French Toast Bites Recipe

Fluffy French Toast Bites Recipe: Bite-sized Breakfast Joy

Wake up to delightful French toast bites that dance with sweetness and comfort.

Crispy edges and soft centers promise a morning surprise.

Weekend brunch suddenly feels magical with these bite-sized delights.

Cinnamon whispers through each morsel, creating irresistible aroma.

Simple ingredients transform into something spectacular without complicated techniques.

Kids and adults alike will devour these golden morsels in moments.

You’ll want to make extra – trust me on this delectable adventure.

French Toast Bites (Cinnamon Swirl) Ingredients

Bread Base:
  • Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, pre-made pastry that forms the foundation of the french toast bites, perfect for a quick and easy breakfast.
Liquid Mixture:
  • Eggs, Milk: Creamy base for coating that adds richness and helps create a soft, custardy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor that complements the cinnamon.
Coating and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that gives the bites their signature flavor, classic in sweet breakfast dishes.
  • White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized, crispy exterior when cooking.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps achieve a golden-brown color when frying the bites.
Finishing Touch:
  • Cream Cheese Icing: Sweet, tangy topping that adds extra indulgence and moisture to the french toast bites.

French Toast Bites Swirl Breakfast Prep

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Cinnamon Rolls

Open the cinnamon roll package and carefully separate each roll.

Slice every roll into four equal bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Egg Mixture

Whisk together in a medium bowl:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Craft Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow dish, mix:
  • White sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Set aside for coating the bites later.

Step 5: Brown the Cinnamon Roll Bites

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Dunk each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Gently place in the skillet and cook until golden brown, rotating to achieve even coloring (about 2-3 minutes per side).

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the browned bites to the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked through.

Step 7: Add Sweet Cinnamon Coating

Remove bites from the oven and immediately roll them in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating each piece thoroughly.

Step 8: Warm the Dipping Sauce

Microwave the cream cheese icing for 15-20 seconds until it reaches a smooth, dippable consistency.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the cinnamon roll bites on a serving plate with the warm cream cheese icing alongside for dipping.

Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Morning Meal Ideas for Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites

  • Pat cinnamon rolls dry before dipping to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent excess moisture from making the bites mushy.
  • Use medium heat when cooking in the skillet to achieve an even golden-brown color without burning the edges.
  • Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to match your sweetness preference by adding more or less ground cinnamon.
  • Prepare the egg mixture and cut cinnamon rolls in advance to speed up morning preparation and reduce stress.
  • Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and dairy-free milk alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining delicious flavor.

Store Cinnamon French Toast Bites Easily

  • Store leftover French toast bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place cooled bites in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen bites at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Zap refrigerated bites for 20-30 seconds. Check temperature and add additional 10-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

Cinnamon French Toast Bites Pairing Picks

  • Perfectly Match Sweet Breakfast Bites
  • Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Serve with a rich, dark roast Colombian coffee that cuts through the sweetness and complements the cinnamon's warmth.
  • Create Fruity Balance Plate: Add fresh mixed berries or sliced strawberries to provide a tart contrast and refresh the palate between bites.
  • Design Morning Smoothie Partner: Prepare a light vanilla or banana protein smoothie that offers a cool, smooth texture alongside the crispy French toast bites.
  • Elevate Side Protein Option: Include a small portion of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey to add protein and a creamy element to the breakfast experience.

French Toast Bite Toppings To Mix And Match

  • Gluten-Free French Toast Bites: Replace cinnamon rolls with gluten-free cinnamon rolls or make homemade using gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegan Version: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and select dairy-free cinnamon rolls with vegan cream cheese icing.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Create bites using almond flour-based keto cinnamon rolls or use cloud bread as a base, substituting traditional ingredients with low-carb alternatives.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate protein powder into egg mixture, use protein-enriched bread alternatives, and add Greek yogurt to cream cheese icing for increased protein content.

FAQs

  • Why use canned cinnamon rolls instead of making dough from scratch?

Canned cinnamon rolls save time and provide consistent texture. They’re convenient and help create a quick, delicious breakfast without complex preparation.

  • Can I make these French toast bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them partially by cooking and then refrigerating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before serving to restore crispiness.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The bite-sized pieces and sweet cinnamon flavor make these perfect for children. Kids will enjoy dipping the bites in cream cheese icing and helping with simple preparation steps.

  • What if I don't have cream cheese icing?

You can substitute with maple syrup, caramel sauce, or make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and milk. These alternatives will still provide a delicious sweet coating for the French toast bites.

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites Turn Breakfast into a Treat

  • Kid-Friendly Delight: Transform ordinary cinnamon rolls into bite-sized treats that children will absolutely love, with an interactive dipping experience that makes breakfast fun and engaging.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, brunch parties, or family gatherings, these bite-sized morsels offer a sweet, indulgent twist on traditional French toast that appeals to all ages.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring just basic kitchen tools and a few minutes of hands-on time.
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French Toast Bites Recipe

French Toast Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cinnamon swirl french toast bites dance with rich, buttery flavors that elevate morning meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Crisp edges, tender centers, and sweet cinnamon sugar coating make breakfast lovers swoon with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup milk (60 milliliters)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese icing (from the cinnamon roll can)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven for baking at 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming cinnamon rolls into delectable breakfast bites.
  2. Carefully slice each cinnamon roll into four uniform pieces, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
  3. Craft a luxurious egg mixture by whisking together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a hint of ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined and silky smooth.
  4. Create a complementary coating by blending white sugar with ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, preparing a sweet and aromatic finish for the bites.
  5. Activate a skillet over medium heat, allowing butter to melt and create a golden cooking surface.
  6. Submerge each cinnamon roll segment completely in the egg mixture, then carefully transfer to the heated skillet, cooking until each side develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
  7. Arrange the golden-brown bites on a baking sheet, then slide into the preheated oven to ensure complete internal cooking and achieve a perfect texture.
  8. While the bites bake, gently warm the cream cheese icing in the microwave, transforming it into a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
  9. Remove the baked bites from the oven and generously coat them in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly and thoroughly dusted.
  10. Present the warm, fragrant bites immediately, accompanying them with the softened cream cheese icing as a decadent dipping sauce for an indulgent breakfast experience.

Notes

  • Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to make a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious and creamy.
  • Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls if you’re avoiding wheat to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests without compromising flavor.
  • Quickly pat the cinnamon roll pieces dry before dipping in egg mixture to prevent soggy texture and ensure crispy edges.
  • Store any leftover bites in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain their original crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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