Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Poppers

Elevate Your Mornings with Irresistible French Toast Bites

Prepare to say “WOW!” These Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites are truly breakfast magic, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Crafted from soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, each piece is dipped in a rich egg batter, then generously coated in crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Oven-baked until golden and crispy, they offer an explosion of cinnamon-sugar flavor in every delightful mouthful. Forget the fuss of traditional French toast; these bite-sized wonders are all about fun and flavor, making them perfect for any day of the week or a special holiday brunch.

Whether you prefer to douse them in warm maple syrup, dust them with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, or even dip them in a fruit compote, these French toast bites are incredibly versatile. Their sweet cinnamon goodness makes them an instant hit at any gathering, from a casual weekend breakfast to an elegant holiday brunch. This Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table with minimal effort.

Why These French Toast Bites Will Be Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites. First, their incredible simplicity makes them accessible for even novice home cooks. Using pre-made Hawaiian rolls cuts down on prep time significantly, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast without the morning rush. Second, the combination of textures is simply divine: soft, sweet bread on the inside, encased in a shatteringly crisp, cinnamon-sugar cereal crust. This contrast creates an addictive experience that will have everyone reaching for more.

These bites are also incredibly kid-friendly. The familiar taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal makes them an instant hit with children, and their small size is perfect for little hands. They’re also less messy than traditional French toast slices, making cleanup a breeze. Moreover, they are ideal for meal prepping; you can easily make a large batch and store them for quick breakfasts throughout the week or freeze them for future indulgence.

Finally, these bites offer endless customization possibilities. While they are perfect on their own, you can experiment with different cereals, spices, and toppings to create unique flavor profiles. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply want to treat your family to something extraordinary, these Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites are a recipe for success.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You Need

Creating these delightful French Toast Bites requires a few simple, readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Softened Butter: Essential for coating the baking sheet, ensuring the bites get a beautiful golden-brown crust and don’t stick.
• Hawaiian Rolls: The star of the show! These sweet, soft rolls provide the ideal base for our French toast. Their inherent sweetness and fluffy texture are perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.
• Eggs: Form the rich, custardy base for the French toast batter. They bind the ingredients and contribute to a golden exterior.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the batter, complementing the sweetness of the rolls and cereal.
• Ground Cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon flavor profile, making it even more pronounced alongside the cereal.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the egg batter and helps achieve that irresistible caramelized crunch when baked.
• Pinch of Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Milk: Thins out the egg batter to the perfect consistency for soaking the rolls without making them soggy.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: The key ingredient for the signature crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating. Crushing it creates the perfect texture for adherence.
• Maple Syrup (for serving): The classic accompaniment, offering a rich, warm sweetness for dipping.
• Powdered Sugar (for serving): A delicate dusting adds an elegant finish and an extra touch of sweetness.

Mastering the Recipe: How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites

Follow these detailed steps to create a batch of these mouth-watering French toast bites that will impress everyone at your breakfast table:

• Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a rimmed sheet pan and generously coat it with 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Ensure there’s a thick, even layer of butter across the entire bottom of the pan. This buttery base will contribute to a beautifully golden and crispy underside for your bites. Set the prepared pan aside.
• Slice the Rolls: Carefully slice each Hawaiian roll into three even, mini bread slices. Aim for uniform thickness, resembling small pieces of toast. This size is ideal for bite-sized portions and ensures even cooking.
• Whip Up the Egg Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Beat these ingredients vigorously until they are well combined and the mixture appears slightly fluffy. Next, whisk in the milk until fully incorporated. Once the batter is ready, transfer it to a shallow dish, such as a pie plate or a wide, shallow bowl, which will make dipping easier.
• Crush the Cereal: Place the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in another shallow dish. You can crush the cereal by hand for a coarser texture, or use a food processor for a finer crumb. Ensure the cereal is crushed into small, manageable pieces that will easily adhere to the bread.

