There’s nothing quite like waking up to the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, promising a delicious start to the day. When I first came across the idea of transforming classic cinnamon rolls into bite-sized breakfast delights, I knew I had to give it a try. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate weekend breakfast treat! Crunchy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, they are a warm hug for your taste buds.
Designed to please both adults and kids alike, this recipe is as adaptable as it is delightful. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself after a long week, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these bites disappear. With just a few simple ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can whip up a batch that will make every morning feel special. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking—your new favorite indulgence awaits!
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Are the Ultimate Weekend Breakfast Treat!
Irresistible flavor: The combination of cinnamon and buttery bread brings classic comfort food right to your table.
Versatile options: Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or seasonal spices for a unique twist every time!
Easy preparation: You can whip these up quickly, making them perfect for busy weekends or last-minute brunch plans.
Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds or thirds—watch them disappear in a flash!
For more delightful breakfast ideas, be sure to explore our other mouthwatering recipes for inspiration.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Ingredients
• Get ready to create breakfast bliss!
For the Bites
- Thick slices of white bread – The perfect structure; preferably day-old for optimal texture, or try brioche or challah as a scrumptious alternative.
- Large eggs – The essential binding agent; 2 large or 3 small eggs will create a rich custard for soaking.
- Milk – Adds moisture; regular or dairy-free options like almond milk are great substitutions.
- Salt – Enhances flavors; just a pinch balances the sweetness for a delicious outcome.
- Granulated sugar – For sweetness; brown sugar can be used to enrich the flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon – The star flavor; essential for that cinnamon roll essence, but a chai spice substitution can give it a fun twist.
- Butter – Cooking fat for frying; don’t hesitate to use non-dairy alternatives if needed.
For Serving
- Maple syrup – An essential sweetener that elevates the flavor experience—don’t skip this for your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
-
Prepare the bread: Trim the crusts off the thick slices of white bread and cut each slice into 9 equal cubes. This ensures even cooking and delicious little bites.
-
Whisk the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined, creating a smooth, rich custard for soaking the bread.
-
Mix cinnamon-sugar: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish; this will coat your bites in a delightful sweet spice after frying.
-
Melt butter: Heat ½ tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Let it melt, but keep an eye to avoid browning!
-
Dip the bread cubes: Take half of your bread cubes, dip them into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off before placing them in the skillet.
-
Cook until golden: Fry the bread cubes for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden and crispy on all sides. The smell will be amazing!
-
Coat in cinnamon-sugar: As soon as they are cooked, toss the hot cubes directly in your cinnamon-sugar mix to coat them evenly.
-
Repeat the process: Cook the remaining bread cubes in the skillet, adding more butter as needed, to ensure they also turn out crispy and delicious.
-
Serve warm: Plate the bites fresh from the skillet and serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup on the side.
Optional: For a touch of indulgence, consider adding a cream cheese frosting drizzle on top.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Room Temperature: Enjoy these delicious bites warm, but for any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture, keeping that cinnamon goodness intact!
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the bites for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat until warmed through and slightly crispy. This ensures your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are just as delightful during leftovers as they were fresh!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
Indulging in these bite-sized treats is just the beginning of your delicious morning experience. Let’s explore the perfect accompaniments to create a morning feast your whole family will love!
- Fresh Fruit Medley: Bright and juicy fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas add a refreshing contrast to the sweet bites and provide vibrant colors on your plate.
- Whipped Cream Delight: Homemade whipped cream makes for a luscious topping that elevates your bites to dessert-like goodness. A dollop will delight both kids and adults!
- Savory Breakfast Sausages: A side of crispy breakfast sausages brings a savory element that perfectly balances the sweetness of your French toast bites. The juxtaposition will keep every bite exciting!
- Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Drizzling a homemade cream cheese frosting mixed with maple syrup offers an indulgent sweetness that complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These warm drinks are perfect to sip alongside your bites. Rich, bold coffee or creamy hot chocolate enhances the cozy morning vibe.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a contrasting crunch and savory flavor, making each bite of the sweetness even more enjoyable. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon with breakfast?
