Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites

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Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites

🕒 The Basics

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 10 minutes

  • Servings: 4 people

  • Calories: ~340 kcal per serving

🛒 Ingredients

The Bites

  • 6 slices Thick-cut Brioche or Challah bread (stale is better!)

  • 3 large Eggs

  • 1/2 cup Whole milk or heavy cream

  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt

  • 2-3 tbsp Unsalted butter (for frying)

The Coating

  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon

🍳 Instructions

  1. Prep the Bread: Cut your bread slices into 1-inch squares. If the bread is very fresh, leave the cubes out on a baking sheet for 30 minutes to dry out slightly.

  2. Whisk the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

  3. Mix the Coating: In a separate small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Set aside.

  4. The Soak: Working in batches, toss a handful of bread cubes into the egg mixture. Let them soak for about 15–20 seconds—long enough to absorb liquid, but not so long they fall apart.

  5. The Sizzle: Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the soaked cubes in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan!).

  6. Brown & Flip: Fry for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp on all edges.

  7. The Toss: Immediately drop the hot French toast bites into the cinnamon sugar bowl and toss to coat thoroughly.

  8. Serve: Pile them high and serve warm with maple syrup, Nutella, or fresh berries.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Don’t Over-Soak: Unlike full slices of French toast, these small bites have more surface area. If you soak them too long, they’ll turn into mush in the pan.

  • The Bread Matters: Use a sturdy, “eggy” bread like Brioche. Standard white sandwich bread is often too thin and will collapse.

  • Clean the Pan: If you’re cooking in multiple batches, wipe the skillet between rounds. Burnt butter and leftover sugar can make the second batch taste bitter.

🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 340
Total Fat 14g
Carbohydrates 46g
Protein 8g
Sugar 22g

✨ Why You’ll Love These (Benefits)

  • Kid-Friendly: No knives required! These are the ultimate finger food for little ones.

  • Texture Heaven: You get a much higher “crunch-to-soft” ratio than traditional French toast.

  • Customizable: You can easily swap the milk for almond or oat milk, or use gluten-free brioche.

❓ Common Questions

Q: Can I make these in an Air Fryer?

A: Yes! Lightly grease the basket. Place the soaked bites in a single layer (do not stack) and air fry at 190°C for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss in sugar after they come out.

Q: Can I make the bread cubes ahead of time?

A: You can cut the bread a day early, which actually helps them dry out and absorb the custard better. However, don’t soak them until you are ready to fry.

Q: What is the best dipping sauce?

A: While maple syrup is king, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a splash of milk (like a donut glaze) takes these to the next level.

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