Vegan French Toast Sticks
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.My kids can’t get enough of these 30-minute Vegan French Toast Sticks made with bread, dairy-free milk, and cinnamon. They are quick to make, fun to eat, and perfect for busy mornings.
I came up with this recipe because my boys are always asking for something fun in the morning. These French toast sticks are the grab-and-dip version of the vegan French toast casserole I usually make for weekend brunch, and now they ask for them even on school days.
This recipe makes mornings so much smoother because the boys can grab a piece and eat while we are all rushing to get ready. My easy French toast sticks are a guaranteed way to see happy faces at the breakfast table, even on a school day! 😉
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I love how simple these eggless French toast sticks are to make with just a few pantry staples. The silence that falls over the kitchen when my three boys are munching on these is priceless! They have a fluffy center with a perfect crisp exterior thanks to almond flour and ground flaxseed, and the subtle flavor from vanilla and cinnamon makes them even more irresistible! My kids love dipping them in cinnamon sugar, and I love it when they top them with berries for a little morning dose of antioxidants.
After a few trial and errors, I found that using thicker, day-old bread cut into fingers handles a good soak (It’s a bit like dipping a biscuit into hot tea without it breaking apart, it just takes a little practice). Then, you get them onto a hot pan (the hotter, the better) and listen for that sizzle. That’s how you get that wonderful crispy outside. A quick flip, a brush of butter, and a roll in cinnamon sugar, and you have this amazing contrast between the crunchy sugary coating and the soft warm center. Yum!
Honestly, this is simply the best finger food breakfast for kids! Unlike sugary cereals, I get to control what ingredients go into my recipes, so I can make them gluten-free if needed and adjust the sweetness. It has become such a popular recipe in my house that even my oldest son now makes them on weekends since the recipe is so easy to prepare. It’s messy, but I’ll happily handle the cleanup for that!
🥘 Ingredients
Here’s what I grab when I’m making this easy Vegan French Toast Sticks breakfast. Most of it is already in my kitchen, so it’s the kind of recipe I can start without a big shopping trip, which is always a win on busy mornings.
Dairy free milk: I use whatever plant based milk I have, but almond and oat milk are my usual picks for a smooth flavor.
Ground flax: I mix this with the milk so the batter thickens and coats the bread nicely.
Almond flour: This adds a light layer on the outside that turns golden and crisp when cooked.
Maple syrup: I add a little to the batter for sweetness and keep extra on the table for dipping.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds a sweet aroma while the French toast cooks.
Cinnamon: I always add this for the classic French toast taste my boys love.
Sea salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness in the recipe.
🔪 How To Make
Making these vegan French toast sticks is so easy that even my son loves helping me on Sunday mornings. Yes, that’s right, he actually asks to make them. Just follow the steps and you’ll have a warm and tasty breakfast in no time.
Slice the bread: I cut the bread into even strips so they are easy to dip and cook evenly on all sides.
Make the batter: I whisk the dairy free milk, ground flax, almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt in a shallow dish until smooth.
Dip the bread: I place each bread strip into the batter, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side so it absorbs the flavors without getting too soggy.
Cook the sticks: I heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and cook the soaked bread strips for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Serve: I stack them on a plate and add a little maple syrup on the side for dipping before serving them warm.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making my Vegan French Toast Sticks is to use day old bread. I learned early on that fresh soft bread can get mushy really fast, and nobody in my house likes soggy French toast. When the bread is just a little stale, it soaks up the batter perfectly without falling apart in the pan. I usually buy the loaf a day ahead or use what is left from the week.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Do not oversoak: Just a few seconds on each side is enough or the bread will get too soft and break.
- Preheat the pan: Starting with a warm pan helps the sticks cook evenly and get a nice golden color.
- Cook in batches: I avoid crowding the pan so each piece has room to crisp up.
- Keep them warm: If I am making a big batch, I keep the cooked sticks on a baking sheet in a low oven while I finish the rest.
- Serve right away: These are best enjoyed fresh off the pan when the edges are still crisp.
