Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Picture this: golden-brown, bite-sized pieces of French toast infused with warm cinnamon sugar, drizzled with a sweet cream cheese glaze, melting in your mouth. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites bring to your breakfast table — all the flavor of a cinnamon roll, but easy to pop and share. And now, let’s bake up some magic together.

Behind the Recipe

I first invented these little bites on a lazy Sunday morning when I craved the dessert-y comfort of a cinnamon roll but didn’t want the fuss of twisting dough or waiting for hour-long rising. I grabbed some day-old challah, cubed it, soaked it in a custardy mixture, baked until crisp-tender, and topped it with a cream cheese glaze. The aroma of cinnamon drifting through the house made me realize: these are breakfast heaven in miniature.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

French toast is believed to date back to ancient Rome, where beaten eggs and milk were used to salvage stale bread. Over centuries, it evolved in many cuisines. Cinnamon rolls, meanwhile, have origins in Northern Europe (the Swedish kanelbulle is one variant). This recipe marries the two: taking the comforting sweetness of cinnamon rolls and fusing it with the classic French toast format. Hence, breakfast meets bakery in perfect harmony.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Versatile: Bite-sized, easy to serve and even easier to enjoy.

Budget-Friendly: Great way to use up stale bread and simple pantry staples.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, no yeast, no rise time.

Customizable: Adjust the glaze, add fruit or nuts, or swap in other spices.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunch tables, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or holiday mornings.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake ahead and reheat — they crisp up beautifully.

Great for Leftovers: Use in parfaits, crumble on top of desserts, or reheat for a sweet snack.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Choose thicker, sturdier bread—like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. It holds up better when soaked.
2. Let the bread soak long enough to absorb custard but not so long that it falls apart. A gentle hand to mix helps.
3. Preheat the oven well, and use a baking sheet with edges so nothing slides off.
4. Bake until edges are crisp and centers are just set—this keeps bites with that ideal contrast: crisp outside, tender inside.
5. Cool slightly before glazing so the glaze doesn’t slide off completely.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large Mixing Bowl: For soaking bread cubes in custard.

Whisk: To mix the custard and glaze.

Baking Sheet: Rimmed and lined for easy cleanup and even baking.

Parchment Paper or Nonstick Spray: Prevents sticking and burning.

Cooling Rack: Helps set the glaze.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key.

Small Bowl & Spoon: For mixing and drizzling glaze.

Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

1. Bread: 6 slices thick-sliced brioche, challah, or Texas toast – cubed for bite-size perfection.
2. Eggs: 3 large – binds everything together and gives classic French toast richness.
3. Milk: 1 cup whole or 2% – forms the base of the custard.
4. Heavy Cream: ½ cup – adds luxurious richness to the soak.
5. Sugar: 3 tablespoons – balances out the cinnamon spice.
6. Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons – brings molasses depth and sticky sweetness.
7. Ground Cinnamon: 1½ teaspoons – the star spice.
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – ties everything together with warmth.
9. Salt: ¼ teaspoon – enhances all flavors.
10. Butter: 2 tablespoons – for dotting on top before baking, adds richness and golden crust.
11. Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened – the base of that signature glaze.
12. Powdered Sugar: ½ cup – sweetens and thickens the glaze.
13. Milk or Cream: 2–3 tablespoons – to reach drizzling consistency.
14. Optional Spices: pinch of nutmeg or allspice – adds deeper flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Bread: Use gluten-free bread for a GF version.

Milk/Cream: Replace with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Cream Cheese Glaze: Substitute with vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) if cream cheese isn’t available.

Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or more white sugar if needed.

Ingredient Spotlight

Brioche or Challah Bread: These egg-rich breads soak up custard like a dream without falling apart and add that buttery depth that mimics actual cinnamon rolls.

Cream Cheese Glaze: The key to giving these bites that iconic cinnamon roll vibe — creamy, tangy, and sweet.

Instructions for Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease.
2. Combine Ingredients: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and add to custard, tossing gently to coat.
4. Assemble the Dish: Let bread soak 5–10 minutes, then spread on the baking sheet in a single layer. Dot with small butter pieces.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping or stirring halfway, until golden and set.
6. Finishing Touches: Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm bites.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let set for a minute, then dig in! Serve warm with extra glaze, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes these bites magical? It’s all in the contrast. The outer edges crisp up thanks to oven baking, while the centers stay soft and custardy. The cinnamon and brown sugar offer warm, cozy spice, and that tangy-sweet glaze seals the deal with creamy decadence.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use a rimmed baking sheet to avoid spillage and promote even cooking.
• Let the glaze rest 2 minutes before drizzling for the perfect pour.
• Toasting your bread first (if very fresh) helps maintain texture.
• For extra crunch, top with cinnamon sugar before baking.

What to Avoid

• Don’t oversoak: Bread should be soft, not mushy.
• Don’t overbake: You want them crisp, not dry.
• Don’t skip the glaze: It’s what makes them taste like cinnamon rolls.
• Don’t crowd the pan: Ensure even baking by spreading cubes out.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~320
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make ahead by baking bites a day in advance and storing in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to re-crisp. Glaze just before serving. You can also freeze unglazed bites and toast them straight from the freezer.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Pile them high on a platter for brunch. Drizzle with extra glaze or maple syrup. Pair with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Serve warm alongside hot coffee or tea for a perfect cozy breakfast.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Mix leftovers with yogurt and granola for a cinnamon breakfast parfait.
• Layer in a mason jar with banana slices and whipped cream for dessert-in-a-jar.
• Reheat, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and serve as a sweet snack.
• Blend into a milkshake with vanilla ice cream for a cinnamon roll shake.

Additional Tips

• Add orange zest to the glaze for a citrus twist.
• Stir mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the bread mixture for added flair.
• Make into muffins by baking in greased muffin tins — great for grab-and-go!

Make It a Showstopper

Serve bites in a mini cast iron skillet or a cake stand for brunch vibes. Garnish with extra cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar dusting, or fruit slices. Drizzle glaze table-side for a little “ooh” factor.

Variations to Try

• Apple Cinnamon Roll Bites: Stir in finely chopped apples before baking.
• Pumpkin Spice Bites: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to custard.
• Caramel Glazed Version: Replace cream cheese glaze with warm caramel sauce.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bites: Add mini chocolate chips before baking.
• Savory Twist: Use less sugar and glaze with maple butter for a brunch spin.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use leftover cinnamon rolls instead of bread?

Yes — tear them into chunks and reduce soak time since they’re already rich and sweet.

Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely, just use your favorite gluten-free bread.

Q3: Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and cream cheese substitutes.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven.

Q5: Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?

Sure! A vanilla glaze or maple syrup works just as well.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are your shortcut to cinnamon roll bliss without the wait. They’re fun to make, easy to share, and so delicious they might not even make it to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these little bites pack a big cozy punch. Trust me — this one’s worth every single bite.

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