If you are craving a fun and irresistibly delicious breakfast treat, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the soft, buttery bites of bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, cooked to golden perfection, and generously coated in cinnamon sugar. These little morsels capture all the warm, nostalgic flavors of a cinnamon roll without the fuss, making every bite a perfect blend of sweet, cinnamon, and crispy goodness. Whether you’re serving brunch for friends or making a cozy morning just for yourself, these French toast bites deliver an easy yet impressive dish everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting those fluffy, flavor-packed bites that melt in your mouth. From the rich eggs that create a luscious custard to the cinnamon and vanilla that bring out that classic warmth, these staples work together beautifully.
- Bread (6 slices of brioche or white bread): Brioche offers a rich, buttery texture that’s perfect, but any soft white bread works brilliantly for tender bites.
- Eggs (2): The base for the custard, eggs give structure and that classic French toast richness.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and creaminess to the egg mixture, ensuring each bite soaks up just the right amount.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a sweet fragrance that enhances the cinnamon’s warmth and ties the flavors together.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) in the batter: The key spice that makes these bites sing with that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons) for cooking: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Used in the cinnamon sugar coating to provide that irresistible sweet crunch.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) for coating: Combined with sugar, it makes the perfect spiced crust around each bite.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup) for optional glaze: For a sweet finish and beautiful presentation.
- Milk (1 tablespoon) for glaze: Thins the powdered sugar into a perfect drizzle.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon) for glaze: Adds subtle depth and aroma to the finishing touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard
Begin by combining the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This custard is the soul of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe, giving each cube that soft, rich flavor and beautiful color when cooked.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Cubes
Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes and dunk them into the egg mixture, ensuring every piece is soaked but not falling apart. The bread acts like a sponge here, soaking up all that cinnamon-vanilla goodness which will make the French toast bites incredibly tender inside while crisping on the outside.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the soaked bread cubes. Cook the bites for 3 to 4 minutes, turning them carefully to brown all sides evenly. This step gives you that perfect balance of crispy-outsides and custardy-insides, an essential feature of this beloved recipe.
Step 4: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
While the bites are still warm, toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar and cinnamon mixed together. This coating adds a delightful crunchy texture combined with a sweet cinnamon punch that amplifies the nostalgic cinnamon roll flavor we’re chasing here.
Step 5: Optional Glaze Drizzle
If you want to elevate your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe even more, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the bites just before serving for an extra layer of sweetness and that classic bakery feel.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve these delectable bites immediately while they’re warm and the glaze is fresh. Each little piece is packed with flavor and a wonderful combination of textures that will make you smile with every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle additional cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries not only add a vibrant pop of color but also bring a juicy, tart contrast that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with crispy bacon or a savory sausage side for a balanced breakfast experience. A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream also works wonderfully alongside for extra creaminess and indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites skewered on fun little sticks for an easy grab-and-go style or arrange them on a brunch platter with small bowls of syrup, Nutella, or fresh fruit compotes. Presentation can turn this simple recipe into a festive centerpiece perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from any glaze to avoid sogginess. The cinnamon sugar coating helps maintain a slight crunch even after storage.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe for up to a month. Lay them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy quick breakfasts any day by simply reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and lightly crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its richness and softness, you can use any white sandwich bread or even challah. Just make sure the bread isn’t too dense or stale, as it needs to soak up the custard evenly.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer and swap dairy milk for plant-based milk such as almond or oat. Use vegan butter for cooking, and adjust sweetness to your taste. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make these bites ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare and cook the bites in advance, then warm them up just before serving. This makes the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests without stress.
What’s the best way to get a crispy outside on these bites?
Cooking slowly over medium heat with enough butter creates a golden, crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning, and flip gently to keep all sides evenly cooked.
Can I add other flavors to the glaze?
Feel free! A touch of cream cheese or a pinch of nutmeg can add interesting twists to the glaze. You could also use maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast or snack, the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is truly a joy to make and eat. It brings together beloved flavors and textures in every bite, and its versatility means you can dress it up or down to suit any occasion. Give it a try—you might just find these cinnamon-sugary nibbles becoming a cherished favorite at your table.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful, bite-sized twist on classic French toast, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Cubes of brioche or white bread are soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, then coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend and optionally drizzled with a creamy glaze for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread (brioche or white bread), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Glaze (Optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined to create a flavorful soaking mixture.
- Soak the bread cubes: Dip the bread cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the French toast bites: Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the soaked bread cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly until golden and crisp.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the cooked French toast bites in this mixture until they are fully coated with the sweet cinnamon sugar.
- Make and add the glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to prepare the glaze. Drizzle this over the French toast bites for a creamy finishing touch.
- Serve: Arrange the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites on a plate and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For best results, use brioche or white bread as they soak up the egg mixture well and produce a tender texture.
- The glaze is optional but adds a deliciously sweet finish that resembles a cinnamon roll.
- Adjust cinnamon amount according to preference for more or less spice.
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated in a skillet or microwave, though they are crispiest fresh.
- Serve with fresh fruit or maple syrup for extra flavor variations.
