Hey there, breakfast lovers; let me introduce you to a morning treat that’s about to become your new favorite. These cinnamon french toast bites aren’t just any breakfast; they’re little golden pockets of joy that bring the warm, cozy flavor of classic French toast into bite-sized perfection. Imagine this; crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and each piece coated in just the right amount of sweet cinnamon sugar.
Whether you’re rushing out the door on a busy weekday or gathering with family for a relaxed weekend brunch, these cinnamon french toast bites are ready in just 15 minutes and are as fun to make as they are to eat. I promise; both kids and adults will be grabbing for more of these poppable delights.
So why settle for ordinary when you can brighten the table with cinnamon french toast bites that turn any morning into something special? Trust me; this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat!
Why These Cinnamon French Toast Bites Are a Game-Changer
French toast has been a beloved breakfast staple for generations; but let me tell you, these cinnamon french toast bites take that timeless classic to a whole new level. Imagine all the rich, cozy flavor you know and love; now in mini, poppable form that’s perfect for sharing. Unlike the usual slices that call for a plate and fork, these cinnamon french toast bites are designed for easy, mess-free eating; ideal for families with young kids or anyone who enjoys fun finger foods.
The real magic happens when you cube the bread before soaking it in that delicious spiced mixture; this gives every piece extra surface area to achieve a beautifully golden brown crust while keeping the centers soft and tender. The result? Cinnamon french toast bites that deliver the perfect balance of crispy and fluffy in every bite.
Serve these irresistible bites with a side of fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a generous maple syrup drizzle; they also shine as part of a brunch spread alongside bacon, fresh fruit, or even coffee cake. Once you try these cinnamon french toast bites, you’ll wonder how you ever did brunch without them!
Jump to:
Ingredients
For the French Toast Bites
- brioche bread
- eggs
- whole milk
- vanilla extract
- salt
- butter
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- nutmeg (optional)
- granulated sugar
- ground cinnamon
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep Everything (5 minutes)
- Cut brioche bread into 1-inch cubes (about 36-40 pieces).
- In one bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- In another shallow bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar for coating.
Pro Tip: Day-old bread works best – it won't fall apart when soaked.
Soak and Cook (8 minutes)
- Gently toss bread cubes in the egg mixture for 30 seconds.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add soaked cubes in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown on all sides.
Expert Cooking Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan – work in batches for even cooking.
Coat and Serve
- While bites are still warm, immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat helps the coating stick perfectly.
- Serve right away with maple syrup for dipping.
- Step 1: Prep Everything
Cut bread into cubes and prepare custard and sugar mixture.
- Step 2: Soak and Cook
Soak bread cubes and cook until golden on all sides.
- Step 3: Coat and Serve
Roll cooked bites in cinnamon sugar and serve warm.
Professional Cooking Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon French Toast Bites
When it comes to making unforgettable cinnamon french toast bites, a few pro tips can make all the difference. First up; temperature control is key. Medium heat is your best friend; too high and you’ll end up with burnt outsides and undercooked centers; too low and you’ll miss out on that irresistible golden brown crust that makes these cinnamon french toast bites so special.
Cooking for a crowd? No problem. Try batch cooking by keeping your finished cinnamon french toast bites warm in a 200°F oven while you work through the remaining batches; that way, every bite hits the table piping hot and perfectly crisp.
Want that extra crunch? Here’s a little secret; pat the bread cubes dry with paper towels before soaking them in the custard. This small step helps your cinnamon french toast bites develop that ideal crispy exterior without losing their tender, fluffy centers.
And if you’re planning ahead, here’s a make-ahead hack; cube your bread the night before and leave it uncovered to dry out just a bit. This prevents soggy bites and ensures each one soaks up just the right amount of custard without falling apart.
Creative Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
Recipe Variations
- Cinnamon Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites; add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the custard mixture and top with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for that cinnamon roll vibe.
