These playful and delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are little nuggets of pure joy, capturing all the cozy flavour of a cinnamon roll in a fun, shareable format.
This recipe for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites came to life on a morning when my toddler decided that using a fork was simply out of the question. I had planned on making regular French toast, but I needed a quick pivot to something she could happily eat with her hands. I decided to deconstruct the classic, cutting the bread into cubes before soaking and frying. The result was this incredibly fun, popable breakfast that felt less like a formal meal and more like a happy game. It’s a simple twist on a classic, much like the many brilliant variations you can find on blogs like Smitten Kitchen.
🟧 Why This Is So Good
- Perfectly Poppable: Their small, bite-sized form makes them incredibly fun to eat for both kids and adults, and perfect for sharing.
- Ready in 20 Minutes: This is a genuinely fast breakfast, moving from pantry to plate in about 20 minutes flat.
- Uses Everyday Ingredients: You likely have everything you need—bread, eggs, milk, and spices—to make these right now.
- Crispy on All Sides: Unlike a traditional slice, every single cube gets caramelized and crispy on multiple sides, making for an incredible texture.
I made these for the first time for a playdate, setting a big bowl of them in the middle of the table for the kids to snack on. They were an absolute sensation! The little ones were so delighted to have a breakfast they could pick up and dip. One of the other moms tried a few and her eyes lit up. “This is brilliant,” she said, “they taste exactly like the middle of a cinnamon roll!” That’s when these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites solidified their place as my go-to for fun, easy entertaining. The key to that perfect crust is all about pan-frying, a technique beautifully explained at The Kitchn. For more advanced recipes, visit Bake Warely.
🟧 Getting Your Ingredients Right
- Day-Old Bread is a Must: For these small bites, using bread that is slightly stale is even more critical than with regular French toast. Fresh bread will turn to mush in the custard, while stale bread soaks it up like a sponge and holds its shape.
- Thick-Cut is Key: A sturdy, thick-cut white bread, brioche, or challah provides the best texture. You need that substance to create a bite that’s crispy on the outside and custardy in the middle.
- The Right Cinnamon: The flavour of this dish is all about the cinnamon. A high-quality, fragrant ground cinnamon makes a world of difference. For a deep dive into different cinnamon varieties, you can explore resources like this guide from The Spice House.
- Real Butter for Frying: While you can use oil, frying these bites in real butter provides an unmatched rich, nutty flavour that perfectly complements the cinnamon and sugar, truly elevating these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites.
🟧 Making It Step by Step
This delightful breakfast is a quick and joyful process. It’s less about careful flipping and more about a happy tumble of ingredients in a hot pan.
Prepare the Custard and Bread
First, prepare your components. In a large bowl—large enough for tossing—whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until they are light and uniformly combined. Next, take your thick slices of day-old bread and cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch square. This creates the perfect canvas for our Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites.
Tumble and Soak the Bites
Add all of the bread cubes to the bowl with the custard. Using a spatula, gently toss and fold the cubes until they are all evenly moistened but not completely saturated and falling apart. You want them to absorb the liquid quickly without sitting for too long. A quick, energetic tumble is all they need.
Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this right next to your stove. Melt a tablespoon or two of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add a single layer of the soaked bread cubes to the pan. Cook for a few minutes, turning the bites with a spatula, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. As soon as a batch is done, transfer the hot, buttery bites directly into the cinnamon-sugar bowl and toss to coat.
🟧 Making Sure It Turns Out
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is the golden rule of getting anything crispy. Cooking the bites in a single layer with space between them ensures they fry, not steam.
- Medium Heat is Perfect: If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the custardy center is cooked through. Medium heat provides that perfect golden-brown color.
- Toss in Sugar While Warm: The cinnamon-sugar mixture will cling best to the bites when they are hot and fresh from the buttery pan.
- Work Quickly When Soaking: Don’t let the bread cubes linger in the custard. A quick toss to coat is all that’s needed to prevent them from becoming overly soggy.
