I love small bites that taste like a big treat. Cinnamon French Toast Bites are one of my favorite quick recipes. I make them when I want a warm snack and a little joy.
My dad James taught me to flip things right in the pan. He smiled when I made these for him on a slow Sunday.
What You’ll Need
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Butter for frying
- 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon for rolling
My Trusted Kitchen Tools
I keep my tools simple and small for this recipe. I use a medium bowl to mix the egg wash. I use a fork or whisk to beat the eggs. I use a nonstick skillet so the bites cook evenly without sticking. I use a spatula that slides under each bite with ease. I like a small plate for the cinnamon sugar roll. You can learn more about the basics and the roots of this dish in my post on what cinnamon French toast is made of, which helps you pick the best bread and spice.
Bringing It All Together
- Cut each slice of bread into quarters.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Dip each bread piece into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter.
- Fry the bread pieces until golden brown on each side.
- After frying, roll the bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm with maple syrup or fruit.
Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)
I love to change one small thing and watch the whole snack feel new. Use day old bread for a chewier bite. Swap plain milk for almond milk to keep this dairy light. Try maple syrup in the egg mix for a maple twist. Add a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon for warm spice. Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper taste. Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the egg mix if you like a sweet surprise. If you want a fruit twist that pairs well, take a look at my take on the cinnamon apple cottage cheese bites for ideas on adding apple and cheese in small bites. I also sometimes press a bit of cream cheese between two quarters before dipping and frying them for a creamy center.
How We Love to Serve It
We eat these warm from the pan. I like them on a small plate with a ramekin of maple syrup for dipping. My daughter likes them with a smear of jam. My son likes them plain with a glass of cold milk. I will often add fresh berries on the side for color and light taste. For a party, I put them on a platter with toothpicks. They work great at brunch or as a kid snack after school. You can also stack them in a bowl and pour warm syrup over the top for a cozy treat.
A Few Tips For Success
Pick bread that is not too thin. Thick or medium bread soaks up the egg mix and stays soft inside. Do not soak the pieces too long. Quick dips work best so the bites do not fall apart. Keep the pan at medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside burns and the inside stays raw. Use butter for flavor and a little oil if you need extra browning. Work in small batches so the pan stays at the right temperature. Keep the finished bites on a rack or a plate in a warm oven if you cook many at once. This keeps them crisp and warm until you serve.
Saving Some For Later
If you have leftovers, cool them first. Place them in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. Reheat on a low oven tray or in an air fryer for a crisp finish. Do not microwave for long or they get soggy. For longer storage, freeze the bites on a tray for one hour, then move them to a freezer bag for up to one month. Reheat from frozen in a toaster oven or oven until hot. If you plan to freeze, skip the cinnamon sugar roll until you reheat. That keeps the coating fresh and crisp.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I make these bites when I want to share a small joy with my family. They are quick, kind, and simple to love. Try them on a quiet morning or bring them to a small gathering. I hope they warm your hands and heart like they do mine.
Your Questions, Answered
How long do Cinnamon French Toast Bites take to make?
They take about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Cutting the bread and mixing the egg wash should take just a few minutes. Frying each batch takes the most time.
Can I use any bread for Cinnamon French Toast Bites?
Yes, you can use most bread. I like white, brioche, or challah for a rich taste. Day old bread holds up best. Thin slices may fall apart if soaked too long.
Can I make Cinnamon French Toast Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry them and keep them warm in a low oven for a short time. For longer keeping, cool and store in the fridge for up to two days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Print
Cinnamon French Toast Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bite-sized French toast pieces, flavored with cinnamon and sugar, perfect for a warm snack or brunch treat.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Butter for frying
- 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon for rolling
Instructions
- Cut each slice of bread into quarters.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Dip each bread piece into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter.
- Fry the bread pieces until golden brown on each side.
- After frying, roll the bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm with maple syrup or fruit.
Notes
For variations, consider using day-old bread, swapping almond milk for regular milk, or infusing the egg mix with maple syrup or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: French toast, breakfast bites, quick snacks, cinnamon, brunch