Bite-Sized Brunch Perfection Dipped in Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce
Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 10 Minutes | Total Time: 20 Minutes | Servings: 4
Why French Toast Tastes Better in Bite-Size Form
French toast is already one of the best breakfast foods on the planet, but cut it into bite-sized pieces and suddenly it becomes something you cannot stop eating. These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites are thick chunks of brioche bread soaked in a vanilla cinnamon custard, fried until golden and crispy on every side, then rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm so the coating sticks to every surface. The outside is sweet and crunchy, the inside is soft and custardy, and when you dip them into warm melted chocolate hazelnut spread, it is game over. These are perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, Christmas morning, or honestly any time you want something indulgent that takes less than 20 minutes to make. Once you try French toast this way, you will never go back to slices.
Table of Contents
Kitchen Tools We Recommend
All-Clad D3 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan — This is the pan that makes these French toast bites perfect. The stainless steel surface gives you an even, golden crust on every side that nonstick pans struggle to match. The 3-ply construction heats evenly across the entire surface so every bite cooks at the same rate — no hot spots, no burnt edges, no pale centers. Add a little butter and these bites come out crispy, caramelized, and absolutely beautiful. Made in the USA and built to last a lifetime, this is the kind of pan you buy once and pass down to your kids.
- Premium 12-inch stainless steel fry pan with a lid, featuring a durable and versatile tri-ply construction for even heat…
- Made in the USA with global components since 1971. At our Canonsburg, Pennsylvania factory, skilled metalcrafters engine…
- D3 Stainless is the original fully bonded tri-ply cookware collection. Featuring tri-ply construction with an aluminum c…
Ingredients
For the Custard
- 4 thick slices of brioche bread
- 1 egg (or 1 tablespoon oil if vegan)
- ⅓ cup (100ml) heavy cream (double cream)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For Dipping
- Chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella or similar)
Optional Extras
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Maple syrup drizzle
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Sliced bananas
- Crushed pistachios or hazelnuts
- Caramel sauce
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bites Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Custard
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth. If you are making this vegan, replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of oil and whisk the same way.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the 4 tablespoons of sugar with the ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until evenly combined. Set this bowl aside — you will use it right after frying.
Step 3: Cut and Soak the Brioche
Cut the 4 thick slices of brioche bread into bite-sized chunks, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches each. Dip each chunk into the custard mixture and soak for about 30 seconds on each side. Be careful here — brioche is soft and delicate, so if you leave the pieces in the custard too long they will start to break apart and become difficult to handle. A quick 30-second soak on each side is all you need.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous knob of butter and let it melt and start to foam. Place the soaked brioche bites into the pan, giving each piece enough space so they are not crowded. Fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, turning them with tongs or a fork, until every side is golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed and add more butter between batches.
Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as the bites come out of the pan while they are still hot, drop them into the bowl of cinnamon sugar. Roll them around until they are fully coated on every surface. The warmth of the bread helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Dip and Serve
Scoop the chocolate hazelnut spread into a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds until melted and smooth, stirring halfway through. Serve the cinnamon sugar French toast bites on a plate or board with the warm chocolate hazelnut sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately.
Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings (without chocolate dip):
- Serving Size: 150 g
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Potassium: 110 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Vitamin A: 450 IU
- Vitamin C: 0 mg
- Calcium: 80 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Use thick-cut brioche: Regular sliced bread will work but thick brioche is what makes this recipe special. It holds up to the custard without falling apart and gives you that soft, pillowy center with a crispy golden outside.
Do not over-soak: 30 seconds per side is the sweet spot. More than that and the brioche gets waterlogged, falls apart in the pan, and turns mushy instead of crispy. Quick dip, quick flip, done.
Medium-high heat: Too low and the bites will absorb too much butter and become greasy. Too high and the outside burns before the inside warms through. Medium-high gives you that perfect golden crust.
Butter is non-negotiable: Oil works in a pinch but butter gives these bites that rich, caramelized flavor and golden color that is the whole point of French toast. Use real butter.
Roll while hot: The cinnamon sugar sticks best to warm, slightly buttery bites. If you let them cool first, the coating will not adhere properly.
Warm the chocolate spread: Cold Nutella is too thick for dipping. Microwaving it for 30 seconds turns it into a smooth, pourable dipping sauce that clings to every bite.
Delicious Variations to Try
Stuffed French Toast Bites
Before soaking, cut a slit in each brioche chunk and stuff with a small amount of cream cheese or Nutella. Soak, fry, and coat as usual. The melted filling inside is incredible.
Berry French Toast Bites
Serve with a warm mixed berry compote instead of chocolate. Simmer 1 cup of mixed berries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a squeeze of lemon for 5 minutes until saucy.
Maple Pecan French Toast Bites
Roll the fried bites in cinnamon sugar mixed with finely chopped pecans. Drizzle with warm maple syrup instead of chocolate.
Churro-Style French Toast Bites
Double the cinnamon in the coating and serve with a warm dulce de leche dipping sauce for a churro-inspired twist.
Savory French Toast Bites
Skip the sugar in the custard. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Fry and serve with a side of marinara sauce or honey mustard for a savory brunch option.
Vegan French Toast Bites
Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and fry in coconut oil or vegan butter. Roll in cinnamon sugar and dip in melted dark chocolate.
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from the cinnamon sugar coating and chocolate dip.
How to Reheat
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 to 7 minutes until warm and crispy again. Re-roll in fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating. Microwaving works but the bites will lose their crispiness.
Freezer Storage
Freeze the fried bites (before coating in cinnamon sugar) on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can cut the brioche and mix the custard the night before. Store separately in the fridge. In the morning, just soak, fry, and coat — breakfast is ready in 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bread instead of brioche? Yes, but brioche is strongly recommended. Its buttery, rich texture soaks up the custard beautifully and gives you a softer, more indulgent result. Challah, Texas toast, or thick white bread are decent alternatives.
Can I make these ahead for a party? Yes. Fry the bites and keep them warm in the oven at 100°C (200°F) for up to 30 minutes. Roll in cinnamon sugar just before serving.
What if I do not have heavy cream? Whole milk works as a substitute but the custard will be thinner and the bites will not be as rich. Half-and-half is a better middle ground.
Can I bake these instead of frying? You can bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will not be as crispy as fried but it is a lighter option.
Are these good for kids? Kids absolutely love these. The bite-size shape, cinnamon sugar coating, and chocolate dipping sauce make them irresistible for little ones. Skip the chocolate for a simpler version.
Can I use a different dip? Absolutely. Maple syrup, caramel sauce, berry compote, cream cheese frosting, or even peanut butter are all delicious alternatives to chocolate hazelnut spread.
How many bites does this make? With 4 thick slices of brioche cut into chunks, you get roughly 16 to 20 bites depending on the size of your cuts.