How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: A Quick 15-Minute Recipe
Did you know these cinnamon roll french toast bites come together in just 20 minutes? That’s right! These soft, doughy treats taste like mini cinnamon doughnuts but with about 80% fewer calories – now that’s a win!
Whether you’re rushing on busy mornings or relaxing during lazy weekends, this french toast bites recipe is perfect when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. We love how these mini french toast bites require just a handful of pantry staples yet look and taste completely gourmet. Essentially, they’re soft bites stuffed with cinnamon butter, coated in cinnamon sugar, and served with cream cheese icing for dipping. Learning how to make french toast bites has never been more rewarding! This easy cinnamon roll french toast bites variation is also endlessly customizable, so you can make it exactly how you like it.
In this article, we’ll walk you through our simple step-by-step process to create this delicious breakfast treat that combines two morning classics into one irresistible package.
What Are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
Cinnamon roll french toast bites represent the perfect marriage of two beloved breakfast classics. These delectable treats combine the gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls with the rich, custardy texture of classic French toast, all in convenient bite-sized portions.
How they combine two classic breakfasts
French toast has ancient origins dating back to Roman times when it was created as a clever way to use up stale bread by soaking it in milk and eggs before frying. Meanwhile, cinnamon rolls are known for their soft, doughy texture and sweet cinnamon-sugar filling. When these two culinary traditions merge, something truly magical happens.
The fusion creates a breakfast experience with the best of both worlds – the cinnamon rolls provide a unique, spiced sweetness while the French toast batter adds that rich, custardy element. Furthermore, the bite-sized format makes them more versatile than either dish alone. These little morsels feature a slightly crispy exterior with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center that’s absolutely irresistible.
Some versions use actual cinnamon rolls cut into pieces and dipped in custard, while others recreate the flavor profile using bread cubes coated in cinnamon sugar that taste remarkably like mini cinnamon doughnuts.
Why they’re perfect for quick mornings
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that often require proofing time or classic French toast that needs individual attention, these bites come together remarkably fast. The bite-sized format allows them to cook quickly and evenly. Instead of flipping individual slices, you can “sauté” them stir-fry style, tossing them with a wooden spoon until they’re perfectly browned on all sides in just 2-3 minutes.
Moreover, their small size makes them ideal for busy mornings – they’re easy to eat on the go and perfect for little hands. Additionally, they’re incredibly versatile – you can prepare them in advance, customize with different toppings, or even serve them as part of a breakfast buffet.
For those hectic weekday mornings or lazy weekends when you want something special without the fuss, cinnamon roll french toast bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Their combination of convenience, speed, and irresistible taste makes them a breakfast revolution worth embracing.
Ingredients and Prep Essentials
Creating perfect cinnamon roll french toast bites starts with selecting the right ingredients. Let me walk you through everything you’ll need for this 15-minute breakfast treat.
Choosing the right cinnamon rolls
For this french toast bites recipe, you have two main options. Store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls offer convenience and speed, making them ideal for quick mornings. Simply cut each roll into quarters for perfect bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully.
For store-bought rolls, make sure they’re fully baked according to package instructions first. This ensures they hold their shape in the custard mixture. If using leftover homemade rolls, slightly warm them in the microwave before slicing to make cutting easier.
Custard mixture basics
The foundation of any french toast bites recipe requires:
- Eggs: 3 large eggs provide richness and structure
- Milk: ¼ cup whole milk or 2% creates the perfect consistency
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon enhances sweetness and depth
- Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon boosts the cinnamon flavor
Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until completely blended for a smooth custard. Using room temperature eggs helps them blend better with milk and spices. For a richer version, substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for the milk.
Optional toppings and add-ons
The beauty of cinnamon french toast bites lies in their versatility. Primarily, you’ll want to save the cream cheese glaze that comes with packaged cinnamon rolls. Beyond that, consider these delicious options:
- Maple syrup (a classic choice)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts
- Sliced bananas
- Honey or caramel sauce
For an extra touch of decadence, try a cream cheese glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Consequently, your cinnamon roll french toast bites will become an endlessly customizable breakfast treat that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step: How to Make French Toast Bites
Let’s dive into the fun part – making these irresistible cinnamon roll french toast bites! The entire cooking process takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making this the perfect recipe for busy mornings.
