Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon, butter, and caramelized sugar. That’s exactly what you get with Cinnamon French Toast Bites: A Sweet Morning Delight—a perfect way to start your day on a delicious note. These bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast, brunch with friends, or a quick weekday treat, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet, golden bites.
- Customizable: Pair with fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for serving at brunch gatherings or breakfast-for-dinner nights.
Ingredients for Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Here’s everything you need to make this delightful recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Slightly stale white bread, thick slices | 4 slices |
| Large eggs | 2 (or 3 smaller ones) |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Salt | Pinch |
| White sugar | ¼ cup |
| Cinnamon powder | ½ tsp |
| Butter | 3 tbsp (divided) |
| Maple syrup | For serving |
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Bites
1. Prepare the Bread
- Take four thick slices of slightly stale white bread and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
- Using stale bread helps it soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.
2. Make the Egg Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- This mixture will coat the bread, giving it a rich, custardy texture.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon powder together until well combined.
- This will be used to coat the French toast bites after cooking.
4. Dip the Bread Cubes
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Working in small batches, dip the bread cubes into the egg mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Be careful not to let them soak too long, or they may become too soggy.
5. Cook the Bites
- Place the soaked bread cubes into the hot skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping them to ensure they’re golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides.
6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- As soon as the French toast bites are done cooking, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- The heat from the bites will help the sugar stick, creating a delicious caramelized coating.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the warm French toast bites with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
- For an extra indulgence, add whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon French Toast Bites
1. Use Stale Bread for Better Texture
- Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked in the egg mixture.
- If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours or toast it lightly before cutting.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or skip the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- For extra indulgence, add a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
- Cook in small batches to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Adding too many bread cubes at once can lower the pan temperature, making them soggy.
4. Try Different Toppings
- Aside from maple syrup, consider honey, chocolate drizzle, or fruit compote for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Sugar | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness.
Best Serving Ideas for Cinnamon French Toast Bites
1. With a Side of Fresh Fruit
- Serve with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for a refreshing contrast.
2. Topped with Nuts or Seeds
- Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
3. Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream
- A light and creamy topping pairs beautifully with the warm, cinnamon-coated bites.
4. Serve as a Dessert
- Turn it into a dessert by serving with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Cinnamon French Toast Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat in the oven for best results.
2. What type of bread works best?
Slightly stale white bread, brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal for the best texture.
3. Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! Swap milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use plant-based butter.
4. How can I make this healthier?
Use whole wheat bread, reduce sugar, and cook with less butter for a lighter version.
5. What can I use instead of cinnamon?
Nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or cardamom can be great alternatives for a different flavor twist.
6. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange the coated bread cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon French Toast Bites: A Sweet Morning Delight is the ultimate breakfast treat that brings warmth and comfort to your table. With crispy edges, a soft center, and a cinnamon-sugar coating, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or just indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Try it out and let me know how you enjoy your Cinnamon French Toast Bites!
Cinnamon French Toast Bites: A Sweet Morning Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
A bite-sized twist on classic French toast, theseCinnamon French Toast Bites are crispy, sweet, and perfect for dipping in maplesyrup. A delicious and fun breakfast treat for all ages!
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices of slightly stale white bread (about 1″ or 2.5 cm thick)
- Use 2 large eggs or opt for 3 smaller ones.
- ¼ cup milk
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- Maple syrup for serving (a must!)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the slices of slightly stale bread into bite-sized cubes or small squares. This will help the bread absorb the egg mixture while maintaining its structure.
- Make the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon powder together, ensuring that the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
- Dip the bread: Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, dip the bread cubes into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak briefly, then place them into the hot skillet.
- Cook the bites: Cook the bread bites for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Once cooked, immediately toss the hot French toast bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Serve: Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread may become too soggy, so let it sit out for a few hours before cutting.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Try coconut sugar or brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and dairy-free butter.
- Make It Extra Crispy: Cook over medium-high heat and add a little extra butter for a crispier texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for a quick breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American