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Oven-baked Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks. Soft bread cut into sticks, dipped in French toast batter, swirled with apple butter and brown butter, then baked in the oven until golden and toasted. Each French toast stick gets a coating of cinnamon sugar just before baking. These are just like the frozen French toast sticks we loved as kids, but so much better than what mom found in the freezer aisle. Make a big batch and freeze to reheat on busy mornings. Perfect for back to school, busy work days, and the hustle of the autumn season.

Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks | halfbakedharvest.com

When I can get really excited about a recipe, it’s a GOOD day. Some recipes are more special than others and these feel the most special. Like so many of us, I grew up eating the frozen French toast sticks mom brought home from the store. Of course, my brothers and I loved them. All we did was pop them in the microwave and eat them with a small side of maple syrup. Well, we probably should’ve just called it sugar syrup since Aunt Jemima (our brand of choice) has 8 teaspoons of sugar per serving – wow!

Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks | halfbakedharvest.com

Back then we thought they were delicious. But now, in comparison, to these homemade French toast sticks, I think they were more like soft cardboard dipped in sugar.

But I love my memories! I vividly remember loving French toast stick mornings. We even did them as the occasional afternoon snack as well.

Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks | halfbakedharvest.com

We all know I love to take something retro and make it homemade.

French toast sticks have been top of my list for a while. And now that it’s fall, I had to give them a fall twist. Apple butter is the most perfect sweet way to flavor these. I’m so excited to bring this recipe to your kitchens this weekend!

Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks | halfbakedharvest.com

Here are details

Step 1: the bread

I used two loaves of brioche bread, but honestly, any bread will work. I do recommend something softer though.

Slice each piece of bread into 1-inch thick bread sticks.

Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 2: brown the butter and make the batter

For even more flavor, I brown the butter to give it a really nutty, toasted flavor. Adding in even more fall-like, cozy, deliciousness.

Mix the brown butter with milk, eggs, apple butter, and vanilla. I love to use my homemade apple butter, but of course, store-bought works too.

Step 3: dip, dunk, and coat in batter

Take each breadstick and dredge it through the egg batter, then place it on a baking sheet. Try to use most of the egg batter as this contains ALL of the yummy flavors.

Now, mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it over the sticks. If you prefer less sweet sticks, simply omit this step.

Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 4: bake and eat

Bake these up, then you must serve them warm with a side of real maple syrup. I recommend skipping the Aunt Jemima this time around, we know better.

There’s nothing better than warm French toast with a smear of salty butter and a pour of maple syrup.

“Ummmy”, said in my very best Oslo voice!

Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks | halfbakedharvest.com

Looking for other fall recipes? Here are a few ideas: 

Fluffy Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread

6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter

Spiced Pumpkin Maple Latte

Cream Cheese Swirled Brown Sugar Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Chai Pumpkin Cake with Maple Browned Butter Frosting

Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Butter Bread

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins

Lastly, if you make these Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 454 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Cut each slice of bread into 1-inch wide "sticks".
    3. Add the butter to a skillet set over medium heat. Cook until the butter begins to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Whisk in the milk, eggs, apple butter, and vanilla. Dunk each breadstick into the batter. Remove, allowing any excess to drip off back into the bowl. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bread, try to use most of the batter.
    4. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over the sticks. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and sprinkle with the remaining sugar. Bake 10-15 minutes more, or until lightly golden. This step is optional if you'd prefer a less sweet option.
    5. Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping and dunking.

Notes

To Freeze: Bake the French toast sticks as directed and coat in cinnamon sugar (optional). Arrange the French toast sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, until firm. Transfer the French toast sticks to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3-4 months. To warm, microwave for 1 minute, flip, and microwave for one minute more. Times will vary depending on your microwave.  
Optional Cinnamon Sugar: mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. 
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Apple Butter Cinnamon French Toast Sticks | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

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Comments

    1. Hey Shannon,
      Happy Sunday!!🍂 Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your review, so glad it was enjoyed:) xx

  1. 3 stars
    These are just okay. The apple butter did not come through. Easy to make for a large crowd. My child like them.

  2. 5 stars
    OMG!!! These are amazing! I can’t wait to try them again with pumpkin butter and I want to figure out a way to do some gingerbread ones for December.

  3. 5 stars
    Made these for Sunday breakfast (with leftovers for the week ahead). They were a hit, and the husband had zero complaints. Will definitely make again.

  4. 5 stars
    I made these two days in a row, as I forgot to add the butter yesterday. They were delicious though. I used brioche and cut them into sticks and I added a little cinnamon sugar to them. Yum-a-licious.

  5. Hi! I was thinking of making these thanksgiving morning. Do I have to bake or can I put them on the griddle to free up my oven for other things?

    1. Hey Rachelle,
      Sure, the griddle would be great to use! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xT

  6. 5 stars
    Tieghan, I made this for our family beach vacation. Sooooo good! Everyone loved the French Toast and the apple butter. Thank you for your yummy, creative and delicious recipes. My daughters and I all say, “Oh, its half baked harvest!” We know it’s going to be delicious!!

    1. Hey Claudia,
      Happy Sunday!!🎃 I truly appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed!

  7. 5 stars
    So excited to make this recipe! Can I make it ahead and freeze it? If so, would I microwave it or heat it in the oven frozen?