Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. These bite-sized pieces are crispy, sweet, and perfect for dipping in warm maple syrup. They make a fun and easy treat for any morning or brunch gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices of slightly stale white bread (1″/2.5cm thick)
- 2 large eggs (or 3 small eggs)
- 1/4 cup milk
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 3 tbsp butter (separated)
- Maple syrup to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the crust off the bread, then cut each slice into 9 equal cubes.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: In a shallow bowl, mix the white sugar and cinnamon powder together.
- Step 4: Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat, taking care not to let it brown.
- Step 5: Quickly toss half of the bread cubes in the egg mixture, then shake off any excess with your hands. Place the cubes in the pan and sauté, stirring gently with a wooden spoon, until they are browned on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the cooked bread cubes from the pan and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Transfer to a plate.
- Step 7: Repeat the process with the remaining bread cubes, adding the remaining butter to the pan as needed.
- Step 8: Serve the cinnamon French toast bites immediately with warm maple syrup for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Using slightly stale bread helps the cubes hold up better when soaked in the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas to add a refreshing contrast.
Storage
Store any leftover French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to retain their crispness. These bites are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, brioche or challah bread work very well for French toast bites as they are rich and absorb the egg mixture beautifully, resulting in a tender interior and crispy exterior.
How do I prevent the bites from getting soggy?
Make sure to shake off excess egg mixture before cooking and cook the bites over medium-high heat to brown them quickly without becoming soggy. Using slightly stale bread also helps maintain a firmer texture.
PrintCinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
Delight in these Cinnamon French Toast Bites, a fun and easy twist on classic French toast. Perfectly bite-sized, coated with cinnamon sugar, sautéed to golden perfection, and served with maple syrup for dipping, these treats make for a tasty breakfast or snack that’s both crispy and sweet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 36 French Toast Bites (approximately 9 bites per slice of bread) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 thick slices of slightly stale white bread (1″/2.5cm thick)
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs (or 3 small eggs)
- 1/4 cup milk
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
Cooking Fat
- 3 tbsp butter, separated
Serving
- Maple syrup (for dipping, not optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the crusts off the bread slices, then cut each slice into 9 equal cubes to create bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the egg batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Make the cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix the white sugar and cinnamon powder thoroughly to form the coating mixture.
- Heat the butter: Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat, making sure it doesn’t brown.
- Dip and sauté the first half: Quickly toss half the bread cubes in the egg mixture, shaking off any excess, then place them in the pan. Use a wooden spoon to sauté the cubes, turning to brown all sides evenly. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Remove the browned bread cubes from the pan and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat well, then transfer to a plate.
- Repeat cooking process: Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the remaining bread cubes, adding the remaining butter to the pan as needed.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon French toast bites immediately while warm, accompanied by maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps the pieces absorb the egg mixture better without falling apart.
- Do not let the butter brown in the pan; it should be melted but not burnt to avoid a bitter taste.
- Shaking off excess egg mixture before cooking prevents soggy bites and allows even browning.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the bites crisp and warm.
- Maple syrup is essential as a dipping sauce to complement the cinnamon sugar coating.
Keywords: Cinnamon French Toast, Breakfast Bites, Sweet Snack, Maple Syrup, Quick Breakfast, Sautéed French Toast
