Cinnamon French Toast Bites

These Cinnamon French Toast Bites are a fun and delicious twist on traditional French toast! Bite-sized pieces are sautéed like you’re stir-frying them, resulting in crispy, golden bites coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. They taste like mini cinnamon doughnuts and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 4 slices of bread (preferably day-old, thick-cut)

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • Butter or oil for sautéing

  • 3 tbsp sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)

Directions

  1. Make the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon.

  2. Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size.

  3. Cook the French toast: Heat a little butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip the bread cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well-coated, then place them into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally until golden and crispy.

  4. Make the cinnamon sugar coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

  5. Coat the bites: Once the French toast bites are cooked, transfer them to the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss to coat evenly.

  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy these bite-sized treats with your favorite syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

  • Calories: 200-250 kcal (depending on the bread used)

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Protein: 6g

  • Fat: 7g

  • Sodium: 200mg

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 15g

Why Cinnamon French Toast Bites?

French toast is a breakfast favorite, known for its warm, comforting flavors. However, these Cinnamon French Toast Bites take things to a new level by transforming the classic into a bite-sized, crispy delight. The combination of crispy edges, soft centers, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistible. They’re easy to make and fun to eat, perfect for little hands or a family brunch.

The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different types of bread or toppings. Whether you’re serving them to your kids or making them for a weekend brunch with friends, these bites offer a great way to enjoy all the flavors of French toast without the mess or fuss. Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings when you’re craving something special but don’t have a lot of time.

The Key Ingredients for Cinnamon French Toast Bites

This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, and you likely already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Bread: The Foundation of French Toast

For French toast, thick-cut bread is essential to give the bites their structure and texture. Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively without becoming too soggy. A good-quality bread like challah, brioche, or even a hearty whole wheat bread will provide the right balance of flavor and texture. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes to make them bite-sized and easy to cook in the skillet.

Eggs: The Binding Agent

Eggs are essential in creating the batter that gives French toast its rich, custardy texture. They help bind the bread together and ensure the bites cook up with a nice golden crust. The eggs also provide a rich flavor that complements the cinnamon sugar coating.

Milk: Adding Creaminess

Milk contributes to the smooth texture of the batter, helping create that custard-like base that makes French toast so delicious. Whole milk or 2% milk are both good choices for a creamy, rich batter. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute almond milk or oat milk without compromising too much on flavor.

Vanilla Extract: A Touch of Sweetness

Vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor to the batter. It’s not overpowering but enhances the overall flavor of the French toast, making it taste even more indulgent.

Sugar and Cinnamon: The Classic Flavor Combo

A bit of sugar in the batter enhances the overall sweetness of the French toast, while cinnamon brings the warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the sugar. Cinnamon is the star of this recipe, contributing to the overall flavor and the delicious cinnamon sugar coating.

Butter or Oil: For Sautéing

Sautéing the French toast bites in butter or oil ensures they cook up crispy and golden. Butter provides a rich, flavorful finish, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, vegetable oil or coconut oil works as well.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The Finishing Touch

After the French toast bites are cooked, they get tossed in a cinnamon sugar mixture, which gives them their signature sweet and spicy flavor. The cinnamon sugar adds a crunchy, sweet exterior, making the bites even more irresistible.

How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Bites

Making Cinnamon French Toast Bites is easy and quick, perfect for a busy morning or weekend brunch. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious treat:

  1. Make the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon. This creates the batter that will coat the bread cubes and turn them into golden, crispy bites.

  2. Prepare the Bread: Cut the slices of bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is a little stale or day-old, it will absorb the batter better, resulting in a more flavorful and crisp bite.

  3. Cook the French Toast Bites: Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip the bread cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, and then place them into the skillet. Sauté the bread cubes for about 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they are golden and crispy on all sides.

  4. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the French toast bites are cooking, mix the 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl.

  5. Coat the Bites: Once the French toast bites are cooked and crispy, transfer them immediately into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss them gently to coat each bite evenly with the sweet, cinnamon-flavored sugar.

  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon French toast bites warm, with your favorite toppings such as syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar. They’re perfect on their own or as part of a larger breakfast spread.

Customizing Your Cinnamon French Toast Bites

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While the cinnamon sugar coating is a classic choice, you can experiment with different flavors and toppings. Here are some ideas:

  • Add Fruit: Serve the bites with fresh berries or banana slices for an added burst of freshness.

  • Use Different Spices: Spice things up by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex flavor.

  • Stuffed French Toast Bites: Try stuffing the bread cubes with a bit of cream cheese or Nutella before dipping them into the batter for an extra indulgent treat.

  • Make Them Savory: For a savory twist, use a less sweet batter and serve the bites with cheese, bacon, or scrambled eggs.

Conclusion: A Fun and Irresistible Breakfast or Snack

Cinnamon French Toast Bites are a creative and delicious twist on the classic French toast. These crispy, golden bites are coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, making them a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, you can serve them with a variety of toppings or fillings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a fun weekend breakfast, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Leave a Comment