Cinnamon Roll French ToastIngredients
Imagine starting your day with the perfect combination of sweet cinnamon rolls and classic French toast where soft, gooey layers meet a golden, custardy crust. This recipe for Cinnamon Roll French Toast is not only incredibly easy but also transforms 1 simple can of cinnamon rolls into an irresistible breakfast treat that everyone will adore. Each bite is packed with warm cinnamon flavor and topped with a luscious icing drizzle that makes mornings feel like a special celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to making Cinnamon Roll French Toast shine, each bringing its own magic to the overall taste and texture. The cinnamon rolls provide that soft, sweet base, while the eggs and milk create the custard bath that gives the perfect French toast consistency.
- 1 can (11 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls: The star of the dish, offering softness and sugary cinnamon goodness.
- 4 large eggs: These bind everything together and create the rich custard bath that gives you that classic French toast texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, helping to soak into the dough pieces perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle touch of vanilla accentuates the sweetness and cinnamon flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Extra cinnamon kick to deepen the warm spices in every bite.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for icing): The icing’s base—dusty, sweet, and perfect for drizzling.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing): Helps achieve the smooth glaze to finish your Cinnamon Roll French Toast.
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and helps the bites brown beautifully during baking.
How to Make 1
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your cinnamon roll bites are ready to bake. This helps them cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden-brown finish that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Take 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 4 quarters. This size ensures that when baked, your bites will be just the right size to enjoy their gooey, fluffy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This egg mixture will soak your cinnamon roll pieces, infusing them with flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Coat the Dough Pieces
Gently toss the cinnamon roll quarters in the egg mixture until each piece is fully coated. Be delicate here so you don’t tear the dough but ensure every piece is soaked with that delicious mixture.
Step 5: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter. This step is key to prevent your bites from sticking and helps them crisp up beautifully on the edges during baking.
Step 6: Arrange Cinnamon Roll Bites
Place the egg-coated cinnamon roll quarters onto your greased baking sheet, spacing them out so they don’t touch. This allows each bite to bake evenly and puff up nicely without sticking together.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the cinnamon roll bites for about 15 minutes. Look for them to become puffed and golden brown—this means they’re perfectly cooked through with a slight crisp on the outside.
Step 8: Prepare the Icing
While your bites bake, mix 1/4 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable. This sweet icing glaze is what takes your Cinnamon Roll French Toast from tasty to spectacular.
Step 9: Drizzle and Garnish
Once the bites come out of the oven, drizzle the icing over them while they’re still warm. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped nuts at this stage for added flavor and crunch if you like.
Step 10: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the bites cool for a few minutes so the icing can set up a bit, making each bite neat and ready to savor without a mess.
How to Serve 1
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top turns these French toast bites into eye-catching, fragrant treats. You could even add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the soft, sweet interior perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully if you’re serving this as a special brunch or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cinnamon Roll French Toast bites into fun finger food by serving them on skewers or in individual ramekins with extra icing drizzle. They’re great for breakfast gatherings or brunch parties where presentation makes the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover cinnamon roll bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack the next morning.
Freezing
If you want to make 1 batch ahead and enjoy later, freeze the baked bites on a sheet pan first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, just thaw and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat leftover bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for the best texture; the oven helps them crisp back up without drying out. The microwave works in a pinch, but you may lose some of the crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully—just cut them into quarters and follow the same soaking and baking steps. They add a personal touch and even more flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter or cooking spray for greasing. The flavor will still be delightful.
Can I bake these bites in a skillet instead of the oven?
While the recipe is designed for baking, you can carefully cook the bite-sized pieces in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Just make sure to cook them evenly by turning frequently until golden and cooked through.
How do I know when the bites are done baking?
Look for the bites to puff up and turn a lovely golden brown on the edges. They should feel firm but soft inside when gently pressed—this indicates a cooked-through, fluffy texture.
Can I make 1 batch ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can coat the cut cinnamon rolls with the egg mixture and store them covered in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh the next morning. This can be a great time saver for busy mornings.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe is truly a game-changer that takes just 1 can of cinnamon rolls and transforms it into a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s full of warmth and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion, these bites are sure to bring smiles and happiness to your table. Give it a go—you won’t regret waking up to something this delicious!
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Cinnamon Roll French ToastIngredients
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fluffy and indulgent Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, a perfect fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and French toast. Soft cinnamon roll pieces are coated in a spiced egg mixture, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a sweet homemade icing. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these bites bring all the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with an added twist.
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
Other
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking of the bites.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Set these pieces aside for coating.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until smoothly combined.
- Coat the Dough Pieces: Add the cinnamon roll quarters to the egg mixture and gently toss them until each piece is well coated with the mixture.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking during baking.
- Arrange Cinnamon Roll Bites: Spread the egg-coated cinnamon roll pieces evenly on the prepared baking sheet without overcrowding to allow proper baking.
- 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.
- Prepare Icing: While the bites bake, combine powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Drizzle this icing over the warm bites after baking.
- Garnish (Optional): For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon or chopped nuts on top of the iced bites.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes so the icing can set before serving, enhancing presentation and taste.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk in the egg mixture.
- You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts either inside the egg mixture or as a garnish.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
- These bites freeze well; store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the sugar quantities to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll french toast bites, breakfast bites, baked cinnamon rolls, easy brunch recipe, cinnamon dessert
