If you have a soft spot for classic breakfast treats with a fun twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe. Imagine crunchy, golden cubes of perfectly spiced, egg-dipped bread that melt in your mouth with every bite. This is not your average French toast—these bites deliver all the comforting flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup but in a playful, easy-to-share form that’s perfect for brunch, snack time, or any moment that calls for a little indulgence. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for impressively simple yet irresistibly delicious morsels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one is essential to give these bites their rich flavor, perfect texture, and inviting aroma that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy café.
- Thick slices of slightly stale white bread: Cutting the crust off and using bread that’s a bit stale helps the cubes hold their shape and soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Large eggs: Eggs provide the rich base that binds and flavors the bread cubes, giving you that classic French toast creaminess.
- Milk: Adds moisture and softens the egg mixture so the bites cook up tender inside.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in every bite.
- White sugar: Sweetens the coating, creating a perfect contrast with the cinnamon and buttery toast.
- Cinnamon powder: The star spice that gives these French toast bites their warm, comforting aroma and irresistible flavor.
- Butter: Used for frying, butter adds richness while helping to create a golden, crisp exterior.
- Maple syrup: The classic accompaniment that adds syrupy sweetness and makes dipping these little bites pure joy.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
Start by cutting the crusts off your bread slices and then slicing each slice into 9 equal cubes. Slightly stale bread is your secret weapon here because it holds its shape after dipping and cooking, preventing the cubes from turning into a soggy mess.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
Whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. This blend gives the bread that rich, custardy texture that makes French toast so irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Cinnamon and Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix the white sugar and cinnamon powder really well. This fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture will coat the bread cubes after frying, delivering that classic sweet-spicy kick with every bite.
Step 4: Melt Butter in the Pan
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it so it melts smoothly without browning, as burnt butter can add an unpleasant bitter note.
Step 5: Cook the First Half of the Bread Cubes
Toss half of the bread cubes quickly in the egg mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid soggy bites. Place them carefully in the hot butter and sauté, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until every side is beautifully browned—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as the bites come out of the pan, transfer them directly into the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss them around to coat evenly. Then move them to your serving plate to rest briefly.
Step 7: Repeat with Remaining Bread Cubes
Add the rest of the butter to the pan and repeat the cooking and coating process with the leftover bread cubes. Cooking in two batches ensures each bite gets that even golden crust and perfect cinnamon sugar coating.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Maple Syrup
Serve your Cinnamon French Toast Bites hot and fresh with plenty of maple syrup for dipping. The warm, crispy exterior paired with a soft, fluffy inside and sweet syrup on the side creates a breakfast experience that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull off.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of texture. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries pairs beautifully, giving a refreshing balance to the sweet cinnamon and sugar flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a savory contrast that complements the sweet bites perfectly. A small bowl of Greek yogurt or cream cheese dip also makes a deliciously creamy accompaniment that guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual brunch, serve these bites in a large bowl with toothpicks for easy sharing. Alternatively, layer them in individual mason jars with syrup poured between layers to create a delightful visual treat. You could even use them as a fun topping for pancakes or waffles to up your breakfast game.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and it’s perfectly okay if you don’t), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep them crisp, avoid piling them up too tightly.
Freezing
These French toast bites freeze well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months and reheated whenever you’re craving a quick sweet snack.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, toast the bites in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until hot and crisp again. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a softer exterior.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than white bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white bread is traditional and provides a soft interior with a good crust, whole wheat or brioche can add extra flavor and richness. Just make sure the bread is about an inch thick and slightly stale for the best results.
What if I don’t have cinnamon powder on hand?
You could substitute with pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or a mix of warm spices depending on what’s available. However, cinnamon’s warm, sweet flavor is key to the character of this Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free milk alternative and swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil for frying. The bites will still turn out delicious and just as crispy.
How do I make sure the bread cubes don’t get soggy?
Using slightly stale bread is essential because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. Also, shake off excess egg before cooking and make sure your pan and butter are hot enough to create that quick sear on the bites.
Can I make these bites ahead for a brunch party?
Definitely! You can prepare the bites ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze them, and then reheat just before serving to save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about sharing a plate of warm, golden Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe with friends or family. This recipe is so easy, so tasty, and so versatile—it will quickly become a delicious staple in your breakfast routine. Whether it’s an indulgent weekend treat or a fun way to start the day, these bites promise smiles with every crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated morsel. Give it a try and watch how fast they disappear!
Print
Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 3.3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these crispy, bite-sized Cinnamon French Toast Bites perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Slightly stale bread is cubed, dipped in a rich cinnamon egg mixture, sautéed in butter, and coated in cinnamon sugar for a warm, sweet treat served with maple syrup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 3 tbsp butter, separated
- Maple syrup to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the bread cubes: Cut the crust off the bread slices, then cut each slice into 9 equal cubes. Using slightly stale bread helps the cubes keep their shape and avoid sogginess when dipped.
- Mix the egg batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until fully combined to create a rich coating for the bread cubes.
- Combine cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix the white sugar and cinnamon powder thoroughly to ensure an even cinnamon flavor for coating.
- Heat butter in pan: Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat, taking care not to brown the butter to keep a clean, sweet flavor.
- Cook first batch of bread cubes: Quickly toss half the bread cubes in the egg mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the coated cubes in the pan and sauté with a wooden spoon, browning all sides evenly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Remove the browned bread cubes from the pan and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to evenly coat. Transfer the coated cubes to a serving plate.
- Repeat cooking for second batch: Add the remaining butter to the pan if needed. Repeat the egg dip, sauté, and cinnamon sugar coating with the remaining bread cubes.
- Serve warm: Serve the French toast bites immediately while warm, accompanied by maple syrup for dipping. Enjoy the contrast of crispy exterior and soft interior.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for better cube shapes and less sogginess.
- Do not brown the butter to avoid a bitter taste.
- Toss bread cubes quickly in egg mixture to prevent oversaturation.
- Serve immediately to retain crispiness.
- Maple syrup complements the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly.
