I love how these French Toast Bites turn a simple pantry snack into something warm, sweet, and completely addictive. I get all the familiar flavors of classic French toast—buttery, maple-sweet, and lightly spiced—in a crunchy, bite-sized form that’s perfect for snacking or sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it’s fast, easy, and doesn’t require any complicated prep. I don’t need bread, eggs, or a skillet, yet I still end up with a treat that tastes like French toast. I also like how well these bites work for parties, bake sales, or casual afternoons when I want something sweet without too much effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 cups oyster crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. I spread the oyster crackers evenly on the baking sheet and set them aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, I melt the butter. Once melted, I stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture is smooth and gently bubbling. I remove the pan from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
I pour the warm mixture over the oyster crackers and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. I sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top and give it another gentle mix. I bake the crackers for 10 to 12 minutes, until the coating is bubbly and caramelized.
After baking, I let the crackers cool on the pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once cooled, I break them apart into clusters and they’re ready to serve.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 6 servings from this recipe. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, baking takes about 12 minutes, and cooling takes 30 to 60 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 1 hour.
Variations
I sometimes replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different texture. When I want extra warmth, I add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the coating. I also make these without nuts when I want a simpler, crunch-only version.
Storage/Reheating
I store these French Toast Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they soften, I reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
I’ve found brown sugar gives the best caramel flavor, but I can use coconut sugar with similar results.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I make them a day in advance often, and they stay crisp when stored properly.
Are these suitable for gifting?
I like packaging them in small bags or jars, and they work great as edible gifts.
Can I leave out the nuts?
I leave them out sometimes, and the recipe still turns out delicious and crunchy.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
I look for a bubbling coating and a glossy finish before removing them from the oven.
Conclusion
I keep this recipe on repeat because it’s simple, comforting, and full of familiar flavors. These French Toast Bites give me everything I love about French toast in a fun, snackable form that works for almost any occasion.
These French Toast Bites are crunchy, maple-sweet snack clusters made with oyster crackers and a buttery cinnamon glaze. They’re quick to prepare, addictive to eat, and perfect for casual snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
6 cups oyster crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread oyster crackers evenly on the baking sheet and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar and cook until smooth and bubbling.
Remove from heat and mix in maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
Pour the mixture over the crackers and toss gently to coat.
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top and mix again lightly.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the coating is bubbly and glossy.
Let cool on the pan for 30–60 minutes, then break into clusters before serving.
Notes
Use a large bowl to mix the crackers if tossing on the pan feels too tight.