Delicious Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites to Sweeten Your Morning
If you love the comforting aroma of cinnamon and the delicious, cozy texture of French toast but want something bite-sized and easy to share, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites are the perfect treat. Imagine golden, fluffy cubes of slightly crispy bread, tossed in a warm cinnamon sugar coating, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and spice with every mouthful. Whether you’re making a brunch spread, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a delightful snack, these bites offer the crunchy exterior and soft inside that everyone will adore.
Prep is quick and straightforward, these French toast bites cook up fast and pair wonderfully with pure maple syrup. The combination of buttery richness and the classic cinnamon sugar sprinkle takes every bite to the next level. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe at home.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, and Servings
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, 10 minutes of cook time, totaling approximately 20 minutes to make. It yields around 4 servings, making it ideal for a small family breakfast or brunch gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices slightly stale white bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- Maple syrup for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the bread: If you prefer, cut the crusts off the bread slices for a more uniform bite, then cut each slice into 9 equal cubes. You should have about 36 cubes total.
- Whisk the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
- Make the cinnamon sugar coating: In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Heat the skillet: Melt 1.5 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the first batch of bread cubes: Toss half of the bread cubes gently in the egg mixture. Lift them out carefully letting excess drip off, then transfer directly to the hot skillet. Stir and toss continuously for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cubes to brown evenly on multiple sides.
- Coat the cooked cubes: Once golden, transfer the hot cubes to the cinnamon sugar bowl and toss to coat all sides well. Move them to a serving plate.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients: Melt the remaining butter in the skillet, then cook the second half of the bread cubes the same way—egg dip, cook until golden, and coat with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve warm: Arrange your French toast bites on a plate and serve immediately with warm maple syrup for dipping.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites
- Use slightly stale bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better without falling apart, giving you fluffier bites.
- Toss continuously while cooking: Stirring frequently ensures even browning and prevents any piece from sticking or burning.
- Don’t oversoak the bread: Quickly dip and toss to coat; soaking too long makes the bread soggy and harder to handle.
- Adjust heat carefully: Medium-high heat allows a crisp exterior without burning; adjust as needed to maintain steady cooking.
- Use quality butter and cinnamon: The butter’s richness and the aroma of fresh cinnamon significantly elevate the flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Healthier option: Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use a light butter or coconut oil to reduce saturated fat.
- Gluten-free twist: Use gluten-free white bread to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Flavor variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the egg mixture for more aromatic depth.
- Sweetener swap: Replace granulated white sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener of choice to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the cinnamon sugar French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and keep them crisp, warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy edges, as it can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bread other than white bread?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat or brioche bread for richer flavor, though the texture will vary slightly. Brioche makes it extra fluffy and delicious.
- Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
- While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the bread cubes and custard mixture in advance. Cook the bites just before serving for optimal crispiness.
- Is it possible to make these vegan?
- Yes, substitute eggs with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer and use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- What dipping sauces pair well besides maple syrup?
- Besides maple syrup, you can serve these bites with honey, fruit compotes, or yogurt dips for variety.
- How do I make sure the bites don’t get soggy?
- Be sure to briefly dip the bread cubes in the egg mixture and cook them immediately, stirring continuously to create a crispy exterior that resists sogginess.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites contains approximately 320 calories with 8 grams of protein, 38 grams of carbohydrates, and 14 grams of fat. The recipe provides balanced energy for a satisfying breakfast or snack, with wholesome ingredients that keep it indulgent but nourishing.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices slightly stale white bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Cut bread into 9 cubes per slice (36 total). Whisk eggs, milk, and salt in a bowl until smooth. In another bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Melt 1.5 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss half the bread cubes in the egg mixture, shake off excess, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden. Transfer to the cinnamon sugar bowl to coat, then serve. Repeat with remaining butter and bread cubes.
Notes
Serve immediately for optimal crispiness
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days