Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
If you have ever dreamed of merging the best parts of two incredible breakfast treats, then this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the custardy richness of French toast in bite-sized pieces that are perfect for sharing or savoring solo. With just 1 can of cinnamon rolls and a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser that looks stunning on the table and melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed breakfast without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every element plays a unique role, from creating the tender crust to infusing warm cinnamon flavors and finishing with a sweet drizzle.
- 1 can (11 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls: The star of the show, providing that buttery dough and cinnamon swirl foundation.
- 4 large eggs: These add richness and help create the classic French toast custard coating.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moisturizes the egg mix for silky-smooth batter consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and balances the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Boosts that irresistible cinnamon aroma and flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture without overpowering the cinnamon rolls’ natural sugar.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Used to make the glossy, sweet glaze.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing): Helps create that perfect drizzle-able icing texture.
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and helps the bites brown beautifully.
How to Make 1
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, get your oven heating to 375°F (190°C). This is the golden temperature where your bites will bake evenly, develop a lovely puff, and turn that enticing golden brown color.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Open your can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. This creates just the right bite-sized pieces that soak up the custard without falling apart during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until everything is smooth and perfectly blended. This mixture is your luscious French toast custard.
Step 4: Coat the Dough Pieces
Gently toss the cinnamon roll quarters in the egg mixture, making sure every bite is well coated. This step ensures each piece bakes to fluffy, rich perfection packed with flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly grease your baking sheet with cooking spray or butter. This small step is key for preventing sticking and helps the crust of each bite develop a golden finish.
Step 6: Arrange Cinnamon Roll Bites
Spread your coated cinnamon roll pieces on the baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room so the heat can circulate and bake them evenly without overcrowding.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Look for the bites to puff up slightly and turn a mouthwatering golden brown—they are ready when you see that inviting color and smell.
Step 8: Prepare the Icing
While your bites bake, whisk powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth and creamy. This icing is what adds the final touch of sweetness and glossy perfection.
Step 9: Drizzle and Garnish
Once the bites come out of the oven, drizzle your homemade icing over them. For an extra pop of flavor and texture, consider sprinkling additional cinnamon or chopped nuts on top.
Step 10: Cool Slightly
Let your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites cool for a few minutes to allow the icing to set just a bit, making them easier to serve and enjoy while still wonderfully warm.
How to Serve 1
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly ground cinnamon or some crushed pecans or walnuts brings a delightful crunch and a pop of flavor that really enhances the whole experience. Fresh berries can also add vibrant color and a bit of tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these bites alongside fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a dollop of whipped cream for a rounded breakfast or brunch. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for a cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special breakfast, arrange the bites on a large platter with small bowls of syrup, extra icing, and nuts for dipping or sprinkling. You can even stack them in layers separated by parchment paper to look like a stunning, edible cinnamon roll tower!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep them fresh and ready for a quick breakfast or snack the next day without losing that soft, cakey texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these bites for up to 1 month by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze individually to avoid clumping and to preserve their shape and flavor.
Reheating
Rewarm frozen or refrigerated bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this keeps the exterior crisp and avoids sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls to make 1?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully. Just slice them into quarters as you would the canned variety and follow the same steps. They might even add a personal gourmet touch!
What if I don’t have vanilla extract for 1?
If you’re out of vanilla, don’t worry! You can omit it or substitute with a small pinch of almond extract or even a dash of maple syrup for a slightly different but delicious flavor.
Can I make 1 dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter or spray for greasing. The texture and taste remain delightful!
Is it possible to bake 1 in an air fryer?
You can bake these bites in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Just keep an eye to avoid over-browning since air fryers typically cook faster.
How do I make 1 less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, cut down the sugar in the egg mixture and use less powdered sugar for icing. You can also skip the icing and add a dusting of cinnamon instead for a more subtle sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend making this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites recipe enough — it’s a true breakfast game-changer that brings the best of both worlds to your plate. With just 1 can of cinnamon rolls and simple ingredients, you can create an irresistible treat that brings smiles all around. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a new favorite that’s cozy, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on breakfast classics with these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. Combining the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls with the rich custard of French toast, these bite-sized treats are perfect for brunch, snacks, or a special breakfast. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they come with a smooth powdered sugar icing drizzle for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (11 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Icing
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
For Greasing
- Cooking spray or butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bites bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces. Set them aside for later coating.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Dough Pieces: Add the cinnamon roll quarters into the egg mixture. Toss them gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the custard mixture.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Arrange Cinnamon Roll Bites: Spread the egg-coated cinnamon roll pieces evenly on the greased baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the bites are puffed up and golden brown on the edges.
- Prepare Icing: While the bites bake, combine the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. Stir until the icing is smooth and drizzleable.
- Garnish (Optional): For added texture and flavor, sprinkle extra ground cinnamon or chopped nuts over the bites once iced.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the baked bites to cool for a few minutes so the icing can set slightly, making them easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use refrigerated cinnamon rolls for convenience, but homemade cinnamon roll dough can be substituted for a fresher taste.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even baking.
- For a richer icing, you can substitute milk with cream or add a touch of vanilla extract.
- These bites are best served warm for the ideal gooey texture and fresh flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and lightly reheated in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Cinnamon Bites, Breakfast Bites, Sweet Breakfast Treat, Brunch Recipe
