Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

If you have a sweet tooth and love breakfast treats that combine the best of both worlds, then Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites will quickly become your new obsession. These little bites capture the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the crispy, custardy delight of French toast, creating a perfect blend of sweet and spicy with Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites—bite-sized breakfast bliss in every mouthful! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these tasty morsels are irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Convenient Bite-Sized Treats: Perfect for busy mornings or brunch parties, these small bites are easy to serve and even easier to eat.
  • Sweet and Spicy Flavor Combo: The balance of cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of spice makes every bite delightfully flavorful.
  • Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Taste: Uses everyday pantry staples to create a gourmet-tasting breakfast.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute guests or weekend indulgence.
  • Great for Sharing: These bites are perfectly portioned for a crowd and can be made ahead to save time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites comes from simple but essential ingredients that combine texture, sweetness, and that irresistible cinnamon aroma. Each component plays a role, whether it’s the fluffy bread base, the creamy custard soak, or the sugary cinnamon topping.

  • Bread Cubes: Use day-old brioche or challah for a soft, airy texture that soaks up the custard beautifully.
  • Eggs: The binding agent that gives the custard its rich flavor and helps coat each bite perfectly.
  • Milk: Whole milk or cream adds creaminess to the custard soak for a luscious mouthfeel.
  • Cinnamon: The key spice, providing warmth and that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
  • Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and caramel notes to the bites.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds depth to the custard mixture.
  • Butter: For cooking bites to golden perfection with a slightly crisp exterior.
  • Cream Cheese Glaze: A simple blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk to drizzle on top for that authentic cinnamon roll finish.

Variations for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Whether you want to add nuts or go dairy-free, the possibilities are endless.

  • Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the custard or sprinkle on top for crunch and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap bread cubes for gluten-free bread varieties and enjoy the same tasty result.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy, and swap butter for coconut oil.
  • Spiced Up: Add ground nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
  • Fruit Infusion: Mix blueberries or chopped apples into the bites before cooking for a fruity surprise.
Why Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Delight

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut your chosen bread into bite-sized cubes, making sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little sugar until smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes

Gently toss the bread cubes in the custard mixture, allowing them to soak up the flavors without becoming mushy.

Step 4: Cook the Bites

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the soaked cubes in batches, turning until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth and drizzle-able.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Arrange the bites on a plate and generously drizzle with cream cheese glaze for that classic cinnamon roll finish.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

  • Use Sturdy Bread: Day-old or slightly stale brioche or challah holds up best and soaks custard without falling apart.
  • Don’t Over-Soak: Toss bread in custard gently and briefly to prevent sogginess.
  • Keep Heat Medium: Cooking on medium heat allows bites to crisp up without burning.
  • Butter is Key: Use real butter for the richest flavor and best browning.
  • Make the Glaze Last: Prepare the cream cheese glaze just before serving for optimal texture and taste.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Garnishes

Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar give these bites a vibrant and inviting look, while a few mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with crispy bacon or fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory or tangy flavors, turning your breakfast into a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites on a platter surrounding a small bowl of maple syrup or cream cheese glaze for dipping, perfect for sharing and snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled bites in an airtight container and refrigerate; they stay fresh for up to three days, making great grab-and-go breakfast options.

Freezing

Freeze cooked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months, retaining flavor and texture.

Reheating

Warm bites in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispiness without drying them out, or microwave with a damp paper towel for quick reheating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

Yes, brioche and challah are ideal for their texture, but you can also use sandwich bread or even cinnamon swirl bread for added flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk, egg substitutes like flaxseed eggs, and vegan butter or oil to make delicious dairy-free and egg-free bites.

How do I prevent the bites from getting soggy?

Make sure to soak the bread cubes just long enough to absorb custard without falling apart, and cook them over medium heat to achieve a crispy exterior.

Can I prepare the bites the night before?

Yes, you can soak the bread cubes in custard overnight in the fridge to enhance flavor and save morning prep time.

What’s the best way to serve leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

Reheat them until crisp, then serve with fresh fruit, syrup, or a drizzle of extra cream cheese glaze for a quick second breakfast.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites bring the joy of cinnamon rolls and French toast together in a fun, bite-sized form that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether for a cozy weekend breakfast, a brunch spread, or a special treat, these bites are bound to win hearts and bellies alike. Give the recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are bite-sized breakfast treats that perfectly combine the warm, spicy flavors of cinnamon rolls with the crispy, custardy texture of French toast. Quick and easy to prepare, these sweet morsels are ideal for busy mornings, brunch parties, or anytime you want a deliciously indulgent snack. Served with a rich cream cheese glaze, they offer a gourmet-tasting breakfast made from simple pantry staples.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Cubes

  • Day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into bite-sized cubes (about 4 cups)

Custard Mixture

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired drizzle consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut your chosen day-old brioche or challah into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are roughly equal in size for even cooking.
  2. Mix the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fragrant.
  3. Soak the Bread Cubes: Gently toss the bread cubes in the custard mixture, allowing them to absorb flavors without becoming overly soggy.
  4. Cook the Bites: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the soaked bread cubes in batches, turning as needed until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl. Mix until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-able.
  6. Serve Warm: Arrange the cooked French toast bites on a plate and generously drizzle with the cream cheese glaze for that authentic cinnamon roll finish.

Notes

  • Use sturdy day-old brioche or challah bread to prevent the bites from falling apart during soaking and cooking.
  • Soak the bread cubes gently and briefly in the custard to avoid sogginess.
  • Cook on medium heat for a crispy exterior without burning.
  • Use real butter for the best flavor and browning.
  • Prepare the cream cheese glaze just before serving for optimal texture and taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll, French Toast, Breakfast Bites, Sweet Treats, Easy Breakfast, Brunch, Custard, Bite-sized, Cream Cheese Glaze

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