If you have a soft spot for sweet, comforting breakfast treats and love a bit of fun finger food, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. Imagine the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls transformed into golden, bite-sized French toast cubes that are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Coated with a luscious cinnamon sugar blend and optionally drizzled with a sweet glaze, these bites are pure morning magic. They’re quick to make, irresistibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become a household favorite whether for a leisurely weekend brunch or a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine effortlessly to create layers of wonderful flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role – from the soft bread cubes that soak up the egg mixture, to the fragrant cinnamon that brings warmth, to the buttery finish that gives each bite its golden crispness.
- Bread (6 slices of brioche or white bread): Best to use bread that’s soft but sturdy enough to hold up when soaking up the egg mixture and cooking.
- Eggs (2): These form the rich custard base that envelops the bread cubes, adding moisture and structure.
- Milk (½ cup): Helps to lighten the custard mix and contribute to a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons total): The star spice that infuses flavor both in the batter and the coating for that warm, cozy taste.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For cooking, the butter lends a rich, golden crust and that irresistible aroma.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Used in the cinnamon sugar coating to add crunch and sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup), milk (1 tablespoon), vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): Optional ingredients for a smooth, sweet glaze that takes the bites to the next level.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the custard mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. This flavorful custard will soak into the bread cubes, infusing them with rich, inviting flavors that set the stage for the classic cinnamon roll taste.
Step 2: Dip the bread cubes
Cut your bread slices into bite-sized cubes, then gently dip each piece into the custard mixture, making sure all sides are well-coated. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect custardy bite inside while crisping up nicely on the outside.
Step 3: Cook the bites in butter
Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Place the soaked bread cubes in the pan and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally so each side reaches a beautiful golden brown. The butter not only adds flavor but helps develop that irresistible crust on each bite.
Step 4: Toss in cinnamon sugar
While the bites are still warm, toss them in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This coating adds a delightful crunch and a burst of cinnamon sweetness that mimics the classic cinnamon roll topping.
Step 5: Drizzle with glaze (optional)
If you want to take this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe over the top, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the bites just before serving for that signature sticky-sweet finish.
Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy!
The magic is in enjoying these bites fresh and warm. Gather your friends or family around, because these little bursts of cinnamon roll goodness disappear fast!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a charming, pretty touch. For a seasonal twist, fresh berries bring vibrant color and a hint of tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweet bites.
Side Dishes
Serve these with some creamy yogurt or a side of fresh fruit salad to balance their richness. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea complements the warm spices in the bites, making your breakfast or brunch feel especially cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bites on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing—perfect for parties or brunch gatherings. You can even layer them with dollops of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to turn this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe into a real show-stopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bites left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, retaining much of their charm and flavor with a quick reheat.
Freezing
To enjoy these bites later, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from clumping together and makes it easy to take out just what you need.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen or refrigerated bites in a toaster oven or regular oven to preserve their crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit softer, so try to avoid that if you want to keep their crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or white bread works best for that soft, fluffy texture, you can experiment with challah or even thicker sandwich bread. Just ensure it’s fresh enough to soak but firm enough to hold together.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a non-dairy butter substitute for cooking. The flavors will still be deliciously inviting!
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the custard mixture just before dipping the bread cubes to ensure freshness, but you can mix it up to an hour in advance and keep it refrigerated.
What can I substitute for the glaze if I want something less sweet?
If you prefer something lighter, a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar without the glaze is perfect. Alternatively, a drizzle of pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
How do I make sure the bites stay crispy after cooking?
Cook them over medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan so each bite has enough space to crisp evenly. Also, serve them immediately or reheat in an oven rather than a microwave to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
If you love the nostalgic charm of cinnamon rolls but want a fresh, fun way to enjoy that flavor, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is a total game changer. Easy to make, endlessly delicious, and perfect for sharing, these bites bring irresistible warmth and sweetness to any morning. Give it a go and watch how fast these little treats steal the spotlight at your table!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites—bite-sized pieces of brioche or white bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, then coated with cinnamon sugar and optionally drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
French Toast Bites
- 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 and smooth.
- Soak the bread cubes: Dip the bite-sized bread cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.
- Cook the French toast bites: Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the soaked bread cubes and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until each side is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar with cinnamon. Toss the cooked French toast bites in this cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are evenly coated with the sweet, spiced coating.
- Prepare optional glaze: If desired, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the French toast bites before serving to add a creamy, sweet finish.
- Serve warm: Arrange the bites on a serving plate and serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites!
Notes
- You can use brioche, white, or any soft bread for the best texture.
- For a richer flavor, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet touch, perfect for those who want extra indulgence.
- These bites can be kept warm in a low oven (about 200°F) if preparing for a crowd.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.
