If there’s one breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a slow morning, it’s Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. Just look at the image above for a second. Those golden, caramelized cubes stacked high, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, with that soft, creamy custard center gently melting and pooling onto the plate. That’s not just breakfast—that’s comfort, indulgence, and nostalgia all wrapped into one irresistible bite.
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are everything we love about classic French toast and cinnamon rolls, combined into a bite-sized, bakery-style treat you can make right at home. Crisp and buttery on the outside, pillowy and custardy on the inside, with a subtle cinnamon warmth and a rich vanilla cream center that oozes ever so slightly when you cut or bite into them—just like the final image shows.
Perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, cozy winter mornings, or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen, this recipe delivers maximum wow with approachable ingredients and simple techniques. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull these off beautifully.
So grab your favorite mug of coffee ☕, slow down for a moment, and let’s dive deep into everything you need to know to create perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites—from ingredients and techniques to tips, variations, and serving ideas.
What Makes Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites So Special?
At first glance, these might look like fancy café-style French toast cubes. But once you take a bite, you realize they’re something entirely different. What sets these apart is the creamy custard filling, inspired by the soft, gooey centers of cinnamon rolls and filled pastries.
Unlike traditional French toast, where the custard is just on the outside, here the magic happens inside the bread. Each cube is carefully filled with a thick vanilla custard before being dipped in a light cinnamon egg mixture and pan-fried until deeply golden.
Here’s why people fall in love with this recipe:
- Texture contrast: Crispy edges + soft bread + creamy center
- Flavor balance: Gentle cinnamon warmth, not overpowering
- Bakery-style look: Just like the image—stacked, golden, and glossy
- Versatility: Works for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep parts in advance for stress-free mornings
These bites feel indulgent without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and fancy without being complicated. Basically, they hit that sweet spot where comfort food meets special occasion food.
Ingredients Breakdown – Why Each One Matters
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about the ingredients. This recipe is simple, but every component plays an important role in achieving the final texture and look you see in the image.
For the Creamy Cinnamon Roll–Style Custard Center
- Whole Milk (1 cup)
Whole milk provides richness and body. Lower-fat milk won’t give you the same creamy, spoonable consistency needed for the filling. - Egg Yolks (2 large)
Yolks add richness, color, and that classic custard mouthfeel. They’re essential for a silky center that doesn’t taste floury or thin. - Granulated Sugar (¼ cup)
Sweetens the custard without overpowering it. This keeps the filling lightly sweet, not dessert-level sugary. - Cornstarch (1½ tablespoons)
This is the secret to a thick, stable custard that holds its shape when spooned into the bread but still melts gently when warm. - Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Vanilla brings warmth and depth. It’s subtle but essential for that bakery-style flavor.
For the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Brioche or Soft Milk Bread (1 loaf)
This is non-negotiable if you want results like the image. Brioche has a tender crumb, rich flavor, and enough structure to hold the custard filling. - Whole Eggs (2 large)
Used for the French toast coating, eggs help create a golden crust when cooked in butter. - Whole Milk (½ cup)
Keeps the egg mixture light and smooth. - Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Adds warmth and complements the custard filling. - Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon)
Just enough for gentle warmth. The image shows a light cinnamon presence—not dark or heavily spiced. - Butter (2 tablespoons)
Butter is key for that golden, caramelized exterior you see in the photo.
For Serving
- Powdered Sugar
A light dusting adds sweetness and visual appeal, just like the final plated image. - Warm Vanilla Sauce or Maple Syrup
The glossy sauce pooling around the bites in the image comes from a warm drizzle—not a heavy pour.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
1️⃣ Make the Creamy Cinnamon Roll Custard Filling
This step is where the magic begins.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until completely smooth. Make sure there are no lumps—this ensures a silky custard.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula. After about 5–7 minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken. You’re looking for a texture similar to pastry cream: thick, glossy, and able to hold its shape on a spoon.
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly until it’s warm but spoonable. It should not be hot when filling the bread.
This custard is what gives the bites their signature creamy, cinnamon-roll-like center seen in the image.
2️⃣ Prepare the Bread for French Toast Bites
Cut your brioche or milk bread into thick cubes, about 1½ inches each. Thicker cubes are important—they hold the filling better and create that stacked, bakery-style look.