The first time I made these, I impatiently dumped all of the soaked bread cubes into the pan at once. Instead of a beautiful sizzle, I got a sad little hiss. They all steamed together and came out pale and soft, not crispy at all. It was a classic rookie mistake! Now, I always take the time to cook them in two or three batches. That patience is the true secret to perfect, crispy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites.
🟧 Perfect Serving Ideas
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are incredibly fun to serve. For a family breakfast, pile them high on a platter with a small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping. For a party or brunch, thread them onto small skewers alternating with fresh strawberries or banana slices for a fun “breakfast kebab.” They are also absolutely divine with a side of cream cheese frosting or a tangy yogurt dip to balance the sweetness.
🟧 Making It Different
This simple recipe is a fantastic starting point for variations. Add a splash of orange juice and some orange zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy twist. A pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar will add another layer of warm spice. For a decadent dessert version, serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel. You could even create a savoury version by omitting the sugar and cinnamon, and tossing the bites with Parmesan cheese and herbs instead.
🟧 Storage and Leftovers
These bites are definitely best enjoyed fresh, as their crispy exterior is the star of the show. However, if you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. To bring back some of their magic, reheat them in an air fryer or a single layer in a toaster oven for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
🟧 Tips That Actually Help
- Use a Large Bowl for Tossing: Tossing the bread cubes in the custard and then in the cinnamon sugar requires some space. A large, wide bowl makes this process much cleaner and more efficient.
- Mise en Place is Your Friend: Before you turn on the stove, have your soaked bread, your cinnamon sugar, and your serving platter all ready to go. This recipe moves fast once you start cooking.
- A Spider Strainer Works Wonders: If you’re making a large batch, using a spider strainer or a slotted spoon to lift the bites out of the pan is much quicker than using a spatula.
A real game-changing moment for me was when I started tossing the hot bites in the cinnamon sugar right in the warm skillet (with the heat turned off, of course). It saves a dish, and the residual heat helps the sugar melt just a tiny bit, creating an irresistible glaze. It’s a simple trick that makes the process feel even more streamlined.
🟧 Closing Paragraph
There is something so wonderfully playful about these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. This recipe takes a classic, beloved breakfast and turns it into a shared, joyful experience. Seeing the smiles they bring to our breakfast table turns even a simple Tuesday morning into something a little more special. For us, it’s a delicious reminder that the best recipes are often the simplest ones, made with love and a touch of fun. I hope you adore them as much as we do.
🟧 Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I make these in the air fryer? Yes! After soaking, arrange the bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden. Toss the hot bites with butter first, then the cinnamon sugar.
→ What is the best bread to use for these bites? A thick-cut, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or a simple thick-sliced white bread is best. You need something that won’t fall apart when cut and soaked.
→ Can I prepare the bread cubes ahead of time? Absolutely. You can cube the bread and leave it out on a baking sheet overnight to get perfectly stale, which is ideal for this recipe.
→ How do I prevent them from being too greasy? Use just enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan and cook on medium heat. Also, be sure to let them rest on a plate—no need for paper towels, as the cinnamon sugar sticks best to a buttery surface.
→ Are these good for a party? They are absolutely perfect for a party! You can make a large batch and keep them warm in a low oven until you’re ready to serve.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun, easy, and incredibly delicious recipe for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or snack.
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices white bread (day-old is best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prep: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and salt. In a separate shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.
- Soak: Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. Do not let them sit for too long.
- Cook: Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the soaked bread cubes in a single layer. Cook for 2-4 minutes, turning, until all sides are golden brown.
- Coat: Immediately transfer the hot bites to the cinnamon-sugar bowl and toss to coat.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining butter and bread cubes.
- Serve: Serve the warm bites immediately with plenty of maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- Using day-old, thick-cut bread is essential to prevent the bites from becoming soggy.
- Cook in batches to ensure the bites get crispy and don’t steam in the pan.
- Toss the bites in the cinnamon sugar while they are still hot from the pan for the best coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 9 bites
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: < 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
