We’re not huge breakfast people over here, but occasionally (i.e. on the weekends or when we have guests in town!) I do like to put a little extra effort into making a fun, delicious morning meal that leaves sticky fingers and smiling facing all around. It just feels right. And in the end, the extra bit of kitchen work is always worth it.
Plus! Isn’t there just something so satisfying about making food meant to be drowned in syrup? And this syrup I made for you has butter + rum all up in its business. What do you think of that?
Before we get all carried away on the syrup – which is easy to do, because, omg, it’s soooooo good! – let’s talk about the foundation of this whole production: The French Toast Sticks! Crispy Coconut French Toast Sticks, to be exact.
Do you like french toast sticks? Or french toast in general? I’m hoping there are lots of head nods happening right now, because these crispy coconut french toast sticks are something I think you’ll really love! They’re slightly sweet, totally crunchy (panko is hiding in that crunchy coconut shell), and just begging to be dunked in some of that gorgeous buttery rum syrup you’ve got waiting for them. They also take about 15 minutes from start to finish, so you’ll be in and out of that kitchen and breakfasting in *no time!
Crispy Coconut French Toast Sticks with Salted Buttery Rum Syrup – Baker by Nature
Serves 2
For the Buttery Rum Syrup
1/2 cup pure maple syrup (grade b if possible)
1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
1/2 tablespoon rum
Instructions:
Melt butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook until the butter in completely melted, then remove from heat and stir in maple syrup and rum. Serve with french toast sticks.
For the Crispy Coconut French Toast Sticks
Ingredients:
8 slices bread, cut into 1″ sticks (I used udi’s gluten free bread, which we currently LOVE)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 large eggs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup panko crumbs
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 500 degrees (F). Lightly grease a baking pan; set aside.
Cut each piece of bread into 1″ strips (for me this meant cutting each piece of bread in thirds, but if your loaf is larger/smaller it will definitely vary). Place bread sticks in a large, deep serving dish, arranging in a single layer.
In a large bowl whisk together the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggs; beat well. Pour mixture over bread sticks, and let sit for one minute before carefully turning the breadsticks over to soak for another 2 minutes or so – you want them completely covered with the batter on both sides.
On a large flat plate combine the coconut and panko, then roll each french toast stick in the mixture, and placing rolled sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Once all the sticks have been coated, place baking sheet in oven for 5 minutes. Remove baking pan and flip french toast sticks before placing pan back in the oven to bake for another 5-6 minutes (or until the coating is lightly golden). Serve right away, with syrup, if using.
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen says
I’m totally the opposite – breakfast is my favorite meal of the day! Coconut covered French Toast = heaven!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
French Toast Sticks! Can life get any better than this?! Man oh man, let me get my taste buds ready for this!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
Oh whhhatt?! I am picturing those french toast sticks that came out of the box and you stuck in the microwave but these…look SO much better! That crust,yum!
Dan from Platter Talk says
If eating wonderfully delcious foods like this is a sin, then count me in. Wow. This looks incredible, Ashley – for any meal and not just breakfast!! Beautiful stuff, again.
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Wow! I’m really loving the coconut crust idea on these yummy French toast sticks! You know I’ll have to make them this weekend, don’t you? Thanks for sharing, girl!
steph@stephsbitebybite says
You are reading my mind! I was just thinking that I wanted some french toast for breakfast and here these are! And cut in to sticks…even better!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
I’d eat these and then drink any leftover syrup!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Those french toast sticks look sooo pretty and SOOO tasty!!! Yayyy coconut!
Tieghan says
Oh come on! These are too good! Coconut covered french toast sticks? These have got to be my new favorite thing ever. Incredible!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
I feel like you just brought the best of diner life right to my table. This is total gourmet, but total comfort food at the same time. Adore!