I’ve always believed the best recipes are born from a simple question: “What if?” For years, my weekend breakfast dilemma was a tough one should I go for the rich, custardy goodness of French toast or the warm comfort of a cinnamon roll? Then one morning, I thought, “What if I didn’t have to choose?” That’s how this recipe for Cinnamon roll french toast bites came to life, capturing the essence of a cinnamon roll in classic, bite-sized French toast.
You’ll love these bites because they transform simple pantry staples into something special. They deliver the perfect texture combination: a slightly crisp, caramelized exterior that gives way to a soft, fluffy center. This makes them an instant hit for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or just a sweet morning treat.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of day-old white bread, cut about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick
- 2 big eggs, or 3 smaller ones
- 60 ml (¼ cup) milk
- A tiny pinch of salt
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter, separated
- Maple syrup, for topping (a must!)
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Cinnamon Sugar
First, cut the day-old bread into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined, then set aside.
Step 2: Create the Egg Custard
Next, in a shallow dish like a pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, and the pinch of salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Bites
Working in batches, briefly dip the bread cubes into the egg custard, coating them for just a few seconds on each side. Avoid over-soaking so they don’t fall apart.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, place the soaked bread bites in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread.
Step 5: Coat and Serve Warm
Finally, while the Cinnamon roll french toast bites are still hot, gently toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Serve immediately with a warm drizzle of maple syrup.
My Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Tips
The Right Bread Makes All the Difference
I can’t stress this enough: using thick, day-old bread is the secret to success. Fresh bread becomes soggy and disintegrates in the pan. Stale, thicker bread has a sturdier structure that perfectly soaks up the custard without losing its shape.
The Art of the “Quick Dip”
The goal is a custardy center, not a soggy one. Avoid letting the bread cubes linger in the egg mixture. A quick dip is all you need to ensure the outside gets a great sear while the inside stays soft and fluffy as it cooks.
Medium Heat is Your Best Friend
A hot pan will scorch the outside before the egg custard inside has a chance to cook. Stick to a steady medium heat for that perfect, even golden-brown crust and a fully cooked center.
Fun Variations of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Once you’ve mastered the recipe, feel free to get creative. For a zesty twist, add the zest of one small orange to your cinnamon-sugar mixture. If you love texture, sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans over the bites after coating them. To get even closer to an authentic cinnamon roll experience, drizzle the warm bites with a simple glaze made by whisking softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth.
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe.
FAQs
What are French toast bites?
They are bite-sized cubes of bread soaked in an egg custard and pan-fried, just like traditional French toast. This form makes them great for sharing or for smaller appetites.
What is the difference between French toast and cinnamon French toast?
The main difference is the addition of cinnamon. While traditional French toast is simpler, cinnamon French toast incorporates the warm spice either into the custard or into a sugary coating, as this recipe does.
What is the most common mistake in making French toast?
Without a doubt, the most common mistake is using fresh, thin bread or over-soaking it. This leads to a soggy texture. A quick dip with sturdy, day-old bread is the best way to achieve perfect results.
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Cinnamon roll french toast bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the best of both worlds with these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites! This recipe transforms simple day-old bread into a decadent breakfast treat that captures the warm, gooey essence of a cinnamon roll with the custardy perfection of French toast. Each bite-sized cube has a perfectly crisp, caramelized exterior and a soft, fluffy center, making them an irresistible hit for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you crave something sweet.
Ingredients
4 slices of day-old white bread, cut about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick
2 big eggs, or 3 smaller ones
60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
A tiny pinch of salt
50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter, separated
Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Cinnamon Sugar Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Create the Egg Custard In a shallow dish, such as a pie plate, whisk the eggs, milk, and salt together until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
- Soak the Bread Bites Working in small batches, briefly dip the bread cubes into the egg custard. Turn them to coat all sides for just a few seconds, ensuring they are moistened but not overly saturated.
- Cook to Golden Perfection Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, carefully place the soaked bread bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until all sides are golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread bites.
- Coat and Serve Warm While the French toast bites are still hot from the skillet, transfer them to the bowl with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss gently until each bite is evenly coated. Serve immediately with a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup.
Notes
- Best Bread to Use: Sturdy, thick-cut, day-old bread is crucial for this recipe. Brioche, challah, or Texas toast are excellent choices as they absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
- Don’t Oversoak: A very quick dip in the egg mixture is all you need. Over-soaking the bread will cause it to fall apart in the pan.
- Control Your Heat: Cook on steady medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the custardy center has a chance to cook through.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: For an even more authentic cinnamon roll flavor, drizzle the finished bites with a simple glaze made from 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese, cup powdered sugar, and a teaspoon of milk whisked until smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 251mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll French Toast, French Toast Bites, Easy Breakfast Recipe, Bite-Sized French Toast, Weekend Breakfast, Kid-Friendly Breakfast
