Table of Contents
Table of Contents
If there’s one thing better than classic French toast, it’s Cinnamon French Toast Bites—mini cubes of heaven, crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted in warm cinnamon sugar. As a mom of two picky eaters and a brunch lover, this recipe became my weekend staple. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and totally customizable. Whether you’re making a big batch for a family breakfast or prepping ahead for an easy snack, these bites are the kind of comfort food you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Check out this cozy breakfast idea: How to Make Pancake Sausage Casserole
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bite-Sized and Irresistible: These poppable cinnamon sugar bites are easier to eat than traditional French toast and perfect for little hands or entertaining.
- Fast and Foolproof: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving toddlers, teens, or adults, everyone will be coming back for seconds—and thirds!
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Method | Pan-fried or baked |
| Best Bread Options | Brioche, challah, Texas toast |
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Best Bread Types for Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Use thick-cut, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast for that perfect soft interior and crisp edge. Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the custard without turning soggy.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Butter or oil, for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Bites (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cube the Bread
Cut your bread into even bite-sized cubes (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Uniform cubes ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Gently toss the bread cubes in the custard mixture until well-coated but not soggy. Let them absorb for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Heat butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the soaked bread cubes in batches, cooking until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy (about 6–8 minutes total).
Step 5: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
Remove the bites and immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture so they coat while warm.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Recipe
- Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: Too much soaking leads to mushy bites. A light dip is all you need for that fluffy texture.
- Use Medium Heat: High heat can burn the sugar quickly—stick to medium for that perfect caramelized finish.
- Want to Bake Instead of Fry? Lay coated cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Don’t miss our favorite cinnamon dish: How to Make Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Flavor Variations
Switch up your Cinnamon French Toast Bites with these creative ideas:
- Cream Cheese-Stuffed: Inject cream cheese filling before frying for a decadent surprise.
- Nutella Swirl: Add a swirl of Nutella to the egg mix or drizzle after cooking.
- Fall-Inspired Spice: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice or add a pinch of nutmeg and clove for cozy autumn bites.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cinnamon French Toast Bites on a brunch platter with dipping sauces
- Maple syrup
- Warm chocolate sauce
- Strawberry compote
- Salted caramel
What to Serve With Them
- Scrambled eggs
- Crispy bacon
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla yogurt parfaits
Learn more about cinnamon’s benefits: Cinnamon Benefits, Uses, Health Effects
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: You can cube the bread and mix the custard the night before. Just soak and cook in the morning!
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet.
- Freezing: Freeze fully cooked bites in a single layer. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Looking for inspiration? Try this: How to Make Coffee Cake Oatmeal Bars
Discover great brunch recipes: Banana Bread
FAQs About Cinnamon French Toast Bites
What type of bread works best for French toast bites?
The best bread for French toast bites is thick-cut and slightly stale. Brioche, challah, Texas toast, or even a dense white sandwich bread hold up well when soaked and cooked. These types absorb just the right amount of custard without getting soggy.
Can I bake Cinnamon French Toast Bites instead of frying?
Yes! You can absolutely bake Cinnamon French Toast Bites if you prefer a less oily or hands-free method. Spread the soaked bread cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping them halfway through to get an even golden crisp.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the bread cubes and custard mixture the night before and store them separately. In the morning, just combine, cook, and serve. You can also fully cook and refrigerate the bites—then reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven for a quick and easy breakfast.
What toppings go well with French toast bites?
These sweet bites are super versatile. Top them with:
Maple syrup
Whipped cream
Powdered sugar
Nutella
Fruit compote
Fresh berries
Greek yogurt
The warm cinnamon sugar base pairs well with a variety of toppings!
Are Cinnamon French Toast Bites freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Let the cooked bites cool completely, then spread them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a bag or container. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or air-fry them for a crispy finish.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving a holiday brunch or sneaking a sweet snack on a Tuesday morning, Cinnamon French Toast Bites bring all the nostalgic flavors of classic French toast—just in a more fun, dippable way. They’re easy, delicious, and versatile enough to fit any occasion. Once you try them, we bet they’ll become a staple on your breakfast table!
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Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast), cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Butter or oil, for frying
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Cube the Bread
- Cut thick slices of bread into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes. Set aside.
Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
Soak the Bread
- Add the bread cubes into the egg mixture and gently toss until well coated. Let soak for 1–2 minutes.
Cook Until Golden
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook bread cubes in batches, turning each side until golden and crispy (about 6–8 minutes).
Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Toss the hot bites in the mixture until fully coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old bread so it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
- You can bake the bites at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes instead of frying.
- Want a twist? Try stuffing the bites with cream cheese or Nutella before frying.
