Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites – Sweet, Crispy, and Easy to Make

These cinnamon swirl French toast bites are my dream breakfast—golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a sweet, spiced swirl of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for sharing, dipping, or just popping one after another, this bite-sized twist on classic French toast is fun, indulgent, and super easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers everything I want in French toast, but in mini, snackable form. It’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend mornings when I want something sweet and cozy. The cinnamon swirl caramelizes in the pan, giving each bite a slightly crisp edge and irresistible flavor. It’s fast to prep and even faster to disappear from the plate.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah), cut into cubes
• Eggs
• Milk or half-and-half
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Sugar (granulated or brown sugar)
• Butter (for cooking)
• Optional: powdered sugar, maple syrup, or cream cheese glaze for serving

directions

1. I whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon in a mixing bowl.

2. I add the cubed bread and gently toss to coat each piece in the mixture. I let it soak for a couple of minutes while I prepare the swirl.

3. In a separate small bowl, I mix sugar and cinnamon to make the swirl mixture.

4. I heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add the soaked bread cubes in a single layer.

5. I sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the bites while they cook, letting it caramelize and create that signature swirl effect.

6. I cook until all sides are golden and slightly crisp, turning them gently with tongs or a spatula.

7. I serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or served with syrup or glaze for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weekday treat and fun enough for weekend brunch.

Variations

• I stuff the cubes with a little cream cheese before soaking for a gooey center.

• For a festive twist, I add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the mix.

• I swap regular sugar for brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor.

• I’ve also made them into skewers for a fun party brunch idea.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use the oven or a skillet to bring back the crisp edges—just 5–7 minutes at 350°F. The microwave works too, but the bites are softer.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best?

I like thick, slightly stale brioche or challah—they soak up the custard without falling apart and crisp up beautifully.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the cubes and egg mixture the night before and cook them fresh in the morning. They taste best right off the pan.

Do I need to use butter for cooking?

Butter gives the best flavor and helps caramelize the cinnamon swirl, but I’ve used oil or ghee in a pinch.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes. I spread the soaked cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I serve these for a crowd?

I pile them onto a platter with dipping sauces like maple syrup, chocolate, or vanilla glaze. They’re great as finger food or part of a brunch spread.

Conclusion

These cinnamon swirl French toast bites are the ultimate breakfast treat—crispy, gooey, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor. I love how easy they are to make and how fun they are to eat. Whether I serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re always a hit.

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites – Sweet, Crispy, and Easy to Make

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• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Sweet Treats
• Method: Stovetop or Oven-Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites are golden, crispy, and bursting with sweet, spiced flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking, this easy French toast recipe turns cubes of bread into bite-sized treats coated in a caramelized cinnamon sugar swirl. Quick to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast), cut into cubes
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
• 2 tbsp sugar (granulated or brown sugar)
• 1–2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, or cream cheese glaze

 

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
2. Add cubed bread to the bowl and gently toss to coat. Let soak for 2–3 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix remaining 1 tsp cinnamon with sugar to make the swirl topping.
4. Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
5. Add soaked bread cubes in a single layer. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top.
6. Cook until all sides are golden and slightly crisp, turning gently with tongs or a spatula.
7. Serve warm, topped with powdered sugar or your favorite dipping sauce.

 

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Notes

• Use slightly stale bread for best texture.
• Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a festive twist.
• Brown sugar creates deeper caramel flavor.
• Turn these into skewers for a fun party brunch.
• To bake: Spread on a lined sheet pan and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.