- Chai-Spiced Tea: This aromatic drink mirrors the warm spices of the bites, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that enhances the cozy breakfast experience.
Pairing these delightful options with your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites will take your breakfast from good to unforgettable!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Variations
Feel free to get creative with these bites; they’re your canvas for deliciousness!
-
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for an extra layer of crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
-
Chocolate Delight: Mix in mini chocolate chips to the egg mixture; they'll melt just right for a sweet surprise in every bite.
-
Seasonal Spice: Swap regular cinnamon for pumpkin spice or chai spice during the holidays for a warm, festive twist.
-
Fruit Fusion: Fold in fresh berries or citrus zest into the batter for a refreshing flavor that brightens up each bite.
-
Cocoa Powder: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the egg mixture to give your bites a chocolatey, dessert-like feel.
-
Savory Spin: For a savory twist, try swapping out the cinnamon for garlic powder and serve with marinara for dipping.
-
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze over the finished bites for a sweet, sticky finish that takes them to new heights.
-
Heated Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey for those who like a little heat to balance the sweetness.
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a fantastic choice for those busy mornings when you need a delicious breakfast without the fuss! You can prepare the custard mixture (eggs, milk, and salt) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Additionally, you can cut the bread into cubes and have them ready to go; just keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. When it's time to serve, simply dip the bread cubes in the prepared custard and cook them as instructed. This method ensures that your bites come out just as delicious, giving you a flavorful breakfast with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Ideal Bread Choice: Use day-old thick slices of bread for perfect texture. Fresh bread can lead to overly soggy bites during soaking.
- Proper Custard Consistency: Ensure the egg and milk mixture is well whisked for an even coating and flavor. This helps the bites absorb the custard without falling apart.
- Controlled Heat: Cook over medium-high heat to achieve that golden-brown exterior without burning the butter. Too high heat can lead to uneven cooking.
- Quick Coating: Toss the cooked bites in the cinnamon-sugar while hot for optimal adhesion, ensuring every bite is flavor-packed.
- Custom Variations: Feel free to experiment! Adding mini chocolate chips or mixed nuts can take your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites to the next level.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
Absolutely! For the best texture, I recommend using thick slices of day-old white bread, as it soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy. Brioche or challah can provide a lovely flavor twist, adding richness to every bite!
How should I store leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
You can store these scrumptious bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. If you want to save them for a longer period, just follow the freezing instructions below!
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, place the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. When you’re craving them, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat until heated through and crispy.
What should I do if my bites are soggy after cooking?
If you find your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are soggy, it could be due to using fresh bread instead of day-old or over-soaking them in the custard. For future attempts, ensure the bread is adequately dried out and don't let it soak for too long—just a quick dip is usually enough to get that perfect balance!
Can I make these bites dairy-free?
Very! You can easily switch to dairy-free alternatives by using almond milk or any plant-based milk of your choice for the custard. Additionally, be sure to use a non-dairy butter substitute for frying, and you can still enjoy delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with all the warm, comforting flavors!
What toppings work best with Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
For the ultimate breakfast bliss, consider drizzling them with maple syrup or adding a touch of cream cheese frosting. Fresh fruits, like mixed berries or banana slices, also make a delightful topping. Feel free to get creative—there are endless possibilities to elevate these bites!
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Are the Ultimate Breakfast Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the bread: Trim the crusts off the thick slices of white bread and cut each slice into 9 equal cubes.
- Whisk the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Mix cinnamon-sugar: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Melt butter: Heat ½ tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip the bread cubes: Take half of your bread cubes, dip them into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off before placing them in the skillet.
- Cook until golden: Fry the bread cubes for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden and crispy.
- Coat in cinnamon-sugar: Toss the hot cubes directly in your cinnamon-sugar mix to coat them evenly.
- Repeat the process: Cook the remaining bread cubes in the skillet, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve warm: Plate the bites fresh from the skillet and serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup on the side.
Leave a Reply