If you adore the cozy flavors of cinnamon and the irresistible charm of bite-sized treats, then you are going to fall head over heels for this French Toast Bites with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe. These little nuggets are soft and tender like a fresh donut inside, while their crisp, golden exterior offers the perfect contrast. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving a quick breakfast, or just need a sweet pick-me-up during the day, these French Toast Bites are exactly what your tastebuds have been waiting for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and every one of these simple essentials plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect bite of cinnamon-sweet heaven. Each component works together to give you that fluffy texture, rich flavor, and beautiful golden coating.
- White bread (2-inch thick slices): Using slightly stale, uncut loaf bread helps keep the bites from becoming soggy and adds the perfect chew.
- Large eggs: They create the eggy custard base that soaks into the bread, giving it that coveted French toast richness.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and lightens the custard, balancing the egg flavor perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla infuses warmth and subtle sweetness that lifts the whole dish.
- Granulated white sugar: Blended with cinnamon, it forms the signature crispy, sweet coating on each bite.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice is the star of the cinnamon sugar coating and brings a comforting, autumnal vibe.
- Unsalted butter: Cooking the bites in butter ensures a golden crisp exterior and adds a rich, decadent flavor.
- Maple syrup (warmed): The perfect drizzle for serving — its natural sweetness complements the cinnamon sugar beautifully.
How to Make French Toast Bites with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Bread Cubes
The secret to getting that perfect bite starts with your bread. Grab an uncut loaf of white bread and slice two pieces about two inches thick. Cut off the crusts to keep the texture soft yet crisp after cooking. Then, slice each piece lengthwise into halves and each half into three cubes, roughly two inches square—these bite-sized portions will cook evenly and be endlessly fun to eat.
Step 2: Whisking the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract with enthusiasm until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard base is what soaks into each cube, making every bite deliciously tender and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Mixing Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Take a small bowl and combine the granulated white sugar and ground cinnamon. This magic dust will coat your French Toast Bites right after cooking, transforming them into sweet, crunchy morsels that are impossible to resist.
Step 4: Soaking the Bread Cubes
Working in manageable batches, gently dip three bread cubes at a time into the custard, turning to coat all sides. Shake off the excess custard so the bread holds just the right amount — too much and they get mushy, too little and they won’t soak up enough flavor.
Step 5: Cooking the Bites
Heat half a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. When the butter sizzles, add the soaked bread cubes and cook each side until a gorgeous golden brown appears, making sure to flip them carefully for even cooking. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a dream!
Step 6: Coating with Cinnamon Sugar
Right after removing each batch from the skillet, toss the warm bites into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Flip each piece so it’s evenly coated on all sides while still warm, which helps the sugar adhere perfectly and adds that signature sweet crunch.
Step 7: Repeating and Serving
Wipe the skillet with paper towels, then add more butter and repeat these steps until all cubes are cooked and coated. Serve your French Toast Bites warm with a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup, and get ready for happy smiles around the table.
How to Serve French Toast Bites with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe
Garnishes
While the bites are fabulous on their own, sprinkling a dusting of powdered sugar or adding a few fresh berries on top adds color, freshness, and a little tartness to brighten the richness. A dollop of whipped cream can elevate these bites to brunch party status instantly!
Side Dishes
Pair these French Toast Bites with crispy bacon or sausage for a wonderful sweet-and-savory breakfast contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait also complements the cinnamon sugar flavors beautifully for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the bites skewered on wooden sticks as fun finger food at gatherings. Layer them in a glass dish alternating with layers of caramel sauce or Nutella for an indulgent breakfast trifle. The French Toast Bites with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe is incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Though best enjoyed fresh, these bites keep their texture reasonably well when properly kept.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled French Toast Bites on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to one month and reheated when you want a quick treat or breakfast fix.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that delightful crispy coating; the oven always does the trick perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white bread from an uncut loaf is preferred for texture and flavor, you can try brioche or challah for an even richer taste. Just make sure to use bread that isn’t too fresh or it might soak up too much custard and get soggy.
Is it necessary to use stale bread?
Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard without becoming mushy. If fresh bread is all you have, simply leave the slices out uncovered for about an hour before using to let some moisture evaporate.
Can these French Toast Bites be baked instead of pan-fried?
While pan-frying gives that iconic crispy exterior and allows close control, you can bake them on a greased baking sheet at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crisp but will still taste wonderful.
How do I prevent the butter from burning during cooking?
Keep the heat at medium and watch closely. If the butter starts browning too quickly, remove the skillet from heat for a moment, wipe it clean with paper towels, and add fresh butter before continuing.
Can I omit the cinnamon sugar coating?
You could, but the cinnamon sugar coating is what transforms these bites from simple French toast cubes into a truly addictive treat. It adds sweetness, crunch, and that memorable cinnamon-spiced touch that makes this recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
This French Toast Bites with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe is pure comfort food magic in every morsel. It’s playful, irresistible, and perfect for all sorts of occasions, from weekday breakfasts to weekend brunch adventures. I encourage you to try it out — once you do, these bites might just become a staple you’ll want to share with everyone you know!
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French Toast Bites with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe
French Toast Bites are delightful mini morsels of eggy, cinnamon-infused goodness with a soft donut-like interior and a crisp exterior. Perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these bite-sized French toasts are coated in a warm cinnamon sugar blend and best enjoyed with maple syrup.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Bread and Custard
- 2 slices white bread (2-inches thick), preferably stale and from an uncut loaf
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Warmed maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Use an uncut loaf of white bread and cut two slices about two inches thick. Remove the crusts, then cut each slice in half lengthwise and each half into 3 cubes, resulting in approximately 2-inch square pieces.
- Make the Custard: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Combine Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated white sugar with ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
- Dip the Bread Cubes: Working in batches, briefly dip three bread cubes at a time into the custard, turning to coat all sides well. Shake off any excess custard before transferring them to a plate.
- Cook the Cubes: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add half a tablespoon of butter. When the butter sizzles and melts, add the three soaked bread cubes. Cook each side until golden brown and crisp.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately toss the cooked bread cubes in the cinnamon sugar mixture, flipping to ensure all sides are evenly coated.
- Repeat Cooking: Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels, then add another half tablespoon of butter. Repeat the soaking, cooking, and sugar coating steps until all the bread cubes are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the French Toast Bites warm with a drizzle of warmed maple syrup or your favorite pancake syrup. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using an uncut loaf allows better control over the size of the bread cubes.
- Stale bread is preferred to avoid soggy French Toast; fresh bread can be used if left uncovered for about an hour to dry out slightly.
- Cooking in smaller batches ensures even cooking and easier flipping of the bread cubes.
- If the butter starts to brown, remove the skillet from heat, let it cool, wipe clean, and add fresh butter to maintain flavor and prevent burning.
- Coat the bread cubes in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking for the best even coating and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