• Dip and Coat: Take one mini bread slice at a time. Dip it into the egg mixture, turning it gently to briefly soak both sides. Lift the slice and allow any excess egg mixture to drip back into the shallow dish before transferring it to the crushed cereal.
• Cereal Coating: Place the egg-coated toast bite into the bowl with the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Press down gently on both sides to ensure it is completely coated with the cereal. You want a good, thick layer for that signature crunch.
• Arrange on Pan: Arrange the coated toast bites in a single, even layer on your prepared, buttered sheet pan. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even baking and crispiness. Repeat the dipping and coating process with all remaining bread slices.
• Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms of the toast bites are beautifully golden brown. Carefully flip each bite over and continue baking for another 5 minutes, or until the newly exposed bottoms are also golden brown and crispy.

• Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the French toast bites from the oven. Serve them warm, optionally with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and a generous side of warm maple syrup for dipping. These are best enjoyed fresh, when they are at their crispiest!

Tips for Success: Achieving the Perfect French Toast Bites

To ensure your Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Even Slicing: Uniformly slicing the Hawaiian rolls is key. This ensures that each bite cooks evenly and has a consistent texture. A serrated knife can help achieve clean cuts.
• Don’t Over-Soak: While you want the bread to absorb some of the egg mixture, don’t let it sit too long in the batter. Hawaiian rolls are soft and can become soggy quickly. A brief dip on both sides is sufficient.
• Crush Cereal to Perfection: The texture of your crushed cereal matters. A mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces will give you the best crunchy coating. Avoid having too many large pieces, as they may not adhere well.
• Butter is Your Friend: Don’t skimp on the butter for the baking sheet. It not only prevents sticking but also helps create that incredibly desirable golden, crispy crust on the bottom of the bites.
• Single Layer Baking: Always arrange the bites in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam them instead of baking them, resulting in a less crispy texture. Use two pans if necessary.
• Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your French toast bites during baking. They should be golden brown and crispy, not burnt. The baking time is a guideline; adjust as needed.

Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions

While these Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites are fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and serving styles to suit your taste or occasion:

Cereal Swaps:

• Fruity Pebbles: For a vibrant, fruity twist, try coating the bites in crushed Fruity Pebbles.
• Lucky Charms: Add a magical touch (and marshmallow crunch) with crushed Lucky Charms.
• Corn Flakes or Frosted Flakes: For a more subtle crunch and sweetness, these classic cereals work wonderfully.
• Oatmeal Squares: If you prefer a nuttier, slightly healthier option, crushed oatmeal squares offer a great texture and flavor.

Spice It Up:

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg batter for a more complex spice profile.
• A tiny dash of cayenne pepper could offer an unexpected, intriguing kick for adult palates.

Dipping Delights:

• Fruit Compote: Serve with warm berry compote or apple pie filling for a fresh, fruity counterpoint.
• Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or Nutella adds an indulgent touch.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream lightens the richness and adds a creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for a decadent glaze.

Sweet Toppings:

• Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for a festive look, especially for parties.
• A dusting of cocoa powder can add a sophisticated bittersweet note.

More Fabulous French Toast Creations Await!

If you’re a true French toast enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled to discover a world of possibilities beyond these Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites. Dive into breakfast perfection with a collection of Fabulous French Toast Recipes. From classic preparations to innovative twists, there are so many delicious options, you’re sure to find a new favorite to add to your repertoire!

Storing and Reheating Your Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites

These French toast bites are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be easily stored and reheated, making them an excellent option for meal prep.

To Store Leftover Bites: Allow the French toast bites to cool completely to prevent sogginess. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable baggie and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure they are in a single layer if possible, or separated by parchment paper, to maintain their texture.

To Freeze French Toast Bites: Freezing is a great way to extend their shelf life. First, let the bites cool down completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 30 minutes until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once solid, transfer the frozen bites to a freezer-safe baggie or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

To Reheat: For best results and to restore some of their crispiness, reheat the French toast bites in the oven. Place them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes for refrigerated bites, or 15-20 minutes for frozen bites, or until heated through and lightly crispy. You can also quickly reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer for an even crispier outcome, adjusting time as needed.

We truly hope you love these Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Bites as much as we do! They are a fantastic way to add excitement to your breakfast routine or make any special occasion extra memorable. If you decide to make this recipe, we’d absolutely love to see your creations!

Be sure to snap a picture and share it with us or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your wonderful work. I am always so inspired by how creative and unique y’all get with the recipes I share. Have fun in the kitchen and enjoy every sweet, crispy bite!

xoxo,