📖 Variations
I have tried so many variations over time. These are the ones I make the most, so I suggest giving them a try.
Coconut Crunch: I dip the soaked bread in a bit of shredded coconut before cooking. The coconut toasts up in the pan and adds a sweet and tropical taste my kids love!
Berry Bliss: I serve the French toast sticks with a side of fresh berries or mash them into a quick berry compote. It is a fun way to add color and a burst of natural sweetness to breakfast.
Chocolate Drizzle: I melt some dairy free chocolate and drizzle it over the cooked sticks. My boys get so excited when they see this version, especially on a weekend morning.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to upgrade my easy vegan French toast sticks. We love dipping them and serving them with other tasty breakfast recipes.
Apart from a drizzle of maple syrup over those irresistible fingers, we also love dipping them in strawberry chia seed jam for a fruity flavor or some vegan Nutella that I find myself eating with a spoon some evening. If you love Nutella, you’ve gotta try this vegan version – it’s soo good!
For those super busy mornings when we need to grab something and go, I usually have a few bowls of these overnight Weetabix prepped in the fridge or my husband’s favorite vegan granola bars on hand. It’s great to have a few easy healthy options ready for my hungry crew.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I let the French toast sticks cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing: I place the cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container for up to two months.
Reheating: I warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or pop them in the air fryer until heated through and slightly crisp.
❓Recipe FAQs
Can I cook these in the oven instead of a pan?
Yes, I bake them at 375°F on a parchment lined baking sheet for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will not be quite as crisp as the pan version, but it’s a great option if I’m cooking for a crowd and don’t want to stand at the stove.
What kind of bread works best?
I like using thicker bread, like Texas toast or a hearty sandwich bread, because it holds its shape when soaked. Whole grain bread works too if you want something a little heartier, but I make sure it’s not too thin or soft.
How do I keep them warm for serving?
If I’m making a big batch, I keep the cooked sticks on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while I finish the rest. That way, everything stays warm and ready to serve at the same time.
🥣 More Vegan Breakfast Recipes!
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📋 Recipe Card
Vegan French Toast Sticks
My kids can’t get enough of these 30-minute Vegan French Toast Sticks made with bread, dairy-free milk, and cinnamon. They are quick to make, fun to eat, and perfect for busy mornings.
Servings: 9
Calories: 170kcal
Ingredients
- 9 thick slices of your favorite bread cut into 1 inch sticks gluten-free if needed (see note)
Mix:
- 2 cups dairy free milk
- 2 tablespoons ground flax
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Coating, optional:
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup dairy free butter , optional
Instructions
- Whisk all the mix ingredients in a shallow bowl until combined well.
- Mix the coating ingredients if using. Using a flat baking dish makes it easier to coat.
- Make sure your pan is nice and hot. Once hot, turn down to medium heat.
- Dip each stick of bread into the mix and allow to soak for about 5-10 seconds. You want them soaked but not too soft and falling apart. If you prefer less soft French toast, then only dip for a second or two.
- Put on a hot pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browning and crisp.
- Set on a plate and allow to cool slightly. Then brush each one with butter, if using. You don’t need the butter, it just helps the sugar coating stick better.
- Put each stick into the cinnamon sugar and roll to coat. You can also sprinkle it on for a less sweet treat.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making my Vegan French Toast Sticks is to use day old bread. I learned early on that fresh soft bread can get mushy really fast, and nobody in my house likes soggy French toast. When the bread is just a little stale, it soaks up the batter perfectly without falling apart in the pan. I usually buy the loaf a day ahead or use what is left from the week.
- Do not oversoak: Just a few seconds on each side is enough or the bread will get too soft and break.
- Preheat the pan: Starting with a warm pan helps the sticks cook evenly and get a nice golden color.
- Cook in batches: I avoid crowding the pan so each piece has room to crisp up.
- Keep them warm: If I am making a big batch, I keep the cooked sticks on a baking sheet in a low oven while I finish the rest.
- Serve right away: These are best enjoyed fresh off the pan when the edges are still crisp.
Nutrition
Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg
