated sticks on a serving plate. Serve warm so the outside stays crunchy. The inside stays soft and full of apple butter flavor. They taste best fresh from the pan.
Add Fun Dipping Sauces
Put extra apple butter in a small bowl for dipping. Warm maple syrup works great too. Some people like caramel sauce. Offer powdered sugar sprinkle or fresh fruit on the side.
Make It a Full Breakfast
Serve with scrambled eggs or bacon on the side. Add yogurt and fruit for a balanced meal. Kids love these sticks with a glass of milk. Adults enjoy them with coffee.
Storage and Reheating Ideas
How to Store Leftovers
If you have extra sticks, let them cool fully first. Put them in an air-tight container. Keep in the fridge for up to two days. The cinnamon sugar may get soft but they still taste good.
Best Way to Reheat
Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees for five to seven minutes. This brings back some crisp. Do not use microwave because it makes them soggy. Pan fry again for one minute per side if you want extra crunch.
Can You Freeze Them
Yes, freeze cooked sticks after cooling. Put them in a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in fridge overnight then reheat in oven.
Final Thoughts
These apple butter cinnamon French toast sticks bring comfort and joy to any morning. The sweet apple flavor mixed with warm cinnamon makes breakfast feel special. Easy steps let anyone make them. Share with family or enjoy alone. They turn simple ingredients into something delicious and memorable.
Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Ingredients
- 8-10 thick slices bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- 1 cup apple butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or any type)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for egg mix)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 2-3 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
Tools You Need
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Shallow wide bowls (for egg mix and cinnamon sugar)
- Whisk or fork
- Large non-stick pan or griddle
- Spatula
- Spoon (for spreading apple butter)
Steps
- Cut each thick bread slice into 3-4 long sticks, about 1 inch wide. Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the egg mix without falling apart.
- Spread a thin layer of apple butter on one side of each stick. Press two sticks together with the apple butter sides facing each other to create filled sandwich sticks.
- Let the filled sticks rest for 5 minutes on a plate so the apple butter sets a little and the bread firms up.
- In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and pinch of salt until smooth and fully combined.
- In another shallow plate, mix ½ cup sugar with 2 tablespoons cinnamon to make the coating.
- Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and a little oil. Let it melt and get hot but not smoking.
- Dip each stick into the egg mixture for 10-15 seconds per side. Let excess drip off, then place in the hot pan. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Immediately roll the hot cooked sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat all sides. The heat helps the sugar stick perfectly.
- Serve warm with extra apple butter or maple syrup for dipping. Enjoy right away for the best crispy texture and soft inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to use regular bread instead of brioche?
Yes, you can use regular white bread or whole wheat bread. Thick slices work best so the sticks do not fall apart. Regular bread soaks up the egg mix fast, so dip quickly. The taste will still be good but brioche or challah gives softer texture and richer flavor inside.
Can I make these French toast sticks ahead of time?
You can prepare the bread sticks with apple butter the night before. Keep them covered in the fridge. Make the egg mix fresh in the morning. You can also cook them fully, cool, and reheat later. They taste best fresh but work well for busy mornings.
Do I need to use apple butter or can I use applesauce?
Apple butter gives thicker richer taste because it cooks longer. Applesauce is thinner and has more water so the flavor is lighter. If you use applesauce, spread less and maybe add extra cinnamon. Apple butter makes the sticks taste more like pie.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them. Dip the sticks in egg mix. Place on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip halfway. They get crispy but not as golden as pan-fried. Brush with melted butter before baking for better color.
Can kids help make these French toast sticks?
Kids can help spread apple butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. They love dipping the sticks too. An adult should handle the hot pan and cooking part. It becomes a fun family activity and kids eat more when they help cook.
Do I have to add cinnamon to the egg mix?
No, cinnamon in the egg mix is optional. The main cinnamon flavor comes from the sugar coating. Adding it to the eggs gives extra warm spice inside. If someone does not like too much cinnamon, skip it in the egg part.
Is it better to use whole milk or can I use plant milk?
Whole milk makes the richest taste. Plant milks like almond or oat work fine. Oat milk gives creamy texture that matches well with apple. Use unsweetened plant milk so the dish does not get too sweet. Any milk makes good French toast sticks.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar?
Yes, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon sugar. Pumpkin pie spice also tastes nice with apple butter. Keep the extra spices small so cinnamon stays the main flavor. It adds cozy fall warmth without changing the recipe too much.
