Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe

If you crave a delightful, bite-sized breakfast treat that packs all the cozy flavors of a classic brunch favorite, you will absolutely love Cinnamon French Toast Bites. These little nuggets of golden, cinnamon-spiced joy combine the soft, custardy texture of French toast with a crunchy sugar coating, making every mouthful a perfect balance of sweet, warm, and comforting notes. Whether you’re whipping these up for a holiday morning, a weekend brunch, or a fun snack, Cinnamon French Toast Bites bring that irresistible nostalgic flavor in a playful, easy-to-eat form that’s guaranteed to become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing its part beautifully, this recipe is easy to gather and lets every flavor shine through. From the creamy eggs and warm cinnamon to the rich maple syrup and buttery crispiness, each component adds layers of taste and texture to your Cinnamon French Toast Bites.

• Bread (1 loaf, cut into bite-sized chunks): Choose slightly stale or day-old bread to ensure your bites hold together without getting soggy.
• Large eggs (4): These create the custard base that gives French toast its creamy, rich interior.
• Whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness; heavy cream can be used for an even richer touch.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a sweet, floral aroma that enhances all other flavors.
• Butter (2 tbsp, divided): For toasting the bites to a perfect golden crisp.
• Sugar (3/4 cup): Combined with cinnamon for a crunchy, sweet coating.
• Cinnamon (2 tsp plus 1 tsp for syrup): The star spice that gives these bites their warm, comforting personality.
• Kosher salt (pinch): Balances sweetness and rounds out flavor.
• Maple syrup (3/4 cup): Heated with cinnamon, it becomes a luscious drizzle that’s heaven on every bite.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used to make a smooth vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Water (2 tbsp): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Bites

Step 1: Prep the bread for the perfect texture

Cut your loaf into bite-sized chunks, ideally from day-old bread, as this helps your French toast bites hold their shape without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350-degree oven for about 5-8 minutes until just slightly golden and firm. This drying step ensures a crisp exterior after cooking and a wonderfully tender interior.

Step 2: Make the flavorful custard mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt until everything is completely combined. This mixture is the heartbeat of your Cinnamon French Toast Bites, infusing every nugget with that classic French toast flavor and that irresistible aromatic warmth from the cinnamon and vanilla.

Step 3: Coat the bread chunks in custard

Working in two batches, quickly dip half the bread cubes into the egg mixture, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly without saturating them. The goal is to have each cube fully bathed in custard but slightly firm, so the bites stay intact when cooked. Transfer the coated bread to a separate bowl and repeat with the remaining cubes.

Step 4: Cook the bites to golden perfection

Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt half of the butter. Add some coated bread cubes without overcrowding the pan, giving them space to turn beautifully crisp and golden on all sides. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, tossing the cubes gently ‘stir-fry’ style once toasted on both sides to ensure even cooking. Remove the batch and repeat with the rest of the bread, adding more butter as needed.

Step 5: Coat with cinnamon sugar

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl to create a shimmering, fragrant coating. Toss the warm French toast bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture in batches, so each piece is evenly coated with this sweet, crunchy layer. This simple step elevates these bites into a flavor-packed delight that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Step 6: Prepare the cinnamon-infused maple syrup

Warm the maple syrup gently on medium-low in a small saucepan, adding a cinnamon stick or a teaspoon of cinnamon for that extra burst of spice. Heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally to marry the flavors. This syrup becomes an irresistible dip or drizzle that pairs perfectly with the bites.

Step 7: Make the vanilla glaze for a finishing touch

Combine powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, whisking until smooth. This glaze adds an elegant, sweet finish that perfectly complements the cinnamon and maple notes, making your Cinnamon French Toast Bites feel just a bit more indulgent and special.

How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Bites

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Cinnamon French Toast Bites with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of the vanilla glaze for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh berries or sliced bananas also bring a refreshing contrast, brightening the plate with natural color and juicy flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a side of Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream to introduce creaminess and a bit of tang that balances sweetness beautifully. For a heartier brunch, crisp bacon or breakfast sausage brings a savory counterpoint that makes every bite more complex and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cinnamon French Toast Bites in small mason jars layered with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a charming parfait presentation. Or thread the bites onto skewers for a playful, easy-to-eat finger food option that’s perfect for brunch parties or family gatherings. The options are endless and always delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cinnamon French Toast Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered well maintains their tender interior while preserving the crisp sugar coating.

Freezing

To enjoy these bites later, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen properly, they keep for up to 2 months without losing their delightful texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated bites in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy. Serve warm with extra maple syrup or glaze for a fresh-from-the-kitchen taste.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or even Texas toast work wonderfully because of their soft texture and slight sweetness. Just ensure the bread isn’t too fresh or moist, as that could make the bites soggy.

Is it better to use milk or heavy cream?

Whole milk keeps the custard light yet creamy, but if you want extra richness, heavy cream is a fantastic option that makes the bites super indulgent and silky inside.

Can I prepare Cinnamon French Toast Bites vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with a flax or chia egg mixture and swap the milk and butter for plant-based alternatives. Use coconut cream or almond milk, and coconut oil for cooking. The flavor will still be delicious!

Why do I toast the bread cubes before dipping?

Toasting slightly dries the bread just enough to prevent it from getting overly saturated and falling apart during cooking, resulting in a perfect texture—crispy outside, tender inside.

Can I skip the cinnamon stick in the syrup?

You can, but the cinnamon stick infuses the syrup with a subtle depth of spice that really elevates the dish. If you don’t have one, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon is a fine substitute.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a breakfast that’s both charmingly nostalgic and incredibly fun to eat, then Cinnamon French Toast Bites are calling your name. This recipe brings all the warmth and comfort of cinnamon-spiced French toast in perfectly portioned bites that everyone will adore. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to treat for cozy mornings and delightful brunches alike. So go ahead, grab that loaf of bread, and start making magic in your kitchen today!

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