If you are craving a breakfast treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of your favorite pastries with the fun, bite-sized convenience of finger food, then the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightful dish transforms simple bread cubes into golden, fluffy morsels coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a luscious glaze, making each bite feel like a celebration of classic cinnamon roll goodness with a French toast twist. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or a special breakfast surprise, these bites are sure to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. Each item plays a specific role—bread for structure and softness, eggs and milk for richness and custard texture, cinnamon for that iconic spice, and butter for the irresistible golden crust. Together, they transform humble ingredients into a truly indulgent breakfast treat.
- Brioche or white bread (6 slices): Soft and slightly sweet bread provides the ideal base that soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Eggs (2): They create the custard-like coating that makes French toast so tender and flavorful.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness for a smooth egg mixture that coats the bread evenly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the cinnamon notes beautifully.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): This warm spice is essential for that classic cinnamon roll taste inside the custard itself.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used for cooking, it contributes to a golden, slightly crispy exterior with a rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup) and cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Combined to create a sweet and spicy coating that clings perfectly to the French toast bites.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup), milk (1 tablespoon), and vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon) – optional for glaze: Whisk together to make a smooth, sweet drizzle that elevates each bite with creamy sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Begin by whisking together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and well combined. This mixture is the magic that soaks into the bread cubes, infusing each piece with creamy cinnamon flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Cubes
Take your bite-sized bread cubes and gently dip them into the egg mixture, ensuring every side gets a thorough coating. This soaking step is crucial to get perfectly tender and flavorful French toast bites.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add your soaked bread cubes in an even layer. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally so that every side becomes a golden, crispy little toast dream. The butter not only browns the bread but adds richness that’s impossible to resist.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While your bites are still warm, toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar and cinnamon mixed together. This coating adds that iconic cinnamon roll sweetness and a lovely texture that makes you want to keep reaching for more.
Step 5: Drizzle with Optional Glaze
If you want to take these bites to the next level of decadence, whisk powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a bit of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze generously over your bites, adding a creamy, sweet finish that mimics a traditional cinnamon roll frosting.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Serve your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites hot from the pan for the ultimate cozy, sweet breakfast treat. Watching these bites disappear around the table is one of the greatest compliments you can receive!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites even more inviting. Try adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, or a light dusting of cinnamon to enhance the look and flavor without overwhelming the bites. A small sprig of mint can add a fresh contrast to the warmth of the cinnamon.
Side Dishes
While these bites are delicious on their own, pairing them with traditional breakfast sides like crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a dollop of whipped cream can round out the meal beautifully. The salty crunch of bacon contrasts perfectly with the sweet bites, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites in a fun, interactive way. Use a skewer or toothpick for easy dipping and sharing, or pile them high on a platter for a brunch centerpiece. Another great option is to present them in small ramekins with individual drizzles of glaze, making each portion feel personalized and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely stick around long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick sweet breakfast the next morning.
Freezing
These bites freeze wonderfully, perfect for meal prepping or saving for later. Arrange cooled bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to a month, ready to be reheated when that cinnamon roll craving hits.
Reheating
To bring your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites back to life, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method preserves their crisp exterior while warming the soft interior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them a little soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or white bread gives the best texture and sweetness, you can experiment with challah, soft sandwich bread, or even day-old bread for a bit more chew. Just be sure the bread isn’t too dense or crusty, or it won’t soak up the custard well.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored to keep the balance of flavors. Butter can be replaced with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for cooking.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! The glaze is quick and easy to prepare in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and whisk it again before drizzling if it thickens.
How do I keep the bites from getting soggy?
Make sure to cook the soaked bread cubes on medium heat without overcrowding the pan. Turning often ensures even browning. Also, toss them in the cinnamon sugar right after cooking so the coating sticks well without melting the crust.
Can these bites be made vegan?
Yes, with some tweaks! Use a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute for the eggs, plant-based milk, and a vegan butter alternative. The cinnamon and sugar coating stays the same, making this treat vegan-friendly and just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you fall in love with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe as much as I have. It’s such a fun, approachable way to bring a little extra joy and cinnamon-spiced magic to your mornings. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat-yourself kind of day, these bites bring warmth, sweetness, and smiles to the table every single time. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 16 bites
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, a perfect bite-sized twist on traditional French toast. Soft bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in cinnamon sugar and optionally drizzled with a sweet glaze for that irresistible cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.
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, creating the flavorful soak for the bread cubes.
- Soak the bread cubes: Dip the bread cubes into the egg mixture, making sure every piece is well-coated to absorb the cinnamon-vanilla flavor evenly.
- Cook the French toast bites: Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the soaked bread cubes and cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Toss in cinnamon sugar: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Immediately toss the warm French toast bites in this cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them evenly.
- Optional glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cinnamon sugar-coated French toast bites before serving for added sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the cinnamon roll French toast bites warm and enjoy this sweet, bite-sized treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- You can use brioche bread for a richer and buttery flavor or white bread for a lighter texture.
- Ensure the bread cubes are evenly coated but not overly soggy to maintain texture when cooking.
- Butter is used for pan-frying to achieve a golden crust; substitute with oil if preferred.
- The glaze is optional but highly recommended for extra sweetness and authenticity of cinnamon rolls.
- These bites are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in a pan or microwave.