Using a small knife or your finger, carefully create a small pocket in the center of each cube. Don’t cut all the way through—just enough to make room for the custard.
Spoon a small amount of the custard into each pocket. Don’t overfill; too much will leak out during cooking. The goal is a hidden, creamy center, not a bursting one.
Gently press the bread back into shape. You should now have neat cubes with custard tucked inside—just like the ones shown in the image.
3️⃣ Make the Cinnamon French Toast Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whisk until fully combined and smooth. The cinnamon should be subtle—remember, the image shows a light golden color, not a dark, heavily spiced crust.
4️⃣ Cook the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt and gently bubble.
Quickly dip each filled bread cube into the egg mixture. Do not soak—a quick dip is enough. Over-soaking can cause the bread to fall apart.
Place the cubes into the skillet, leaving space between them. Cook, turning gently on all sides, until each face is deep golden brown and caramelized. This takes about 6–8 minutes total.
As they cook, you’ll notice the exterior becoming crisp while the inside stays soft. The custard will warm and become luscious, just like the creamy centers visible in the image.
5️⃣ Serve Immediately
Transfer the bites to a plate while hot.
Dust generously with powdered sugar, then drizzle lightly with warm vanilla sauce or maple syrup. The sauce should gently pool around the bites, not drown them—this matches the final image perfectly.
Serve immediately for that flowing custard center moment everyone loves.
Time, Servings, and Nutrition
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Use brioche only for the best texture and color
- Keep cinnamon light to maintain that golden look
- Don’t overfill the custard centers
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the butter
- Serve hot for the best creamy center
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Sweet Treat
Description
✨🍮 Soft, golden Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with a creamy custard center and a gentle cinnamon warmth. Crisp on the outside, custardy on the inside, and finished with powdered sugar and warm vanilla sauce — this cozy, bakery-style breakfast treat is perfect for brunch, holidays, or slow mornings at home ☕❄️
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
2 large egg yolks
¼ cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 loaf brioche or soft milk bread
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Powdered sugar, for serving
Warm vanilla sauce or maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
In a saucepan, whisk together 1 cup milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool slightly until spoonable. (7 minutes ⏱️)
Cut the brioche into thick 1½-inch cubes. Carefully create a small pocket in each cube and fill with the vanilla custard to create a soft, gooey center. (10 minutes ⏱️)
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. (3 minutes ⏱️)
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly dip each filled bread cube into the French toast mixture without soaking, then place in the skillet. Cook, turning on all sides, until deep golden brown and caramelized. (6–8 minutes ⏱️)
Transfer the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites to a serving plate. Dust generously with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm vanilla sauce or maple syrup. Serve immediately while creamy and melty. (2 minutes ⏱️)
Notes
Easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime cravings
Can be prepared ahead and stored well
Crowd-pleasing recipe with rich flavor and great texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~420 kcal
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture
- Swap vanilla sauce for cream cheese glaze
- Use orange zest in the custard for brightness
- Serve with fresh berries on the side
You may also like :
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna Recipe: A Cozy Dessert You’ll Fall in Love With
Christmas Cinnamon Sugar Crispy Chips
Why These Are Perfect for Brunch and Holidays
These bites are made for sharing. They look impressive, feel indulgent, and taste like something you’d order at a high-end café. They’re especially perfect for:
- Christmas morning
- Mother’s Day brunch
- Weekend family breakfasts
- Cozy winter mornings
Conclusion: A Cozy Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience. From the first golden crunch to the creamy, custardy center, every bite feels comforting, nostalgic, and special. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself on a quiet morning, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with home-kitchen ease.
Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. And honestly? They’re worth waking up for.
Similar recipes :
The Ultimate Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites Recipe
Ultimate Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread 🍎 – A Cozy Slice of Fall Comfort
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the custard and bread cubes in advance, but cook them fresh for best texture.
2. Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Pan-frying gives the best crust, but baking works if brushed generously with butter.
3. What bread works best?
Brioche or soft milk bread only—avoid crusty bread.
4. Can I freeze them?
They’re best fresh, but cooked bites can be frozen and reheated gently.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but keep some sugar for balance and caramelization.
