If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine bite-sized pieces of fluffy bread, soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla custard, cooked to golden perfection, then tossed in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a luscious glaze. It’s all the joy of a cinnamon roll, but in a quick, fun, and super shareable format that’s perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Trust me, once you try these, your breakfast routine will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these irresistible bites. Each one plays an essential role, from adding flavor and richness to creating that perfect texture and color that makes this dish so inviting.
- Brioche or white bread: The soft, slightly sweet bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard mixture.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the custard flawlessly.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- Cinnamon: Brings that cozy spice that ties the whole dish together.
- Butter: Used for cooking the bites to a golden, crispy finish with a hint of savory depth.
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon (for coating): The perfect sweet-spicy combo that crisps up outside the bites.
- Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (for optional glaze): A silky, sweet drizzle that takes these bites to the next level of indulgence.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. This blend is your flavor powerhouse and will coat each bread cube with a luscious, spiced custard that gives the bites their soft, rich interior.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Cubes
Cut the brioche or white bread into bite-sized cubes, then dip each piece into the custard mixture. Make sure every cube is fully coated to ensure every single bite bursts with that cinnamon-roll goodness.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast Bites
Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add the custard-soaked bread cubes and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning often so all sides get golden and crispy. This step locks in the custard and develops that tantalizing crust perfect for coating later.
Step 4: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
While the bites are still warm, toss them gently in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This coating adds an irresistible sweet crunch and heightens the cinnamon flavor in every single bite.
Step 5: (Optional) Drizzle with Glaze
For a luscious finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle this over your French toast bites just before serving for that sweet, creamy contrast that will have you swooning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these bites warm so you can experience the perfect combination of crispy edges, soft centers, and sweet glaze that make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe a standout breakfast or brunch hit.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add vibrant colors and textures that make the bites even more inviting. A little whipped cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting also pairs wonderfully for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
These bites go beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait for a balanced plate. For those who want a heartier meal, crispy bacon or sausages add a savory counterpart that complements the sweet cinnamon flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bites in a large bowl for family-style sharing or individually on small plates with a small pitcher of extra glaze or maple syrup for dipping. For a festive brunch, stack them in a parfait glass alternating with layers of fruit and whipped cream – a fun twist that elevates this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bites keep their flavor, though they may lose a little of their crispy exterior, which can be refreshed with reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Arrange cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, giving you a quick and delightful breakfast option anytime.
Reheating
For the perfect warm-up, pop the frozen or refrigerated bites into a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method brings back their crispness without drying them out. Microwaving works too, but just briefly to avoid losing texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and white bread work best due to their softness and slight sweetness, you can experiment with challah, Texas toast, or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Just avoid very dense or whole-grain breads to keep that tender, fluffy bite.
Is it necessary to use the glaze?
The glaze is optional but highly recommended if you love a rich, sweet finish. The bites are already delicious coated in cinnamon sugar, so feel free to skip the glaze if you prefer something lighter.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
You can! Substitute the eggs with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer, and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The flavor may vary slightly, but the cinnamon and sweetness will still shine through beautifully.
How do I get the bites crispy on the outside?
Cooking in butter over medium heat and turning frequently ensures all sides develop a golden crust. Also, coating in the cinnamon sugar while warm helps create that crunchy, caramelized exterior that’s so addictive.
Can I add other flavors to the custard?
Definitely! A pinch of nutmeg, a splash of orange zest, or even a touch of almond extract can add delightful layers of flavor that personalize your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe to your taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe enough if you want a breakfast that’s quick, fun, and downright delicious. They capture the essence of a cinnamon roll with the ease of classic French toast in bite-sized form — perfect for sharing or treating yourself on a cozy morning. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!
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
Description
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful breakfast treat featuring bite-sized pieces of brioche or white bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Optionally topped with a sweet glaze, they capture the essence of cinnamon rolls in a fun, easy-to-eat form perfect 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.
- Coat the bread cubes: Dip the bite-sized bread cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly soaked and coated.
- 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, gently turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
- Prepare and apply the cinnamon sugar coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the cooked French toast bites in this cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Make the glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a glaze. Drizzle this over the French toast bites just before serving for added sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites warm and enjoy the delicious cinnamon roll flavors in a fun bite-sized snack.
Notes
- Using brioche bread adds a richer flavor and softer texture to the bites.
- Make sure to evenly coat the bread cubes in the egg mixture for best results.
- Turn the bread bites carefully while cooking to avoid them breaking apart.
- The glaze is optional but adds an extra touch of sweetness and authenticity to the cinnamon roll taste.
- These bites are great for feeding a crowd or serving as finger food at brunches.
