Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
If you love classic comfort breakfast with a fun twist, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe. Imagine tender, custardy bread cubes soaked in a vanilla cinnamon custard, baked to golden perfection in muffin form, then finished with a crisp cinnamon sugar topping. These muffins are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or a delightful treat any time of day. They are easy to make, irresistibly flavorful, and bring that warm, cozy feeling of homemade French toast in a convenient, portable package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, staple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each one playing an essential role in creating the perfect bite. From the sturdy thick-cut bread that soaks up the custard, to the cinnamon that brings warmth, every ingredient contributes to the delicious balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (preferably day-old): Day-old bread soaks up the custard without turning mushy, giving your muffins a perfect texture.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs create the rich custard that binds everything together and adds protein.
- 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and moisture for a tender bite.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic depth to the custard base.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with warm flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Used to brush the tops, adding richness and helping the cinnamon sugar topping stick.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping): Provides that wonderfully crunchy, sweet crust you expect from cinnamon sugar treats.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping): Combines with sugar to create the signature topping that makes these muffins truly special.
- Cooking spray: Ensures easy release from the muffin tin and a perfect golden crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Cut your thick-cut bread into small cubes—this helps them soak up the custard evenly, making every bite soft and flavorful while still holding its shape.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This mixture is the magic behind the soft, custardy texture of the muffins, and the cinnamon and vanilla really bring out that classic French toast flavor.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Pour the custard over the bread cubes and gently toss to ensure every piece is coated. Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the bread can soak up all the custard goodness. This step makes sure the interior will be tender and perfectly moist.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Press them down gently—just enough to pack the bread cubes lightly together to encourage the muffins to hold their shape but still feel soft in the center after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes until their tops are golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll know they are done when they have a lovely crust and don’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
Step 6: Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the muffins bake, mix the ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously on top. This adds that irresistible sweet crunch that elevates the entire muffin.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the pan. They’re best served warm so the cinnamon sugar topping still has a slight crisp and the inside is tender and cozy.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins are fantastic on their own, but if you want to add a little flourish, dust them with a tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar or add a fresh berry or two on top. A light drizzle of maple syrup also pairs wonderfully to enhance the sweetness without overwhelming the cinnamon flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these muffins alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a wonderful sweet-and-savory breakfast combo. Fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the muffins and creating a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe in a decorative tray lined with a linen napkin. You can also create mini parfaits by crumbling the muffins and layering them with yogurt and berries. These little twists will wow your guests and add variety to your breakfast table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge extends freshness for about 4 days without sacrificing texture too much.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 2 months and are a great option for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the muffins in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them into a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their crisp top and warms the inside to that fresh-baked comfort everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, but thick-cut day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Brioche or challah are fantastic for extra richness, but regular white or whole wheat bread will also work well.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans stirred into the soaked bread mixture before baking add delightful texture and flavor twists. Just don’t overload or it might affect how well the muffins hold together.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish. It’s a perfect cozy breakfast that respects vegetarian diets.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
For dairy-free, substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for brushing. For a vegan version, you’d need to replace eggs with a custard-like substitute, but the texture will vary.
How long do these muffins stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed within 2 days if stored at room temperature. Refrigeration extends freshness to about 4 days, and freezing is a great option for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Making these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe is like capturing the essence of your favorite breakfast treat in a neat little package. They are simple to prepare, delightfully comforting, and perfect for any occasion whether it’s a quick weekday morning or a special brunch. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them a staple in your kitchen as they have become in mine!
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Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delicious and convenient twist on classic French toast, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Made with day-old bread cubes soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar sprinkle, these muffins capture all the cozy flavors of French toast in a portable, easy-to-eat form.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (preferably day-old)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Other
- Cooking spray (for greasing muffin tin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cube the Bread: Cut the thick-cut, preferably day-old bread into small cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl to prepare for soaking.
- Mix the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ¼ cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss with a spatula or spoon to coat all pieces evenly. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups, pressing down very gently to compact the mixture slightly without overpacking.
- Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the muffin tops are golden brown and set in the center.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the muffins bake, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well.
- Butter and Sugar Finish: Once the muffins are out of the oven, immediately brush their tops with the melted unsalted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over each muffin.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These muffins are excellent for using up leftover or stale bread.
- For variety, try adding mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the bread mixture before baking.
- They reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven, making them perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
