If you’re looking for a brunch recipe that will make your guests swoon, then you’ve come to the right place! These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe are a delightful twist on classic French toast and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Imagine bite-sized pieces of soft challah bread soaked in a rich custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and coated with cinnamon sugar. Drizzled with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these bites are perfect for everything from lazy Sundays to festive family gatherings.
I love this recipe because it brings everyone together around the breakfast table with smiles and satisfied bellies. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy quality moments with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to whip up.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet bites!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Soak the bread cubes the night before for an even quicker brunch experience.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and cream cheese creates a heavenly taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or just a Saturday treat, these bites fit right in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You probably have most of them in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:
For the French Toast Bites
- 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
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the 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
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations:
- Add Fresh Fruit: Toss in some chopped berries or sliced bananas for an extra fruity flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips before soaking the bread cubes for a decadent twist.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an exciting flavor boost.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This sweet mixture will give your French toast bites that irresistible cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 2: Prepare French Toast Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. It’s important to ensure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining—this creates an even custard that coats every bite perfectly.
Step 3: Soak Bread Cubes
Place the bread cubes in a large shallow dish. Pour the custard over them and gently press down so they soak it all up. Letting them soak for at least 20 minutes ensures they’re flavorful and custardy all the way through!
Step 4: Cook French Toast Bites
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully remove soaked bread cubes from the custard and allow excess to drip off. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cooking them in batches helps achieve that golden brown finish without burning.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once cooked to perfection, toss your warm French toast bites immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is key as it creates that delightful sweet crust!
Step 6: Repeat
Continue cooking any remaining bread cubes using more butter as needed until all are golden brown and deliciously coated.
Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze
In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once combined, add vanilla extract and milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Arrange your beautiful cinnamon-sugar-coated bites on a platter and generously drizzle with cream cheese glaze. You can also serve this on the side for dipping! Enjoy them warm—trust me; that’s when they’re at their best!
With these steps, you’ll create an unforgettable brunch treat that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe
Creating the perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites can be a delightful experience! Here are some tips to ensure your bites turn out fabulously every time.
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Choose the right bread: Using challah, brioche, or Texas toast not only adds richness but also helps absorb the custard beautifully, resulting in a soft and flavorful bite.
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Don’t rush the soaking: Allowing the bread cubes to soak in the custard mixture for at least 20 minutes ensures that they are fully infused with flavor. A longer soak leads to a creamier texture after cooking.
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Monitor your heat: Cooking on medium heat prevents burning and allows the bites to cook evenly. If your skillet is too hot, you might end up with a crispy outside and a soggy inside.
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Make it a family affair: Get everyone involved by letting them toss the cooked bites in cinnamon sugar or drizzle the cream cheese glaze. It makes for a fun and interactive brunch experience!
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Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add your favorite spices or extracts—like almond extract or pumpkin spice—to customize the flavor profile of your French toast bites!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe
Presentation can elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary! Here are some creative ideas for serving your delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites.
Garnishes
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Fresh berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and freshness that complements the sweetness of the bites beautifully.
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Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft bites.
Side Dishes
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Fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cinnamon roll bites and adds a healthy touch.
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Yogurt parfaits: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a delightful contrast in textures that pairs perfectly with the sweet bites.
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Savory quiche: A slice of vegetable or cheese quiche offers a savory complement that enhances your brunch spread while keeping things exciting.
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Maple syrup dip: For those who love an extra touch of sweetness, serve warm maple syrup on the side for dipping. It adds another layer of flavor to these delectable bites!
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your guests at brunch! Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. With a few simple storage steps, you can enjoy these delightful bites at your convenience!
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover French toast bites in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you plan to store the cream cheese glaze separately, it can also be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing
- To freeze, place the cooled French toast bites in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!
Reheating
- To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the frozen French toast bites on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- For refrigerated leftovers, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until warmed.
FAQs
Have questions about making these delicious bites? Let’s tackle some common queries!
Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can soak the bread cubes in custard and store them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This will save you time on brunch day!
What is the best way to serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
These bites are best served warm, drizzled with cream cheese glaze. You can also offer the glaze on the side for dipping—it’s all about personal preference!
Can I use other types of bread instead of challah?
Yes! Brioche or Texas toast work beautifully as alternatives. Each will provide a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
How do I adjust this recipe for fewer servings?
To make fewer servings of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, simply halve all ingredients. This will yield approximately 3-4 servings while keeping everything perfectly balanced.
What toppings can I add besides cream cheese glaze?
Feel free to get creative! Fresh fruits like berries or bananas, whipped cream, or even maple syrup make delightful toppings that complement these tasty bites.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about making these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites as I am! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that brings joy to any brunch table. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you won’t regret it!
Breakfast
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