Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a dreamy combination of tender cinnamon swirls and rich, custardy French toast, transformed into poppable, shareable morsels. It’s everything you love about a cozy, comforting breakfast—with the bonus of being utterly fun to eat! Whether you’re feeding a crowd at brunch or looking to jazz up a weekend morning, these bites come together so easily and turn every bite into a mini celebration. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla as they cook is simply irresistible, making this recipe a true favorite for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of kitchen staples to whip up these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, but each one is absolutely essential. From that signature swirl of cinnamon roll dough to the rich custard soak, each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s flavor, structure, or that perfect finishing touch.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (1 can): The star of the show—pre-made cinnamon rolls provide the perfect swirl, spice, and sweetness in every bite.
- Large eggs (3): These form the base of your French toast custard and make the bites fluffy and rich.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and helps the custard soak into the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla rounds out the flavors with warm, bakery-style notes.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): For extra spice and to double down on that comforting cinnamon aroma.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): For pan-frying; gives every bite a beautiful golden crust and classic flavor.
- Powdered sugar: A finishing dust for a touch of elegant sweetness and visual appeal.
- Maple syrup: The ultimate dipping sauce and a must-have for classic French toast vibes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Step 1: Bake and Cool Cinnamon Rolls
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and baking the cinnamon rolls according to the package instructions. The aroma alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen! Once they’re golden and puffed, set them aside for a few minutes so they cool slightly, making them much easier to handle for the next step.
Step 2: Cut into Bite-Size Pieces
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each warm (but not hot) cinnamon roll into four even quarters. This transforms classic rolls into the fun, snackable bites that are the heart of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, perfect for dipping or piling onto a breakfast platter.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until very well combined. This mixture is the foundation of that classic French toast flavor and ensures every bite is deliciously moist on the inside yet perfectly crisp on the outside.
Step 4: Soak the Bites
Dip each cinnamon roll quarter into the custard mixture, letting any excess drip off before moving them to the skillet. You want them well-coated but not soggy—just enough for that rich, custardy texture in the middle.
Step 5: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the soaked bites in a single layer, leaving a little space between each. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until they’re beautifully golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the included icing, then dust with a snowfall of powdered sugar. Serve with a side of maple syrup for dipping, and watch how quickly they disappear!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Garnishes
A generous drizzle of that sweet cinnamon roll icing, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and maybe even a handful of fresh berries add color, flair, and extra sweetness to your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. If you’re feeling brave, a tiny sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can add contrast and a little crunch.
Side Dishes
These bites pair perfectly with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh fruit salad, or a platter of crispy bacon for contrasting flavors. Think of them as the sweet anchor on your breakfast or brunch spread—ideal alongside eggs, sausage links, or even a sparkling mimosa.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewer each bite with cocktail sticks for a fun, party-ready treat, or arrange them in a spiral on a large platter with small bowls of syrup and sprinkles for dipping. For a family breakfast, try stacking them in a tall pile, drizzle with icing, and let everyone pull off their own little rolls. The more playful the presentation, the bigger the smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, staying moist and flavorful if sealed tightly.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extras or want to plan ahead, these bites freeze beautifully! Flash-freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month—just be sure to add the icing and sugar after reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you may lose a touch of that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake, soak, and pan-fry these the night before, then store them in the fridge. Warm them up in the oven or air fryer right before serving for a just-cooked feel.
Do I have to use canned cinnamon rolls?
Canned rolls are ultra-convenient and turn out perfectly, but if you love homemade dough, go for it! Just slice your own cinnamon buns into small pieces before following the custard soak and frying steps.
What’s the best way to keep them warm for a party?
Place the cooked bites on a baking sheet in a preheated 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve. They’ll stay toasty without drying out and taste freshly made for hours.
Can I make these with gluten-free cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free cinnamon roll dough—just keep an eye out for varying baking times and textures, but the method remains the same for delicious results.
What icings and toppings work besides the included frosting?
Feel free to experiment with cream cheese frosting, chocolate drizzle, caramel sauce, or even a quick honey glaze. Fresh fruit and chopped nuts are lovely add-ons for both taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s as delightful as it is easy, Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites will soon earn a top spot in your weekend lineup. Gather your friends and family, serve up a batch, and get ready for smiles and requests for more—this sweet twist on two classic favorites is just too good not to share!
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites that combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the classic French toast. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- powdered sugar for dusting
- maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls according to package directions. Cut each roll into quarters.
- Mix Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Cook: Melt butter in a skillet. Dip cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture, then place in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve: Place cooked bites on a plate, drizzle with icing, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup.
Notes
- For a hands-off option, bake the bites in a greased dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
