Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: Prepare to meet your new favorite brunch obsession! Imagine the gooey, sweet indulgence of a cinnamon roll colliding head-on with the comforting, custardy goodness of French toast. These aren’t just breakfast; they’re a bite-sized explosion of happiness that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

While the exact origins of combining cinnamon rolls and French toast remain shrouded in delicious mystery, the concept itself is a brilliant evolution of classic comfort foods. Cinnamon rolls, with their Scandinavian roots and widespread popularity in America, have long been a symbol of warmth and home baking. French toast, a dish with ancient Roman origins, offers a similarly comforting and satisfying experience. Marrying these two beloved treats creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

What makes these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites so universally appealing? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the soft, pillowy interior, and the slightly crispy exterior. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient! Perfect for a quick weekend breakfast, a fun brunch gathering, or even a delightful dessert. The ease of preparation and the guaranteed smiles they bring make them a winner every time. Get ready to transform your mornings with this delightful twist on two classic favorites!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (16 ounces) challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Before we even think about the French toast, let’s get that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating ready. This is what’s going to give our bites that signature cinnamon roll flavor and a delightful crunch. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of cinnamon. We want a nice, even coating.
2. Set the cinnamon sugar mixture aside. We’ll need it later when the French toast bites are cooked and ready to be coated.

Preparing the French Toast Custard:

Now, let’s move on to the heart of our French toast – the custard. This is where the magic happens, transforming those bread cubes into soft, flavorful bites. The key is to get the right balance of ingredients for a rich and creamy custard.

1. In a large bowl, crack the 8 large eggs. Whisk them vigorously until they are light and frothy. This will help create a smoother custard.
2. Add the 1 ½ cups of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the bowl with the eggs.
3. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the sugar is completely dissolved. You should have a smooth, homogenous custard. Taste the custard and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking. A little extra cinnamon never hurt anyone!

Soaking the Bread Cubes:

This is a crucial step! We want the bread cubes to soak up as much of that delicious custard as possible, but we don’t want them to become soggy. The type of bread you use matters here. Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are all great choices because they are sturdy enough to hold their shape while still absorbing the custard well.

1. Place the 1-inch bread cubes in a large, shallow dish or baking pan. A 9×13 inch pan works well.
2. Pour the prepared French toast custard evenly over the bread cubes.
3. Gently toss the bread cubes to ensure that they are all coated with the custard. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the bread to break apart.
4. Let the bread cubes soak in the custard for at least 15-20 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even soaking. The longer they soak, the more flavorful and moist they will be. However, don’t let them soak for too long, or they will become too soggy.

Cooking the French Toast Bites:

Now for the fun part – cooking those custard-soaked bread cubes into golden-brown, irresistible French toast bites! We’ll be using a skillet on the stovetop for this, which allows us to control the browning and ensure that the bites are cooked through.

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely and coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.
2. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully place a single layer of the soaked bread cubes in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and cause the French toast bites to steam instead of brown.
3. Cook the bread cubes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to flip them gently.
4. Remove the cooked French toast bites from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess butter.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 with the remaining bread cubes, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet as needed.

Coating with Cinnamon Sugar:

This is where the magic truly happens! As soon as the French toast bites are slightly cooled but still warm, we’re going to coat them in that glorious cinnamon sugar mixture we prepared earlier. This will create a sweet, crunchy crust that perfectly complements the soft, custardy interior.

1. While the French toast bites are still warm, transfer them to the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
2. Gently toss the French toast bites in the cinnamon sugar until they are evenly coated on all sides. You can use a spoon or your hands (be careful, they’re hot!) to ensure that every bite is covered in that sweet, cinnamon-y goodness.
3. Place the coated French toast bites back on the wire rack to cool slightly.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

No cinnamon roll is complete without a luscious cream cheese glaze, and these French toast bites are no exception! This glaze is creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet, adding the final touch of indulgence to our creation. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened for the smoothest glaze possible.

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer until they are smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until it is incorporated. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar all at once, as this can create a cloud of dust.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat on medium speed until the glaze is smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Assembling and Serving:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling our Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites and enjoying the fruits of our labor! There are a few different ways you can serve these, depending on your preference. You can drizzle the glaze over the bites, dip them in the glaze, or even serve the glaze on the side for dipping. The choice is yours!

1. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cinnamon sugar-coated French toast bites. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create a more decorative drizzle.
2. Alternatively, you can serve the cream cheese glaze in a small bowl on the side for dipping.
3. Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites immediately while they are still warm and the glaze is soft and creamy. These are best enjoyed fresh!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are truly a must-try recipe, a delightful fusion of two breakfast classics that will absolutely revolutionize your brunch game. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The soft, pillowy texture of the French toast, combined with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and the sweet, gooey glaze, creates an explosion of deliciousness in every single bite. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to close your eyes and savor the moment, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life?

What makes these bites so special is their versatility. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast, a fun brunch with friends, or even a quick and easy dessert. Imagine serving a platter of these warm, golden bites at your next gathering – they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the results are consistently amazing.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder. For a lighter option, serve them with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic: Serve warm with a generous drizzle of the cream cheese glaze.
* Decadent: Top with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
* Fruity: Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
* Nutty: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
* Chocolatey: Dust with cocoa powder or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
* Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite way to enjoy these little bites of heaven. You could even try using different types of bread, like brioche or challah, for a richer flavor. Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, you could make your own homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch!

I truly believe that this recipe for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the magic for yourself.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, please, please, don’t be shy – leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Did your family and friends love them as much as I do? Share your photos on social media and tag me so I can see your creations! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and happy eating! I hope these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites become a new favorite in your household, just like they are in mine.

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