Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
If you are looking for a charming and delightful breakfast treat, this Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine crispy, golden cubes of bread, coated lightly in a cinnamon sugar embrace, then cooked to perfection and served warm with a drizzle of maple syrup—each bite bursting with a sweet, spiced flavor that feels like a hug from the inside out. This recipe is quick to whip up, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, offering comfort and joy in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in bringing this Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe to life. From the richness of the eggs to the sweet warmth of cinnamon, every component combines to create a balanced and irresistible flavor.
- 4 thick slices of slightly stale white bread: Slightly stale bread holds its shape better when dipped, preventing sogginess and ensuring delightful crispness.
- 2 large eggs (or 3 small eggs): Provides richness and acts as the binding agent for the coating.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and lightens the egg mixture for a tender interior.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 cup white sugar: Sweetens the bites, balancing the cinnamon spice perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder: Offers a warm, aromatic touch that makes these bites truly special.
- 3 tbsp butter, separated: Used for cooking, it brings richness and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Maple syrup to serve: The classic finishing touch, adding liquid sweetness and depth.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by removing the crusts from the 4 thick slices of slightly stale white bread. Then, cut each slice into 9 equal cubes. Using slightly stale bread is a game-changer—it keeps the cubes firm and prevents them from turning mushy once dipped in the egg mixture.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
Whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread cubes, infusing them with flavor and a lovely custard-like texture when cooked.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, combine the white sugar and cinnamon powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This step ensures that every bite is evenly coated with an enchanting cinnamon-sugar crust.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a fry pan over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on the butter—allowing it to brown can introduce unwanted bitterness, so melt it gently to maintain that sweet, buttery flavor.
Step 5: Cook the First Batch
Take half of the bread cubes and quickly toss them into the egg mixture, gently shaking off any excess. Transfer the coated cubes to the fry pan and sauté them, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until they are golden brown on all sides—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This technique gives each cube a beautifully cooked exterior with a soft and tender inside.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once cooked, immediately transfer the bread cubes into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss well to coat each piece evenly and place them on a serving plate ready for the next batch.
Step 7: Repeat Process
Repeat the dipping and cooking steps with the remaining bread cubes, melting the remaining butter as needed in the pan. This ensures every piece enjoys that perfect, buttery finish combined with the warm cinnamon dusting.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these Cinnamon French Toast Bites warm and fresh from the pan, ideally accompanied by maple syrup for dipping. You’ll love the way the crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated exterior contrasts with the soft, custardy inside with every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top of the bites to add visual appeal and a subtle hint of extra sweetness. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries also complement the cinnamon beautifully and bring in a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with some crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast that’s easy to satisfy all taste buds. A side of fresh fruit salad or yogurt makes for a balanced morning feast that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe in small mason jars layered with yogurt and fruit for a parfait-style breakfast on the go. Or, arrange the bites on a stick for a playful, dippable snack that can double as a party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cinnamon French Toast Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to maintain their crispiness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, flash freeze the bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well frozen for up to 1 month and can be reheated whenever you crave a quick, comforting breakfast.
Reheating
To bring them back to life, reheat the frozen or refrigerated bites in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white bread works wonderfully here, you can experiment with brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread to add subtle flavor variations. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the white bread with a gluten-free variety. Keep in mind that gluten-free bread can vary in texture, so slightly stale bread is still recommended to achieve the right bite.
Can I prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture in advance?
Definitely! The cinnamon sugar can be mixed ahead of time and stored in an airtight jar at room temperature, making your morning prep even quicker.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
No worries! Honey, agave nectar, or a fruit compote are excellent substitutes that pair beautifully with the warm cinnamon and sugar flavors of this recipe.
How do I prevent the bread cubes from becoming soggy?
Using slightly stale bread and shaking off excess egg mixture before frying are key tips to keep the French toast bites crisp on the outside while soft and tender inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe that makes breakfast feel special and joyful. Whether you’re sharing with family or indulging a quiet morning alone, these bites offer sweetness, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia in every forkful. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
Cinnamon French Toast Bites are perfectly bite-sized pieces of slightly stale white bread coated in a rich egg mixture, sautéed to golden perfection, and generously dusted with a cinnamon-sugar blend. These crispy, warm morsels are served with maple syrup for dipping, making them an irresistible, sweet breakfast treat or snack that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Bites
- 4 thick slices of slightly stale white bread (1″/2.5cm thick)
- 2 large eggs (or 3 small eggs)
- 1/4 cup milk
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
To Serve
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the crusts off the bread slices and then cut each slice into 9 equal cubes. Using slightly stale bread helps the cubes keep their shape and prevents sogginess when dipped.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the bread cubes.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix the white sugar and cinnamon powder thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Melt the Butter: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Avoid browning the butter to prevent a bitter taste.
- Cook the First Batch: Toss half of the bread cubes in the egg mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the coated cubes into the hot pan and sauté using a wooden spoon, turning them to brown all sides evenly. This will take approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Remove the cooked bread cubes from the pan and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Then transfer them to a serving plate.
- Repeat Process: Repeat the dipping and cooking steps with the remaining bread cubes, adding the rest of the butter to the pan as needed to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm French toast bites immediately with maple syrup for dipping. The contrast of crispy exterior and soft interior delivers a delightful breakfast or snack experience.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread is key to maintaining the structure of the cubes during dipping and cooking.
- Be careful not to brown the butter too much to avoid bitterness in the finished bites.
- These bites are best served immediately for optimal crispness, but can be kept warm in a low oven if needed.
- Maple syrup enhances the sweetness but other toppings like honey or fruit preserves can be used as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
