Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: Prepare to have your brunch game elevated to a whole new level! Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of a freshly baked cinnamon roll colliding head-on with the custardy goodness of French toast. Sounds divine, right? These aren’t just breakfast; they’re a bite-sized explosion of happiness that will have everyone begging for more.

While the exact origins of combining cinnamon rolls and French toast are shrouded in delicious mystery, the concept draws upon the universal love for both treats. Cinnamon rolls, with their Scandinavian roots and spiral of sweet spice, have become a beloved indulgence worldwide. French toast, a clever way to repurpose stale bread dating back to ancient Rome, offers a comforting, familiar base. Marrying the two is pure genius!

What makes these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures: a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, gooey interior bursting with cinnamon-sugar swirls. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weekend brunch with friends, or even a fun weekday treat for the kids. Plus, their bite-sized nature makes them incredibly poppable and shareable (if you’re willing to share, that is!). Get ready to experience breakfast bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (16 ounces) challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.

Preparing the French Toast Custard:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining. This is your French toast custard.

Soaking the Bread Cubes:

1. Place the bread cubes in a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or a large bowl).
2. Pour the French toast custard over the bread cubes, ensuring that all the bread is evenly coated.
3. Gently press down on the bread cubes to help them absorb the custard.
4. Let the bread cubes soak in the custard for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even soaking. The longer they soak, the more flavorful and moist they will be. Don’t soak them for too long, or they will become too soggy and fall apart during cooking.

Cooking the French Toast Bites:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. The skillet is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
2. Carefully remove the soaked bread cubes from the custard, allowing any excess custard to drip back into the bowl. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; work in batches.
3. Place the soaked bread cubes in the hot skillet, leaving a little space between each cube.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to gently flip the bread cubes. Be careful not to burn them.
5. Once cooked, remove the French toast bites from the skillet and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them evenly on all sides.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 with the remaining butter and bread cubes, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
3. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until smooth.
4. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Arrange the cinnamon sugar-coated French toast bites on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the French toast bites. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best served warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: I prefer challah or brioche bread for this recipe because they are rich and absorbent. Texas toast also works well. You can use day-old bread for best results.
• Soaking Time: Don’t over-soak the bread, or it will become too soggy. 20-30 minutes is ideal.
• Cooking Temperature: Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the bread cubes. If the skillet is not hot enough, the bread will absorb too much butter and become greasy.
• Cinnamon Sugar Ratio: Adjust the cinnamon sugar ratio to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add more cinnamon.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.
• Add-Ins: You can add other spices to the French toast custard, such as cardamom or ginger. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum for a boozy kick.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding chopped nuts, fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the French toast custard and cinnamon sugar mixture ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also soak the bread cubes in the custard overnight. Just be sure to reduce the soaking time to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
• Baking Option: If you prefer, you can bake the French toast bites instead of cooking them in a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soaked bread cubes in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Serving Suggestions: These French toast bites are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup. They are also great for parties and gatherings.

Storage Instructions:

• Store leftover French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• The cream cheese glaze can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 350-450
• Fat: 15-25g
• Saturated Fat: 8-12g
• Cholesterol: 150-200mg
• Sodium: 200-300mg
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Sugar: 20-30g
• Protein: 8-10g

Enjoy these delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites! They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are truly a game-changer for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat any time of day. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one – the combination of warm, gooey cinnamon roll flavor with the crispy, golden-brown exterior of French toast is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion in every single bite, and the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make!

Why are these a must-try? Because they take everything you love about cinnamon rolls and French toast and combine them into one perfectly poppable package. Forget spending hours kneading dough and waiting for it to rise. This recipe uses store-bought cinnamon rolls, making it incredibly quick and convenient, perfect for busy mornings or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will devour these little bites of heaven.

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving them warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a truly decadent experience, try dipping them in a cream cheese glaze – it’s the perfect complement to the cinnamon roll flavor.

Variations to Spice Things Up:

* Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* Fruity Fun: Incorporate fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries into the batter for a burst of fruity sweetness.
* Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in mini chocolate chips for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
* Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a warm and aromatic twist.
* Savory Sweet: For a more balanced flavor profile, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top after cooking. The salt enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and variations to find your perfect combination. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this recipe for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a simple, delicious, and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the magic of these bite-sized delights.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what toppings you loved, and how much your family enjoyed them. I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!