Can I use whole wheat or brioche bread instead?

Absolutely! Brioche will give you an extra rich and buttery result, while whole wheat offers a healthier alternative with a slightly nuttier flavor. The key is using slightly stale bread regardless of type, as it holds up better during dipping and cooking.

My Nutella keeps oozing out during cooking. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when there's too much Nutella or it's spread too close to the edges. Try using slightly less Nutella and leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the bread. Also, make sure to press the edges of your sandwiches together firmly before dipping them in the egg mixture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk instead of whole milk, and substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly based on which alternatives you choose.

Is there a way to make these less sweet?

Definitely! You can reduce the amount of Nutella inside each stick, skip the cinnamon-sugar coating entirely, or use a light dusting of powdered sugar instead. The French toast itself isn't overly sweet, so controlling the additions gives you flexibility over the sweetness level.

Stuffed Nutella French Toast Sticks Recipe

Imagine biting into crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated French toast sticks only to discover they’re hiding a delicious secret – a warm, gooey Nutella center that stretches with each bite! These Stuffed Nutella French Toast Sticks transform ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary treat that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even dessert, these delightful sticks combine the classic comfort of French toast with everyone’s favorite chocolate hazelnut spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: These French toast sticks come together in just 20 minutes but look like you spent hours creating them.
Kid and Adult Approved: The combination of classic French toast, cinnamon sugar, and Nutella creates an irresistible breakfast that everyone will adore.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, after-school snacks, or even dessert – these sticks work for any occasion.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with different breads, coatings, and dipping sauces to match your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

White Bread: Day-old bread works best as it’s slightly firmer and absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy. The sturdy base for our French toast sticks.
Nutella: The star of the show! This chocolate hazelnut spread creates that irresistible gooey center that makes these sticks special.
Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the French toast coating, helping it develop that perfect golden crust.
Milk: Creates a lighter, more custard-like texture when combined with the eggs. Whole milk adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the egg mixture, elevating the entire dish.
Butter: Creates that beautiful golden-brown exterior and adds a nutty, rich flavor.
Sugar: For that sweet, crispy coating that makes these sticks irresistible.
Cinnamon: Pairs beautifully with the Nutella and adds that classic French toast flavor we all know and love.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Take these French toast sticks to the next level with these creative twists:

Berry Bliss: Add a layer of fresh strawberry slices or raspberry preserves alongside the Nutella.
Banana Nutella: Place thin banana slices inside with the Nutella for a classic flavor combination.
Peanut Butter Lover’s: Mix equal parts peanut butter and Nutella for a nutty variation.
Spiced Coating: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for more complex flavors.
Coconut Crusted: Roll the cooked sticks in shredded coconut along with the cinnamon sugar.

How to Make Stuffed Nutella French Toast Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Sandwiches

Remove the crusts from your bread slices. Take four slices and spread about 1½ tablespoons of Nutella on each, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the remaining bread slices to create four sandwiches, then slice each sandwich into three even strips.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate dish, mix the cinnamon and sugar together until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast Sticks

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each stuffed bread strip into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides but not soaking too long. Place them in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

As soon as the sticks come out of the pan, transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll to coat on all sides. The heat from the sticks will help the sugar mixture stick better.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Arrange on a plate and serve immediately while the Nutella center is still warm and gooey. Offer additional Nutella on the side for dipping if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread holds up better in the egg mixture and doesn’t get soggy as quickly.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much Nutella, or it will leak out during cooking.
Keep Heat Medium: If your heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside warms up enough to get that gooey center.
Work Quickly with the Coating: Roll the sticks in cinnamon sugar while they’re still hot to help the coating stick better.
Press Lightly: After assembling your sandwiches, press down gently to seal the edges before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread holds up better in the egg mixture and doesn’t get soggy as quickly.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much Nutella, or it will leak out during cooking.
Keep Heat Medium: If your heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside warms up enough to get that gooey center.
Work Quickly with the Coating: Roll the sticks in cinnamon sugar while they’re still hot to help the coating stick better.
Press Lightly: After assembling your sandwiches, press down gently to seal the edges before slicing.

How to Serve

These Stuffed Nutella French Toast Sticks are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Breakfast Spread

Serve alongside fresh berries, sliced bananas, and a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast.

Dipping Options

Create a dipping station with warm Nutella, maple syrup, raspberry sauce, or whipped cream.

Brunch Addition

Include these as part of a larger brunch spread with both sweet and savory options like scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

Dessert Upgrade

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled French toast sticks in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooled sticks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

From refrigerated: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in a toaster oven until heated through.
From frozen: Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or pop them in the toaster on a low setting for a quick fix.

For best results, wait to add a fresh coating of cinnamon sugar after reheating rather than before storing.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or brioche bread instead?

Absolutely! Brioche will give you an extra rich and buttery result, while whole wheat offers a healthier alternative with a slightly nuttier flavor. The key is using slightly stale bread regardless of type, as it holds up better during dipping and cooking.
My Nutella keeps oozing out during cooking. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when there’s too much Nutella or it’s spread too close to the edges. Try using slightly less Nutella and leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the bread. Also, make sure to press the edges of your sandwiches together firmly before dipping them in the egg mixture.
Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk instead of whole milk, and substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly based on which alternatives you choose.
Is there a way to make these less sweet?

Definitely! You can reduce the amount of Nutella inside each stick, skip the cinnamon-sugar coating entirely, or use a light dusting of powdered sugar instead. The French toast itself isn’t overly sweet, so controlling the additions gives you flexibility over the sweetness level.

Final Thoughts

These Stuffed Nutella French Toast Sticks are what breakfast dreams are made of – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with that perfect gooey Nutella center that makes each bite pure bliss. They strike that rare balance of being simple enough for everyday but special enough for celebrations. Whether you’re making them for eager kids on a weekend morning or serving them at your next brunch gathering, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your breakfast rotation!