Description
Enjoy bite-sized perfection with Cinnamon French Toast Bites! Crispy, golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re the perfect breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices day-old bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Cut each slice of bread into 9 equal squares (approximately 1-inch cubes). If using very fresh bread, allow the cubes to sit out for 20 minutes to dry slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely combined.
- Add bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently fold to coat each piece evenly. Allow the bread to soak for 5 minutes, occasionally tossing to ensure uniform absorption.
- While the bread soaks, combine 1/3 cup sugar with the remaining 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow dish, mixing well to distribute the cinnamon evenly.
- Heat butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
- Working in batches, add soaked bread cubes to the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally with a spoon or spatula, until all sides are golden brown and caramelized.
- Transfer cooked bites directly from the skillet to the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still hot. Gently toss to coat all sides evenly.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries if desired.
Notes
- Bread Selection: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard without falling apart. Brioche and challah provide the richest flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. The completed bites can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm refrigerated bites in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. For frozen bites, bake at 350°F for 7-8 minutes.
- Dietary Adaptations:
- For dairy-free version: Substitute almond, oat, or coconut milk and use plant-based butter
- For gluten-free version: Use gluten-free bread (results may vary depending on bread quality)
- For reduced sugar: Cut sugar in custard by half and use a lighter sprinkle of cinnamon sugar coating
- Perfect Texture Tip: Maintain medium heat throughout cooking—too high will burn the exterior while leaving the interior soggy, too low will result in dry, dense bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-15 bites (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cinnamon french toast bites, breakfast bites, weekend breakfast, french toast cubes, cinnamon sugar breakfast