Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish that will impress everyone at the table? Look no further than Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins! These bite-sized treats are the perfect combination of classic French toast flavors and the convenience of muffins. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy weekend morning, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these muffins are perfect for busy mornings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet aroma of cinnamon sugar will have everyone running to the kitchen.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
To make these irresistible muffins, gather the following:
- For the Muffins:
- 8 slices of bread (day-old works best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or substitute with almond milk)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Cut the bread into small cubes, about 1-inch in size.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Add the bread cubes to the mixture and gently toss until they are fully coated. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb the custard.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Evenly distribute the soaked bread cubes into the prepared muffin tin, pressing down gently to pack them in.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and set in the center.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- While the muffins are baking, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl.
- Brush the baked muffins with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these muffins warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a side of fresh berries. They’re also delightful when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Freezer: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and warm before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the ultimate breakfast indulgence, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla into an easy-to-eat muffin form. Perfect for both busy weekdays and special occasions, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ready to try this recipe? Share your experience in the comments and let us know your favorite topping ideas!
Serving Tips
- Warm with Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the muffins for a classic French toast experience.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or banana for a fresh, fruity touch.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair with Beverages: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of orange juice.
- Perfect for Brunch: Arrange these muffins on a platter as part of a brunch spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh greens.
Storage Tips
- In the Refrigerator:
- Place cooled muffins in an airtight container.
- Store for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
- In the Freezer:
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Store for up to 1 month.
- Reheating Frozen Muffins:
- Thaw muffins overnight in the refrigerator.
- Warm them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30–40 seconds.
- Avoid Soggy Muffins: If reheating, avoid over-microwaving to maintain the perfect texture. For the best results, opt for oven reheating.
These tips will ensure your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins stay fresh and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
1. Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Yes! While white or brioche bread works best due to their soft texture, you can also use whole-grain, challah, or even leftover croissants for a richer flavor. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the custard mixture better.
2. Can I prepare these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the muffin mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, bake them fresh. Alternatively, bake the muffins in advance and reheat them when ready to serve.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. For the topping, use a dairy-free butter alternative to achieve the same delicious results.
4. Can I freeze these muffins for later?
Yes, these muffins freeze well. Let them cool completely, wrap them individually, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
These muffins are made with cubes of bread soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard, then baked to golden perfection. Coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re irresistibly delicious and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 6 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (brioche or French bread works best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (or half-and-half for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp melted butter (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Soak the Bread:
- Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Let the bread soak for 5-10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Assemble the Muffins:
- Spoon the soaked bread mixture into the prepared muffin tin, pressing down slightly to compact each muffin.
- Drizzle a little melted butter over the top of each muffin for extra richness.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and set.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- While the muffins are cooling slightly, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Brush each muffin lightly with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle the muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, with optional toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Bread Choice: Brioche or challah bread works wonderfully for a soft and rich texture, but any sturdy bread will do.
- Make Ahead: Soak the bread in the custard the night before and bake in the morning for a quick breakfast.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.