Ingredients

• 1 pound challah bread, cut into 1x1" cubes
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange bread in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake, tossing halfway through, until completely dried out, 18–20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook until sugar is dissolved. Whisk in cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Transfer syrup to a large bowl, add bread, and toss quickly until coated. Using a slotted spoon, return cubes to baking sheet; discard remaining syrup. Bake bread, tossing halfway through, until sugar is slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes more. Let cool slightly.
3. Bites can be made 1 day ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.