French Toast Bites are a sweet, fun, and easy breakfast recipe made with thick white bread, a simple egg custard, and a crisp cinnamon sugar coating. These mini French toast cubes are golden and crunchy on the outside while staying soft and pillowy in the center. They are perfect for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, kids’ breakfasts, or any time you want a special treat without a complicated recipe.
Fun, Bite-Sized, & Delicious Breakfast Recipe
Pancakes, waffles, and French toast are the classic sweet breakfast favorites, but these cinnamon sugar French Toast Bites might be the most fun of all. They have everything you love about traditional French toast, but in a smaller, crispier, more snackable form.
The best part is the texture. Regular French toast can sometimes turn out too soft or soggy, but these bite-sized pieces are cooked in butter until they become golden brown and lightly crisp on the edges. The inside stays tender, while the outside gets coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture that makes every bite taste warm and comforting.
Serve them with maple syrup for dipping or drizzling, and you have a breakfast that feels special but is still quick enough to make in under 30 minutes. They are especially great for kids because the small pieces are easy to eat, but adults will love them just as much.
If you enjoy cozy breakfast recipes with cinnamon, sugar, and buttery golden bread, this easy French toast bites recipe is one you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients
This easy breakfast recipe uses a short list of simple ingredients. Most of them are pantry and refrigerator staples, which makes these mini French toast bites a great option for a relaxed Saturday or Sunday morning.
The key to the best texture is using thick, slightly stale bread. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart, helping the cubes become crisp on the outside instead of soggy.
Ingredient Notes
- White Bread: You will need 6 thick slices of white bread. A classic white bakery loaf works especially well because it can be cut into sturdy cubes.
- Eggs: Use 2 whole eggs to create the French toast custard.
- Milk: Add 1/2 cup of milk to the egg mixture. Whole milk gives the bites a richer flavor and softer center.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth and sweetness to the custard.
- Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon of cinnamon gives the coating its cozy, classic flavor.
- Sugar: 1/4 cup of white sugar combines with the cinnamon to create the sweet outer coating.
- Unsalted Butter: Cook the bites in 2 tablespoons of butter for a golden, buttery finish. You can add a little extra if you want a richer result.
Substitutions, Additions, & Changes
This cinnamon sugar French toast bites recipe is simple as written, but there are a few easy ways to adjust it based on what you have on hand or how you like to serve breakfast.
Milk: Whole milk is recommended, but you can use another milk if preferred. Soy milk, almond milk, or skim milk can also work in the egg mixture.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the flavor, but salted butter can be used if that is what you have. It will add a subtle savory balance to the sweet cinnamon sugar.
Powdered Sugar: Maple syrup is a classic topping, but a light dusting of powdered sugar is another delicious way to finish these bites.
French Toast Sticks: If you want a different shape, cut the bread into long strips instead of cubes. Follow the same soaking, cooking, and coating steps to make cinnamon sugar French toast sticks.
Kitchen Tools
You do not need any special equipment to make these easy French toast bites. A few basic kitchen tools will help keep the process simple and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Liquid measuring cup
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
- Serrated bread knife
- Large pan or griddle
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How To Make This Recipe
Cinnamon French Toast Bites are easy to prepare and fun to eat. The process is similar to classic French toast, but instead of cooking whole slices of bread, you cut the bread into cubes and pan-fry them until crisp and golden.
First, the bread cubes are lightly coated in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla. Then they are cooked in melted butter until browned on the outside. While the bites are still warm, they are tossed in cinnamon sugar so the coating sticks beautifully to each piece.
Serve them right away with maple syrup for the best texture and flavor. The warm, crisp edges and soft centers make this a sweet breakfast recipe that feels both nostalgic and playful.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: If your bread is not already stale, dry it out first. Spread the six slices on a baking sheet and place them in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes, or until the bread feels slightly crunchy and lightly toasted.
Step 2: Cut the dried or stale bread slices into small, even cubes.
Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and white sugar. Set the mixture aside for coating the cooked bites.
Step 5: Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet or in a large bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the cubes and gently toss until each piece is coated. Using a baking sheet helps spread the cubes out so they do not sit in too much custard at the bottom.
Step 6: Add the butter to a large pan or griddle over medium heat. Once melted, place the bread cubes in the hot butter in a single layer.
Step 7: Cook the cubes for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. Watch closely so they turn golden brown without burning. If your pan is not large enough, cook the bites in two batches.
Step 8: Transfer the warm French toast cubes back to the baking sheet. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 9: Serve immediately with maple syrup and enjoy.
Expert Tips
Use good-quality bakery bread for the best flavor and texture. Thick slices hold their shape better and create soft centers with crisp edges.
Use stale bread whenever possible. Stale bread absorbs the custard more evenly and helps prevent the bites from becoming soggy.
Dry fresh bread in the oven if needed. A short time in a low oven helps remove extra moisture and prepares the bread for the egg mixture.
Do not soak the bread cubes for too long. Lightly coat the pieces rather than drenching them. This keeps the bites tender inside and crisp outside.
Cook over medium heat. The bites should brown and crisp without burning. Adjust the heat slightly if the butter is browning too quickly.
Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm. The coating sticks best when the French toast bites are fresh from the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
A thick white bakery loaf is a great choice for this recipe because it can be sliced and cubed into sturdy pieces. If you cannot find a classic white loaf, brioche, Italian bread, or French bread are also good options. Pre-sliced packaged sandwich bread is not ideal because it is usually thinner and softer, which can make the bites more likely to become soggy.
These French toast bites are delicious with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Fresh berries also make a great addition if you want to add a bright, fresh flavor alongside the warm cinnamon sugar coating. They work well as part of a breakfast or brunch spread with other sweet or savory dishes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5 days. The bites will lose some of their crisp texture after storing, but they will still taste delicious when reheated. Warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or use an air fryer or toaster oven to help bring back some of the crisp edges.
Love this recipe? Check out more delicious breakfast ideas…
- Brown Butter Banana Bread
- Easy Cinnamon Monkey Bread
- Raspberry White Chocolate Muffins
- Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- Mini Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
- Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
Connect With Me!
If you make this French toast bites recipe or any other breakfast recipe, sharing your results is always appreciated. These cinnamon sugar bites are simple, cozy, and perfect for recreating at home.
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French Toast Bites with Cinnamon Sugar
- Author: Kayla Berman
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These French Toast Bites are made with thick white bread, a simple vanilla egg mixture, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. They are crisp and golden on the outside, soft in the center, and perfect for an easy sweet breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 6 thick slices of white bread, stale or dried
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- If the bread is not already stale, spread the slices on a baking sheet and place them in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes, or until slightly crunchy and lightly toasted.
- Cut the dried or stale bread slices into small cubes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the cinnamon and white sugar. Set aside.
- Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet or in a large bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the cubes and gently toss until each piece is coated.
- Melt the butter in a large pan or griddle over medium heat. Add the bread cubes in a single layer.
- Cook for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes, until golden brown. Work in batches if needed.
- Transfer the warm French toast cubes back to the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and enjoy.