1. Cut the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces
Begin by opening your refrigerated cinnamon roll package, setting aside the icing for later use. Using a sharp knife, cut each cinnamon roll into 4 equal, bite-sized pieces. This smaller size ensures they’ll cook quickly plus allows the custard to penetrate throughout each bite. For the best results, make sure your cuts are relatively even so all pieces cook at the same rate.
2. Whisk the egg and milk mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or cream for extra richness), vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until completely smooth. This custard mixture forms the foundation of your french toast bites. For traditional proportions, use 2 large eggs with 1/4 cup milk. The vanilla and cinnamon enhance the flavor profile without overwhelming the natural cinnamon roll taste.
3. Dip and coat the bites
Gently place the cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture, turning to fully coat all sides. However, avoid soaking them too long as this can lead to soggy bites. Simply dip each piece, ensuring all surfaces are covered, then lift out, allowing excess mixture to drip back into the bowl.
4. Cook in a skillet until golden
Melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated bites in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft interior. You may need to work in batches to ensure even cooking.
5. Add toppings and serve
Transfer your freshly cooked cinnamon roll french toast bites to a serving plate. Immediately drizzle with the reserved cream cheese icing from the package, allowing it to melt slightly over the warm bites. Optionally, add maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for extra flavor. Serve promptly while still warm for the best taste experience.
Serving, Storing, and Reheating Tips
These tasty cinnamon roll french toast bites truly shine with the right finishing touches and storage methods. Let me share some expert tips to maximize your breakfast experience!
Best toppings to try
The cream cheese glaze from your cinnamon roll package makes an ideal topping. Alternatively, try maple syrup infused with a cinnamon stick for 5 minutes, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce. For a truly decadent experience, serve warm bites with a scoop of ice cream.
How to keep them warm for guests
For serving a crowd, arrange freshly cooked mini french toast bites on a platter and cover loosely with foil to retain heat. Alternatively, place them in a 200°F oven until everyone’s ready to eat. Notably, these bites pair wonderfully with scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit salad for a complete brunch spread.
Refrigeration and freezing tips
Store leftover cinnamon french toast bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Firstly, ensure they’ve cooled completely prior to storage. For longer preservation, freeze cooled bites for up to 2-3 months. Simply place them on a cookie sheet until frozen solid, subsequently transfer to freezer bags.
Reheating without losing texture
Avoid microwaving—it makes them soggy! Instead, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or air fryer for crispy results. Covering with foil while reheating helps maintain moisture.
Conclusion
These cinnamon roll French toast bites truly offer the best of both breakfast worlds. Therefore, you can enjoy the decadent flavor of cinnamon rolls and the custardy richness of French toast without spending hours in the kitchen. Because of their bite-sized nature, they cook up in minutes rather than the lengthy time required for traditional cinnamon rolls.
Additionally, we love how versatile this recipe remains for different occasions. During hectic weekday mornings, you can whip these up quickly and have a gourmet breakfast ready in just 15 minutes. Meanwhile, weekend brunches become more special when you serve these bites with various toppings for guests to customize their plates.
Undoubtedly, the biggest advantage comes from their simplicity. Almost anyone can master this recipe regardless of cooking experience. You need just a handful of ingredients, most likely already sitting in your pantry. After all, the best recipes often combine simplicity with outstanding flavor.
The next time you crave something sweet yet substantial for breakfast, remember these cinnamon roll French toast bites. Subsequently, you might find yourself making them regularly as they become a family favorite. Your breakfast routine will never be boring again with this quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable treat at your fingertips.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites? These delicious treats can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or quick weekend breakfasts.
Q2. What ingredients do I need for the custard mixture? The basic custard mixture requires 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup of milk (whole or 2%), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Q3. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe? Yes, you can use either store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls or homemade ones. If using homemade, slightly warm them in the microwave before cutting to make slicing easier.
Q4. What are some topping options for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites? Popular toppings include the cream cheese glaze from packaged cinnamon rolls, maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and caramel sauce.
Q5. How should I store and reheat leftover French Toast Bites? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, avoid the microwave and instead use a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or an air fryer for crispy results. Cover with foil while reheating to maintain moisture.