Baked French Toast Sticks with Vanilla Icing: A Delicious Brunch Recipe

French toast is a classic breakfast and brunch dish enjoyed by people of all ages. While pan-fried French toast is delicious, baking it offers a hands-off approach, allowing you to prepare a larger batch with minimal effort. Transforming that baked French toast into convenient sticks makes it even more appealing, especially for kids (and adults who are kids at heart!). To elevate this simple breakfast, we’re adding a luscious vanilla icing that will make these baked French toast sticks irresistible. This recipe is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a special weekday treat.

Why Bake French Toast Sticks?

Baking French toast sticks provides several advantages over the traditional pan-frying method:

* **Hands-Free Cooking:** Once the French toast sticks are arranged in the baking dish, you can relax while the oven does the work. No need to stand over the stove constantly flipping and monitoring.
* **Large Batch Preparation:** Baking allows you to cook a large quantity of French toast sticks simultaneously, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.
* **Even Cooking:** The oven’s consistent temperature ensures that the French toast sticks cook evenly on all sides, preventing burning or soggy spots.
* **Less Mess:** Baking eliminates the splattering oil associated with pan-frying, resulting in a cleaner cooking experience.
* **Easy to Customize:** The baked French toast base is a blank canvas. Experiment with different bread types, spices, and toppings to create your own unique variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

**For the Baked French Toast Sticks:**

* 1 loaf (approximately 1 pound) of bread, such as challah, brioche, Texas toast, or French bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
* 6 large eggs
* 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% milk works best)
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the baking dish and drizzling over the bread)

**For the Vanilla Icing:**

* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt

Equipment Needed

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Whisk
* Large bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife or bread knife
* Cutting board
* Wire rack (optional, for cooling the French toast sticks)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious baked French toast sticks with vanilla icing:

**1. Prepare the Bread:**

* Using a serrated knife or bread knife, slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices.
* Stack a few slices together and cut them into 1-inch wide sticks. You should have relatively uniform sticks for even cooking.

**2. Make the Custard:**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
* The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.

**3. Soak the Bread Sticks:**

* Dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, ensuring that both sides are thoroughly coated.
* Allow the bread sticks to soak in the custard for about 15-20 seconds per side. This allows the bread to absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy.
* Remove the soaked bread sticks from the custard and place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

**4. Arrange in the Baking Dish:**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. This prevents the French toast sticks from sticking to the pan.
* Arrange the soaked bread sticks in a single layer in the greased baking dish. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

**5. Drizzle with Butter:**

* Drizzle the remaining melted butter evenly over the bread sticks in the baking dish. This adds flavor and helps the French toast sticks brown nicely in the oven.

**6. Bake the French Toast Sticks:**

* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Bake the French toast sticks in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Check the French toast sticks periodically during baking to prevent burning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

**7. Prepare the Vanilla Icing:**

* While the French toast sticks are baking, prepare the vanilla icing.
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
* Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.

**8. Cool and Drizzle:**

* Once the French toast sticks are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly in the baking dish for a few minutes.
* Transfer the French toast sticks to a wire rack (optional) to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
* Drizzle the vanilla icing generously over the cooled French toast sticks.

**9. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve the baked French toast sticks immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat the French toast sticks in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips and Variations

* **Bread Choices:** Experiment with different types of bread for unique flavors and textures. Challah, brioche, Texas toast, and French bread are all excellent choices. Stale bread works best for French toast, as it absorbs the custard more readily.
* **Spice Variations:** Customize the spices in the custard to your liking. Try adding a pinch of cardamom, allspice, or ginger for a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Flavor Extracts:** Enhance the flavor of the French toast sticks by adding different extracts to the custard. Almond extract, maple extract, or orange extract are all delicious options.
* **Fruit Additions:** Add fresh or frozen fruit to the custard mixture for a burst of flavor and nutrients. Berries, sliced bananas, or chopped apples are all great choices.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Stir chocolate chips into the custard or sprinkle them on top of the French toast sticks before baking for a decadent treat.
* **Nutty Crunch:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, to the custard or sprinkle them on top of the French toast sticks for added texture and flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** For a classic twist, skip the vanilla icing and serve the French toast sticks with maple syrup. Warm maple syrup is especially delicious.
* **Whipped Cream:** Top the French toast sticks with whipped cream and fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Instead of vanilla icing, sprinkle the baked French toast sticks with cinnamon sugar for a simple and satisfying treat.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free. Coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk are all good options.

Make-Ahead Instructions

These baked French toast sticks can be prepared ahead of time for a convenient breakfast or brunch option.

* **Soak the Bread Sticks:** Prepare the custard and soak the bread sticks as directed in the recipe. Arrange the soaked bread sticks in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
* **Bake the French Toast Sticks:** The next morning, preheat the oven and bake the French toast sticks as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time since the bread sticks will be cold.
* **Prepare the Vanilla Icing:** Prepare the vanilla icing just before serving.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover baked French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** To freeze the French toast sticks, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Transfer the frozen French toast sticks to a freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These baked French toast sticks with vanilla icing are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of accompaniments.

* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve the French toast sticks with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, sliced bananas, or melon.
* **Yogurt:** Pair the French toast sticks with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt for a protein-rich breakfast.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** Add a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a savory complement to the sweet French toast sticks.
* **Scrambled Eggs:** Serve the French toast sticks with scrambled eggs for a complete and satisfying brunch.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy the French toast sticks with a cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing and enjoyable breakfast experience.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 8-10 grams per serving
* Fat: 15-20 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams per serving

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

These baked French toast sticks with vanilla icing are a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch treat. The baking method simplifies the process, allowing you to prepare a large batch with minimal effort. The vanilla icing adds a touch of sweetness and elegance that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a special weekend breakfast or a festive holiday brunch, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of baked French toast sticks with vanilla icing!