Cinnamon Roll French Toast Cubes
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a fun, bite-sized mashup of cinnamon rolls and classic French toast, perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts.
If you love the idea of French toast but don’t want to stand at the stove flipping slices, these little cinnamon roll cubes are your new breakfast hero. They’re crisp and golden on the outside, soft and custardy inside, and loaded with warm cinnamon sweetness.
Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls keeps things simple, but the result still feels special enough for holiday brunches, birthday breakfasts, or lazy Sunday mornings. The eggy custard soaks into each piece, turning every bite into a mini French toast casserole with a bakery-style twist.
You can dress them up with the icing packet that comes in the can, drizzle with maple syrup, or shower them with powdered sugar. Set out a warm skillet of these bites on the table and let everyone grab, dip, and drizzle to their heart’s content.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Ingredients
Because this recipe starts with canned cinnamon rolls, you get big flavor with very little prep. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the pan.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (1 can, 12–16 oz) – The base of the recipe; they provide the dough, cinnamon filling, and icing so you skip mixing from scratch.
- Large eggs – Create the custard that turns simple dough pieces into soft, French toast–style bites.
- Milk – Loosens the eggs into a pourable custard and adds creaminess; whole or 2% both work.
- Vanilla extract – Boosts the bakery-style aroma and gives the custard a cozy, homemade flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – Doubles down on the cinnamon swirl in the rolls for extra warmth and spice.
- Butter – Melts in the skillet to keep the bites from sticking and helps them brown beautifully.
- Optional toppings (icing, maple syrup, powdered sugar) – Finish the bites with sweetness and a pretty, brunch-worthy look.
Step-by-Step Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
STEP 1: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate them. Cut each roll into four small pieces so you end up with bite-sized cubes. Set them aside while you mix the custard.
STEP 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and the cinnamon is evenly dispersed with no big streaks of egg.
STEP 3: Add the cinnamon roll pieces to the bowl of custard. Gently fold and toss them with a spatula until every cube is coated. Let them sit for a minute so the custard can soak in slightly.
STEP 4: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt, tilting the pan so the bottom is evenly coated with the melted butter.
STEP 5: Arrange the soaked cinnamon roll cubes in a single layer on the hot skillet. Don’t crowd them; cook in batches if you need to so each piece has room to brown.
STEP 6: Cook the bites for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs or a spatula until all sides are golden and the centers are cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed so they brown without burning.
STEP 7: Transfer the cooked bites to a plate or serving dish while you cook the remaining cubes. If you like, keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
STEP 8: Warm the icing packet slightly in your hands, then drizzle it over the warm bites. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving. Enjoy them while they’re still warm and fluffy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cut and soak the cinnamon roll pieces in the custard up to a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Cook them fresh right before serving for the best texture.
Can I bake these instead of cooking on a skillet?
Yes. Arrange the coated cubes in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until puffed and golden, about 18–22 minutes. They’ll be more like a French toast casserole.
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Absolutely. Use an equal amount of homemade cinnamon roll dough, cut into small pieces, and proceed with the custard and cooking steps. Just watch the cook time, as homemade dough may need a bit longer.
How do I keep the bites warm for a brunch spread?
Transfer cooked bites to a baking sheet and keep them in a 200°F (95°C) oven. Don’t cover tightly or they’ll steam and lose crispness; just keep them in a warm, dry oven.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
These bites are sweet and rich, so pairing them with something lighter or savory helps balance the plate. For a full brunch spread, think about mixing textures and flavors.
- Fresh fruit salad or simple berries bring brightness and a bit of acidity to cut through the sweetness.
- Scrambled eggs or a cheesy egg bake add protein and a savory contrast alongside the cinnamon flavor.
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausages give you that salty, smoky note that makes every brunch feel complete.
Pro Tips for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Don’t crank the heat too high. Medium heat is ideal; if the pan is too hot, the outside will brown before the centers are fully cooked.
- Work in batches. Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming instead of crisping. Give each cube space so it can brown on all sides.
- Customize the toppings. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a dollop of whipped cream, or flavored syrup to turn them into a special-occasion showstopper.
How to Store & Reheat
If you happen to have leftovers, let the bites cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll firm up a bit in the fridge but reheat beautifully.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep well for about 1–2 months.
To reheat, warm them in a 325°F (160°C) oven or toaster oven until hot and slightly crisped on the edges. A quick zap in the microwave works too, though the texture will be softer. Add fresh icing, syrup, or powdered sugar after reheating to bring them back to life.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Cubes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for the pan
- 3 eggs large in size
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dairy milk either whole or 2%
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon spice
- One tube approximately 12 to 16 oz of store-bought cinnamon roll dough
- Toppings of choice: powdered sugar maple syrup, or included icing packet
Instructions
- Unseal the packaged cinnamon rolls and slice each individual roll into four equal segments. Set the chopped pieces aside for later use.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon using a whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Transfer the cinnamon roll quarters into the custard mixture and gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Place a large skillet or flat griddle over medium heat. Add butter and allow it to melt completely, spreading it across the surface.
- Arrange the soaked cinnamon roll cubes in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Work in multiple rounds if required.
- Fry each piece for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once they are browned and cooked throughout.
- Once done, plate the French toast cubes and enhance with your preferred toppings—whether it be the provided icing packet, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Serve immediately while warm.