Name: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 large loaf); 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness—milk works too); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; Pinch of fine salt; 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the pan; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt (it makes the cinnamon pop); 3 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (any kind); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted; Maple syrup for serving; Orange zest for the glaze (a tiny pinch wakes everything up)

If you’ve ever wanted the cozy flavor of a cinnamon roll without waiting on yeast and rising dough, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the sweet spot. Think soft, custardy centers, golden edges, warm cinnamon sugar, and a light cream cheese drizzle. They’re playful and shareable—great for brunch, a lazy Saturday, or a “we need something fun” weeknight dessert. You’ll cook them on the stovetop in minutes, and they taste like they came from a café… just without the fuss.

Ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Makes 4 to 6 servings

6 cups day-old brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 large loaf)
3 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness—milk works too)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Pinch of fine salt
2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the pan

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt (it makes the cinnamon pop)

For the cream cheese drizzle:

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk (any kind)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional add-ins (nice but not required):

1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
Maple syrup for serving
Orange zest for the glaze (a tiny pinch wakes everything up)

Instructions

Prep the bread. Cut your brioche or challah into bite-size cubes—about 1 inch. Day-old bread is best; it holds the custard without getting mushy. Fresh bread works in a pinch, just don’t soak it too long.
Make the custard. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until smooth. It should smell like the inside of a cinnamon roll shop. That’s your sign you’re on track.
Dip, don’t drown. Add the bread cubes to the custard and toss gently. Let them sit for 3 to 5 minutes, just long enough to drink up a bit of custard without falling apart. If your bread is super fresh, shorten the soak; if it’s very dry, you can go a little longer.
Heat the pan. Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. You’ll cook these in batches so they brown, not steam.
Cook the bites. Add a single layer of soaked bread cubes. Don’t overcrowd. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and the centers feel set—not wet. Add more butter as needed between batches. Low and steady heat is your friend here; if they’re browning too fast, dial it down a bit.
Make the cinnamon-sugar. Stir the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl. As each batch comes out of the pan, immediately toss the hot bites in the cinnamon-sugar so it clings to the buttery edges. It’s a little messy—and entirely worth it.
Whisk the glaze. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and drizzleable. If it’s too thick, add another splash of milk; too thin, more powdered sugar. A touch of orange zest is lovely if you like that bakery vibe.
Finish and serve. Pile the cinnamon-sugar–coated bites on a warm plate, drizzle with the cream cheese glaze, and scatter nuts on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve right away, with maple syrup on the side for folks who want extra sweetness.

Air fryer option: Toss the soaked cubes with 1 tablespoon melted butter, then air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm and finish with the glaze.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 to 15 minutes (in batches)
Total time: about 30 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Nutritional information

Approximate values per serving (6 servings):

Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated fat: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 28 g
Sodium: 320 mg

These numbers will vary based on your bread, add-ins, and how generous you get with that glaze (no judgment).

Frequently asked questions

Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites ahead of time?

Partially. You can cube the bread and mix the custard the night before—store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, toss and cook fresh for the best texture. If you need to cook ahead, undercook slightly, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp the edges again, then toss in cinnamon sugar and glaze right before serving. The glaze can be made ahead and kept in the fridge; warm it gently to loosen.

What’s the best bread to use, and does it have to be stale?

Brioche and challah are top picks: sturdy yet tender, slightly sweet, and they soak up custard like a dream. Texas toast or thick-cut white bread also works. Day-old bread is ideal because it’s drier and won’t collapse. If your bread is fresh, reduce the soak time. Pro tip: if you only have fresh bread, spread the cubes on a sheet pan and let them sit out for 30 minutes or pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to dry slightly.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze or make it lighter?

Maple syrup on its own is lovely. For a lighter glaze, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a bit less powdered sugar, thinning with milk as needed. You can also try a simple vanilla icing: powdered sugar, a splash of milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Or go citrusy with lemon juice instead of milk for a tangy contrast—it brightens the rich, cinnamony bites.