Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet breakfast that’s fun to share and impossible to resist, look no further than these Cinnamon French Toast Bites. Imagine classic French toast transformed into fluffy, golden cubes, tumbled in cinnamon sugar, all ready for dunking into warm maple syrup. They’re bite-sized, totally addictive, and just as perfect for a cozy weekend brunch as for an impromptu treat with friends. These little morsels capture all the homey magic of traditional French toast, just in a playful, snackable form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part? Cinnamon French Toast Bites use only a handful of everyday ingredients that each play their part in making the magic happen. Every element brings something special—richness, softness, sweetness, or a hint of spice—so don’t skip a thing!

• Bread: Slightly stale white bread, about 1 inch thick, is perfect for absorbing the custard without going soggy. You’ll need 4 slices (see Note 1).
• Eggs: Two large (or three small) eggs are whisked in to give these bites their signature soufflé-like texture.
• Milk: Just 1/4 cup turns your eggs into the perfect custardy soak that clings to every bread cube.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and keeps things from being too sweet.
• Sugar: White sugar is essential for making the cinnamon coating shimmer and crunch.
• Cinnamon powder: Half a teaspoon is all you need to perfume each bite with cozy, bakery-style warmth.
• Butter: Three tablespoons—split during cooking—brown the bread beautifully and add irresistible richness.
• Maple syrup: Not optional! For that nostalgic, authentic finish when it comes time to serve.

How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Bites

Step 1: Cube the Bread

Start by slicing the crust off each piece of bread to keep the bites light and pillowy. Then, cut each slice into 9 equal cubes. Slightly stale bread works best—the dry texture means each cube will soak up the custard without falling apart.

Step 2: Make the Custard Bath

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. This forms the classic French toast custard that soaks into every crevice of the bread cubes, making the centers tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

Stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This mixture will coat each bite, creating a sweet, fragrant crust that’s impossible to resist.

Step 4: Sauté the First Batch

Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Be sure not to let the butter brown—you want a golden fry, not burnt edges. Quickly toss half of the bread cubes in the custard, shake off any excess, and add them to the hot pan.

Step 5: Brown on All Sides

Use a wooden spoon to “sauté” the bread cubes, flipping them frequently so each side becomes evenly browned and lightly crisp. This step usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. The bites should be golden and puffed, never soggy.

Step 6: Coat With Cinnamon Sugar

Move the freshly sautéed bread straight into the cinnamon sugar bowl. Toss gently until each cube is thoroughly coated with that glorious, sparkly mixture. Transfer the finished bites to a plate.

Step 7: Repeat for the Rest

Add the rest of the butter to the pan and repeat the process with your remaining bread cubes, ensuring every batch gets evenly cooked and coated. Work quickly for best results.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Cinnamon French Toast Bites are made to be eaten warm and fresh. Arrange them on a plate and set out a generous dish of maple syrup for dipping. Watch them disappear in a flash!

How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Bites

Garnishes

A dusting of extra cinnamon sugar is always welcome, but you can also top Cinnamon French Toast Bites with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a spoonful of whipped cream if you’re feeling decadent. For a pop of color, scatter a few fresh berries on top.

Side Dishes

Serve these bites alongside fresh fruit salad, tangy yogurt, or crispy bacon for a beautiful brunch spread. They’re also perfect tucked alongside scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out little skewers for dipping, arrange the bites on a platter with various syrups and sauces, or serve them in paper cones for a fun, party-ready twist. You can even stack them as mini “towers” topped with a cherry for an extra playful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Cinnamon French Toast Bites (which isn’t likely!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days—they’ll still be tasty, though not quite as crisp on the outside.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freeze-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for about a month.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-pan magic, reheat Cinnamon French Toast Bites on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that deliciously crisp outside!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While white bread creates the fluffiest texture, brioche, challah, or even whole wheat can be lovely alternatives. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale (or toast it first) to prevent sogginess.

Do I have to let the bread get stale first?

Using slightly stale bread is best since it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. But if your bread is fresh, just cube it and toast it briefly in a low oven to dry it out before starting.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free butter. The results are still wonderfully rich and satisfying.

Can I add other spices to the coating?

Of course! Nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ground ginger can be delicious alongside the cinnamon. Experiment to customize your Cinnamon French Toast Bites just the way you like.

How do I prevent them from getting soggy?

Don’t soak the bread cubes too long in the custard—just a quick toss is enough. Also, sauté in a hot pan so they brown quickly without absorbing too much butter.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to Cinnamon French Toast Bites or already hooked, there’s something magical about enjoying your favorite breakfast in bite-sized form. They’re fun, easy, and endlessly adaptable, making them a hit with adults and kids alike. Trust me, once you’ve tried these, you’ll be looking for every excuse to whip them up again!

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