Enjoy these warm gluten-free French toast sticks infused with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Top them with berries and warm maple syrup for a comforting breakfast that both kids and adults will love. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosures.
My mom used to buy frozen French toast sticks when I was a kid and my brother and I would eat them up. We couldn’t get enough of those soft and sweet bites of joy.
As an adult, I would buy frozen French toast sticks for my kids and even sneak a few for myself. Of course, everything changed when I found out I had celiac disease. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, which requires individuals to avoid gluten, a sticky protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and sometimes oats.
The truth is, I miss eating French toast sticks. Those sweet, warm, and buttery cinnamon sticks of bread would just melt in my mouth, and it’s a craving that hasn’t gone away with time.
Instead of sulking at the fact that I could no longer eat one of my favorite childhood breakfast treats, I instead decided to re-create gluten-free French toast sticks using a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make homemade French toast sticks, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 slices of gluten-free bread of choice (see below for suggestions)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk or dairy-free milk of choice
- 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp of butter or dairy-free butter
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (optional, for dipping)
Gluten-Free Bread Options
Gluten-free bread has come a long way and there are plenty of options to choose from. Most gluten-free bread brands work well in this recipe. I suggest using white or cinnamon-raisin bread for the best results. Here are two of my favorite bread brands:
Canyon Bakehouse Bread: Canyon Bakehouse offers up my favorite gluten-free bread and I use it all the time. It doesn’t hurt that I can get two loaves of it at Costco for $8.99.
Little Northern Bakehouse: Little Northern Bakehouse makes great gluten-free bread in a variety of flavors. I found a loaf of Little Northern cinnamon raisin bread at Sprouts the other day.
Of course, whatever gluten-free bread you find at your local grocery store will work. Most gluten-free bread tastes good when it’s coated with eggs and sugar and heated in a pat of butter.
Making French Toast Sticks
This recipe is so easy to make that you’ll be enjoying French toast sticks again in no time!
To start, cut each slice of gluten-free bread into three long rectangles to make your “sticks.” Set aside.
Next, in a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or dairy-free milk), ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract until well combined. Dip the bread “sticks” in the milk-egg mixture and coat it generously on both sides. Allow the bread sticks to bathe for a few minutes to soak in the wet mixture.
Heat your butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, place each stick into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Work the French toast sticks in batches until all are golden brown and cooked through.
Place all of the gluten-free French toast sticks on a platter and top them with fresh blueberries and raspberries to make them look extra pretty. Add a small cup of warm maple syrup to the side for dipping.
You’re never too old to enjoy this kid-friendly finger food breakfast sensation. Every bite is slightly crispy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. You’ll taste hints of cinnamon and vanilla flavors, along with just a touch of sweetness.
FAQs
Make it Egg-Free: To make this recipe egg-free, swap the eggs for 1/2 cup applesauce + 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and combine those ingredients with the other ingredients as directed in the recipe.
Make it Dairy-Free: This recipe is dairy-free when you use dairy-free milk and vegan butter.
Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover French toast sticks in a sealed container in your fridge. Reheat them in your toaster oven for a minute so they crisp up. Alternatively, you could microwave the French toast sticks for 30 seconds to warm them.
Can I Buy Frozen French Toast Sticks? Van’s used to make gluten-free French toast sticks but the company discontinued the product years ago. Earth’s Best also made gluten-free French toast sticks but I’ve been unable to locate them in stores. It looks like your only option, for now, is to make your own.
More Breakfast Recipes
Enjoy these gluten-free breakfast recipes too!
- 5-Ingredient Gluten-Free Bagel Recipe
- Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole
- 42+ Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes and Ideas
- Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Bread Breakfast Bowls (dairy-free + vegan)
- Make-Your-Own Dairy-Free Yogurt Breakfast Bowls
- Incredibly Easy Brussels Sprouts and Egg Breakfast Skillet
- Gluten-Free Breakfast Donuts Made with Oat Flour
Gluten-Free French Toast Sticks
Ingredients
- 8 slices gluten-free bread see notes
- 3 eggs see notes for egg-free version
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free milk
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter or dairy-free butter
- 1/4 cup raspberries
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Cut each slice of gluten-free bread into 3 long rectangles. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract until combined.
- Dip the bread in the wet mixture and evenly coat the bread on both sides. Allow the bread to bathe in the mixture for a few minutes.
- Heat the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Working in batches, place each stick into the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- To serve, place all of the French toast sticks on a platter. Top with fresh blueberries and raspberries and provide small cups of maple syrup for dipping.
Leave a Comment