Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that combines all the favorite breakfast flavors into one tidy bite. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites take the traditional breakfast and elevate it into a sweet, shareable dish that feels like a warm hug. Perfectly baked, these bites are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a family gathering or simply indulging on a cozy weekend morning, you can’t go wrong with this simple yet delightful recipe.

At the heart of these delicious bites is a combination of fluffy bread, eggs, and creamy milk brought to life with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. Using a high-quality bread like brioche or challah delivers a rich flavor and a tender crumb that sets the stage for this sweet treat. The notes of warm cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar create a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Everything is topped off with a drizzle of maple syrup or cream cheese icing, adding that extra layer of indulgence.

The method for preparing these bites is refreshingly easy. First, you will preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cut the fluffy bread into bite-sized cubes. Next, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and spices before combining everything to ensure each piece of bread is well-coated with the creamy mixture. After spreading the mixture on a greased baking sheet and sprinkling on cinnamon sugar, they simply bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Voila! You have a delicious dish ready to be enjoyed.

These bites are ideal for chilly nights, brunch gatherings, or even a special holiday breakfast. They also make fantastic snacks that keep you satisfied throughout the day. When you serve them warm with syrup or icing, you’ll see smiles all around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

• Quick Preparation: With simple steps and minimal time, you can have a delicious dish ready to go in no time.
• Use Simple Ingredients: The pantry staples required make this an accessible recipe for everyone.
• Comfort Food Done Right: Fluffy, sweet, and satisfying, these bites are perfect for a cozy breakfast.
• Perfect for Sharing: Their bite-sized nature makes them a great option for gatherings or potlucks.
• Variations Galore: Easily customizable, you can add nuts, fruit, or different types of icing to make it your own.

Fluffy Bread Tips

The most crucial ingredient in this recipe is the bread, so selecting the right one is essential. It’s advisable to pick a loaf of fluffy bread like brioche or challah. Both types of bread offer a soft texture and rich flavor that enhances the overall dish. When choosing, look for bread that is slightly stale, as it will absorb the egg mixture better and hold its shape during baking. If you can’t find either, French bread is an acceptable substitute, though the texture might be different.

Options for Substitutions

• Eggs: You can use egg substitutes or flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option.
• Milk: Any type of milk, including almond, oat, or soy milk, can easily replace dairy milk.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar or a low-calorie sweetener can work as a substitute for granulated sugar.
• Breads: Try using whole grain bread or gluten-free varieties to suit your dietary preferences.
• Cinnamon: For a twist, consider using pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal flavor.
• Toppings: Swap out maple syrup for honey or agave syrup, or use a mix of fresh fruit for a fresher taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

One common mistake is overcooking the bites. It’s easy to lose track of time while they bake; however, keeping an eye on them and removing them from the oven once golden brown is essential for a perfect texture.

Another pitfall is not ensuring all bread cubes are well-coated. It can lead to some parts being dry while others are overly soggy. Take your time in mixing to ensure every piece absorbs the egg mixture.

Additionally, using too much cinnamon sugar on top can overpower the flavors. Stick to the recommended amount to enhance rather than mask the natural sweetness in the bread and egg mixture.

Finally, don’t be tempted to skip greasing the baking sheet. This step is necessary to prevent sticking and allows for easy serving later on.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

These delicious bites can stand alone, but they also pair wonderfully with side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Consider serving them alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, for a refreshing contrast. Bacon or sausage provides a savory balance to the sweetness. A simple green salad can offer a crisp, light counterpoint, while whipped cream or yogurt can add creaminess, making your breakfast feel like a delightful indulgence.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, tightly covered to maintain freshness.

Freeze: These bites can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure they are in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.

Reheat: For best results, use a stovetop pan over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30-60 seconds until warm.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6-8

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 800-1,000
Protein: 30-35 grams
Fat: 35-45 grams
Carbohydrates: 100-120 grams

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of fluffy bread (such as brioche or challah)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Maple syrup (for serving)
• Cream cheese icing (for drizzling, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter, ensuring it’s well coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cut the loaf of fluffy bread into bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl, ensuring they are evenly distributed for easy mixing.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Bread and Egg Mixture

Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Gently stir to ensure that all the bread is well-coated with the mixture. This step is essential for ensuring that each piece absorbs the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Cinnamon-Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Spread the coated bread cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, and then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the bread.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and caramelized. Once done, serve them warm, drizzled with maple syrup or cream cheese icing if desired.

In summary, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a perfect treat that combines comfort and indulgence into one delicious dish. The process is straightforward, making it accessible even to novice home cooks. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors it brings to your table. Remember to share your thoughts and any adaptations you make as you explore this sweet breakfast alternative. If you loved this recipe, check out similar posts for more delicious ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these bites be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before and leave it in the refrigerator. Just bake them fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast.

How do I ensure the bites are not soggy?

Be sure to mix the bread thoroughly with the egg mixture and avoid letting it soak for too long beforehand. This maintains a nice texture.

Can I use different spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, allspice, or even pumpkin spice as a delicious alternative to use in this recipe.

Print