Name: Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cinnamon rolls: You can use store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls for convenience or homemade ones if you’ve got the time. Either works, but day-old rolls hold up better during soaking and frying.; Eggs: The binding force of any good French toast. They coat the bites in rich custard that crisps up beautifully in the pan.; Whole milk or heavy cream: This adds richness and moisture. Cream makes the bites especially decadent, but whole milk is a solid choice if you want to keep it lighter.; Vanilla extract: A dash adds a lovely aroma and depth to the custard.; Ground cinnamon: Even though you're starting with cinnamon rolls, a pinch more cinnamon brings everything to life.; Butter: For frying. It helps get that perfect golden crust and adds flavor.

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

Scale

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, $1/4$ 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