If you are looking for a delightful, bite-sized breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is your new best friend. These little morsels capture all the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but bring in the crispiness and fun of French toast, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Every bite melts with cinnamon-spiced goodness and a hint of vanilla, making your mornings a little brighter and definitely sweeter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites just right comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients that work magic together. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s adding richness, flavor, or that perfect crispy edge.
- Brioche or white bread, 6 slices: Soft and slightly sweet, the bread cubes soak up the batter beautifully without falling apart.
- Eggs, 2: Provide structure and richness to the dipping mixture.
- Milk, 1/2 cup: Keeps the batter smooth and tenderizes the bread for a custardy interior.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Infuses that classic spice note essential for this recipe.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons: Ensures a golden, crispy crust and gorgeous color while cooking.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Sweetens and adds crunch when combined with cinnamon for coating.
- Cinnamon for coating, 1 teaspoon: Creates that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust on the outside.
- Powdered sugar, 1/2 cup (optional): For the glaze that gives a nice finishing touch with extra sweetness.
- Milk for glaze, 1 tablespoon (optional): Helps achieve a silky, pourable texture for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract for glaze, 1/4 teaspoon (optional): More vanilla flavor to complement the glaze perfectly.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Batter
Start by combining the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. Whisk them together until everything is smoothly blended. This mixture is your flavorful custard that will soak into the bread cubes with delightful results.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Cubes
Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes, perfect for popping into your mouth. Dip each cube into the egg mixture, making sure every side is fully coated so that the cinnamon and vanilla flavors seep deep inside while cooking.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the soaked bread cubes. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides brown evenly. Look for a golden color and a crispy exterior that still feels soft inside.
Step 4: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Once the French toast bites are cooked, immediately toss them in this mixture so each piece is coated with that classic cinnamon-sugar crunch that makes this dish so addictive.
Step 5: Drizzle with Optional Glaze
If you’re feeling a little extra and want to elevate these bites, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together to create a luscious glaze. Drizzle it artistically over the warm bites for an irresistibly sweet finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
The final step is the easiest and the best—serve your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites warm, ideally fresh off the pan, and get ready to enjoy each melt-in-your-mouth, cinnamon-swirled bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can take your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites to the next level. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries add vibrant color and a fresh tang that balances the sweetness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or chopped nuts also adds a touch of elegance and texture without overpowering the main flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with sides that complement its sweetness. Consider crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to add a savory contrast that keeps your taste buds fully engaged. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works great if you want to lean into indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch or special occasion, serve your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites on a long platter with small bowls of different dips like maple syrup, cream cheese frosting, or even a caramel sauce. Stack them in a mini tower or arrange them in colorful muffin liners for a festive look that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the French toast bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They taste best fresh but keeping them covered will help retain their softness and prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these bites for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Frozen Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe treats can keep well for up to one month, perfect for quick breakfasts later on.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that crunchy outer layer and soft center texture that makes this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or white bread are ideal for their softness and slight sweetness, you can experiment with challah or even thick-cut sandwich bread to suit your preferences. Just ensure the bread isn’t too dense or stale for the best soaking and texture.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze is optional but highly recommended if you love an extra sweet and creamy topping. Without it, the bites still shine with cinnamon sugar, but the glaze adds a lovely finishing touch that makes it feel dessert-worthy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter or margarine for cooking. The flavor will still be delicious and just as comforting.
How do I keep the bites from becoming soggy?
The key is to cook them over medium heat and turn them often to get a golden crisp on all sides. Also, ensure you toss them immediately in the cinnamon sugar mix so the exterior stays crunchy rather than soggy.
What’s the best way to serve these for a crowd?
Serve them warm in a large serving dish with the cinnamon sugar coating already applied. Provide bowls of glaze, syrup, and fresh fruit on the side so guests can customize their bites. This makes for a fun and interactive breakfast or brunch option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about sharing these fabulous Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe with friends or family. They bring all the comforting flavors you love in cinnamon rolls with the crisp and custardy texture of French toast in perfect harmony. Give this recipe a whirl—you might just find it becoming your new weekend favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
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
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring bite-sized bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. Optionally topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, they make a perfect fun breakfast or snack for sharing.
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 and smooth.
- Dip the bread cubes: Submerge the bread cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the custard mixture.
- Cook the French toast bites: Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the soaked bread cubes and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring or turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the cooked French toast bites in this mixture to evenly coat them with the sweet cinnamon flavor.
- Make and drizzle glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the French toast bites before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use brioche bread for a richer and more tender texture.
- Ensure the bread cubes are not left soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
- Butter can be substituted with oil or non-dairy margarine for dietary preferences.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and visual appeal.
- These bites can be kept warm in a low oven if preparing for a crowd.