- Air Fryer Cinnamon French Toast Bites; preheat air fryer to 350°F, lightly spray basket with cooking oil, add soaked bread cubes in a single layer, and cook 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Baked Cinnamon French Toast Bites; arrange soaked bread cubes on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through for even browning.
Dietary-Friendly Options
- Vegan Cinnamon French Toast Bites; make with plant milk, flax eggs, and vegan butter for a delicious dairy- and egg-free version.
- Keto-Friendly Cinnamon French Toast Bites; use almond flour bread and sugar-free sweetener for a low-carb option.
- Gluten-Free Cinnamon French Toast Bites; substitute your favorite gluten-free bread for the base.
Equipment
- Large Non-Stick Skillet: Ensures even cooking and easy flipping without sticking
- Shallow Mixing Bowls: One for the custard, one for the cinnamon sugar coating
- Wire Cooling Rack: Prevents soggy bottoms by allowing air circulation
- Sharp Serrated Knife: Makes clean cuts through bread without crushing
Budget-friendly alternatives work just fine – any large pan and basic mixing bowls will do the job perfectly.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Meal Prep Strategy; for easy mornings, cube your bread and mix up your custard the night before. Store both separately in the refrigerator. This way, you can whip up fresh, perfect-texture cinnamon french toast bites in no time.
- Refrigerator Storage; store leftover cinnamon french toast bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back that delicious crispiness.
- Freezer Instructions; after your cinnamon french toast bites have cooled, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes for warm, crispy bites.
The Little-Known Chef’s Secret Behind Perfect Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Ever wondered how restaurants get their cinnamon french toast bites so perfectly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside? Here’s the secret I learned from a chef friend; after soaking your bread cubes in that rich, spiced custard, let them rest for 2–3 minutes before cooking. It sounds simple, but this quick pause lets the custard fully work its magic, creating cinnamon french toast bites with centers that stay soft and fluffy while the outside turns beautifully golden and crisp.
I started using this trick at home, and let me tell you; it completely transformed my cinnamon french toast bites. Now, whether I’m making them for a lazy Sunday brunch or a busy weekday treat, I get that same restaurant-quality texture every time. Try it once, and I promise; your cinnamon french toast bites will never be the same!
FAQ
What is the most common mistake when making French toast?
Using heat that’s too high. This burns the outside before the custard cooks through. Medium heat gives cinnamon french toast bites that crispy outside and soft center.
How to get cinnamon to dissolve for French toast?
Mix cinnamon with sugar first, then whisk in milk and eggs. This helps it blend evenly so your cinnamon french toast bites are perfectly spiced.
What are French toast bites?
They’re bite-sized cubes of custard-soaked bread, cooked until golden and crisp. Cinnamon french toast bites are fun, easy to eat, and great for sharing.
What is the secret to crispy French toast?
Let the custard-soaked bread sit for 2–3 minutes before cooking. This helps cinnamon french toast bites cook up crispy outside, tender inside.
Your Next Delicious Breakfast Adventure Starts Here
These cinnamon french toast bites really prove that the most satisfying breakfasts are often the easiest to make. With their golden, crispy outside and soft, custardy middle, they’re the perfect way to turn any morning into something special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, planning a fun brunch party, or simply treating yourself, these quick brunch favorites never disappoint; they’re truly a go-to in my kitchen.
If you’re as hooked on these as I am, why not explore more? Try my Homemade French Toast Recipe for a classic take, or go for my Overnight French Toast Casserole Brioche Recipe when you want something you can prep ahead and bake in the morning—both are just as cozy and crowd-pleasing.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up that skillet, fill your kitchen with the smell of sweet cinnamon goodness, and give these cinnamon french toast bites a try. Don’t forget to drop a comment with your favorite twist or tag us in your photos; I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Cinnamon French Toast Bites recipe:
Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Equipment
- 1 Non-stick skillet
- 3 Mixing bowls
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Serrated knife
Ingredients
- ½ slices brioche bread day-old, cubed
- 3 large eggs
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Cut bread into cubes and prep custard.
- Soak cubes briefly.
- Cook until golden on all sides.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar and serve.
Leave a Reply