Easy Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a nostalgic breakfast treat, making my morning feel extra special. The warm cinnamon and vanilla aroma fills my kitchen, taking me back to cozy family brunches while catering perfectly to my millennial obsession with bite-sized, Instagrammable meals that are both delicious and comforting.

These adorable Cinnamon French Toast Bites are a great way to start the day. They don’t take a lot of work or fancy ingredients—just some slightly stale bread, a few eggs, and a bit of milk.

But when you pour in the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, they become something quite special. And while I can’t exactly skim on the butter (which is necessary for achieving the perfect golden-brown toast), I can tell you that these bites are best served with syrup and/or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

Bread: Rich in carbohydrates; provides an excellent structure and absorbs flavors superbly.

Eggs are a protein-rich food; they create a custard-like base for binding.

Dairy: Provides richness and hydration; is a source of calcium.

Sugar, in granulated form, is sweet and balances the spices (especially cinnamon) found in many pastries.

Extract of vanilla: Elevates scent; contributes a sugary, flowery hint.

Cinnamon in its powdered form offers warmth and spiciness to a dish, and it is also a good source of antioxidants.

Richness is imparted; during cooking, it helps in browning.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 slices of bread, preferably day-old
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Syrup, for serving (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Slice the bread into small cubes, approximately 1 inch in size. Place them to the side.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients by whisking together: eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to beat them so well that the mixture becomes homogeneous and slightly frothy.

3. Medium heat should be used for a large non-stick skillet, which you need to preheat. Add the butter when it’s time to make the pancakes, letting it melt completely before you pour in the batter.

4. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, dip the bread cubes into the egg mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated but not soaked.

5. Put the crumb-coated bread onto the skillet. It should be in a single layer. The cubes should not touch at all.

6. Prepare the sections by cooking them for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on either side, or until they achieve a golden brown color and are crisp on all sides. Use a spatula to turn them with the gentleness appropriate for dealing with something as fragile as nature intended it to be.

7. Take the prepared French toast croissant casserole and cut it into slices. Place a slice on a serving plate and top it with some maple syrup. Serve immediately.

8. Dip and cook any leftover bread cubes in the same manner, using more butter as needed to keep the skillet well coated.

9. Serve the bites of French toast warm, optionally drizzled with syrup and dusted with powdered sugar.

10. Savor your Easy Cinnamon French Toast Bites right away for the most delightful texture and flavor.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Bread knife
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Large non-stick skillet
7. Spatula
8. Serving plate

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?You can use fresh bread, but day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better and nicely holds its shape.
• Q: Can I make this recipe with whole grain or gluten-free bread?Absolutely! You can use either whole grain or gluten-free bread. Just make sure that the slices are robust enough to withstand soaking, and you’re good to go.
• Q: Is it possible to prepare the egg mixture in advance?You may prepare the egg mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you need it.
• Q: What toppings can I use other than syrup and powdered sugar?B: The French toast bites can be topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, nut butter, or honey to add diversity.
• Q: How should I store leftovers?A: Keep uneaten food in a closed container in the fridge. It can stay there for 2 days and still taste good. After that, food might be okay to eat but won’t be at its best. To get the most out of your leftovers, reheat them in a skillet or half toaster oven.
• Q: Can I freeze the French toast bites?B: You can freeze the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then, move them to a bag or container that is safe for the freezer. To reheat them, use an oven or toaster oven. In this case, there’s no need to defrost, but you might need to add a couple more minutes to the reheating time to account for the bites being frozen.

Substitutions and Variations

Four slices of bread, ideally stale or a day old.
A different flavor can be achieved by using whole wheat or brioche.
Two large eggs
To replace eggs with flax eggs, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water.
1/2 cup of milk
Almond milk, oat milk, or other plant-based milks work well if you’re avoiding dairy.
1 tablespoon sugar, in granules
Opt for using brown sugar or a sugar alternative, such as stevia.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For a unique twist, use almond extract or maple syrup.
1 teaspoon of cinnamon ground
salt a pinch of
Two tablespoons of butter
Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead.
Syrup, if desired, can be served with this.
For dusting (optional), use powdered sugar.

Pro Tips

1. Use Slightly Stale Bread If your bread isn’t day-old, try toasting it lightly to dry it out. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.

2. Adjust Cinnamon and Vanilla If you love bold flavors, consider adding an extra half teaspoon of cinnamon or a bit more vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the French toast.

3. Rest the Bread After coating the bread cubes with the egg mixture, let them sit for a minute. This allows the bread to absorb more of the mixture, leading to a creamier interior.

4. Butter Management Keep the skillet slightly buttered throughout the cooking process. If you notice the butter browning too quickly, you can reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

5. Mix Toppings For a touch of crunch and additional flavor, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts or adding a dollop of whipped cream along with the syrup and powdered sugar before serving.