Spice up your breakfast with these mouthwatering Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins! Imagine soft bread cubes soaked in a delightful blend of warm vanilla and cinnamon, baked until perfect, and finished with a sweet, crunchy layer of brown sugar and cinnamon butter. These muffins boast a crispy top with a soft, fluffy inside, making them an ideal breakfast or brunch option for your family to enjoy on the go.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
- Customizable & Fun: Easily personalize these muffins by adding fruit, chocolate chips, or cream cheese filling. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up any leftover bread you have!
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a buttery, crisp top with a soft, custardy middle, reminiscent of classic French toast in muffin form.
- Convenient: Prep them beforehand to bake fresh in the morning, or store extras in the fridge or freezer for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Custard:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Large Eggs | 3 |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Maple Syrup | ¼ cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
For the Muffins:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Bread (cubed) | 6 cups (day-old bread like whole wheat, brioche, or challah) |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tablespoons |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Butter (melted) | 1 tablespoon |
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a big bowl, mix the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to combine them well until the mixture looks smooth and all the ingredients are blended nicely together.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Slice your bread into cubes that are roughly 1 inch in size. Place these cubes into the bowl containing the custard. Mix them gently to make sure each piece is coated well with the custard. Allow the bread to sit and soak for about 5 minutes, ensuring it absorbs the liquid completely.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Pan
Apply cooking spray to a 12-cup muffin tin or place a paper liner in each cup for easy cleanup. Take the soaked bread cubes and distribute them equally in each muffin cup. Use your fingers to gently press down on the bread cubes to make sure they fit snugly in the cups.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Take a small bowl and combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Once mixed, sprinkle a generous amount of this mixture over each muffin. After that, pour melted butter on top of the muffins. This will help create a nice, crunchy, golden topping.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins in the oven and bake them for about 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the tops to turn a nice golden color and become a little crispy. Once they’re done baking, let the muffins sit and cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before you take them out.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve it warm with maple syrup poured over it. You can also add a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or some fresh berries on top. This way, your breakfast will taste a bit like a delicious dessert treat!
Recipes You’ll Love
- Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
Expert Tips for the Best Muffins
Use Slightly Stale Bread: Day-old bread holds its shape better and soaks up the custard without getting soggy.
Compact the Muffins: Lightly press down the soaked bread into the cups to avoid gaps and help them hold together.
Add a Filling: For a fun twist, stuff the center with cream cheese or berries before baking.
Reheat Like a Pro: Pop leftover muffins in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crisp top.
FAQs
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture the night before and bake in the morning. Or bake fully and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Definitely. Let them cool completely, freeze in a zip-top bag, and reheat in the toaster or oven.
What kind of bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or whole wheat bread all work great. Just make sure it’s slightly dry so it absorbs the custard well.
Can I add fruit or nuts?
Yes! Mix in chopped apples, berries, pecans, or chocolate chips before baking for added texture and flavor.
How do I serve them for brunch?
Plate with maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit for an elevated brunch experience.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread brioche or challah works best
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter for greasing
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a muffin tin with melted butter.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add bread cubes and toss to coat. Let sit 5 minutes to soak.
- Divide mixture into muffin cups. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly. Dip tops in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!