If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to your taste buds, this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. These bite-sized wonders combine the nostalgic comfort of French toast with the convenience of muffins, delivering a perfect balance of sweet cinnamon sugar coating and a soft, custardy inside. Each muffin is a little golden treasure that’s super easy to make yet feels special enough for brunch guests or a cozy weekend indulgence. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for a sweet start to the day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the custardy richness of eggs and cream to the cozy warmth of cinnamon and vanilla. When combined with day-old bread cubes, these simple staples transform into unforgettable little ovens of joy.
- 6 slices day-old bread, cut into small cubes: Slightly stale bread like brioche or challah works best to soak up the custard without turning mushy.
- 4 large eggs: The foundation of your custard, giving the muffins structure and richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard mixture.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Boosts the luxurious, velvety texture of the interior.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough for balance without overwhelming the cinnamon flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that warms every bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, fragrant depth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping things perfectly balanced.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Sweetens the outer layer for that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Sprinkles extra spice and aroma to the muffin tops.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Used to coat the muffins post-bake, making the cinnamon sugar stick and adding a buttery finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Muffin Tin and Bread Cubes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin so those muffins don’t stick. Then, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with evenly distributed cubed day-old bread. Getting this step right ensures every muffin is the perfect shape and size, ready to soak up that divine custard.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth. This custard blend is what gives the muffins their soft inside and that quintessential French toast flavor that hugs every bite.
Step 3: Pour Custard and Let Soak
Slowly pour your custard mixture over the bread cubes evenly, pressing down gently to encourage the bread to soak up all that liquid goodness. Let the muffins rest for about 5 minutes so each cube becomes wonderfully saturated — this step is key for achieving that perfect custardy texture inside.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your muffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the centers are set but still moist. The enticing aroma of cinnamon and baked bread will soon fill your kitchen and have you counting down the minutes until snack time.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the muffins are baking, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. As soon as the muffins come out of the oven and cool slightly, brush each with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This final step adds an irresistible crispy, sweet coating that makes each muffin a sparkling delight.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
For a little surprise pop, top your cinnamon sugar French toast muffins with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also add brightness and freshness, making the sweet muffins even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages for an excellent balance of sweet and savory. A simple fruit salad on the side complements the warm spices perfectly and adds a refreshing note to your breakfast plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the muffins in a muffin tin lined with parchment paper and serve as individual bites for brunch guests. You can also skewer two muffins with fresh fruit in between to create breakfast mini kebabs, ideal for parties or grab-and-go mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover muffins (which is rare because they’re so good), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and ready for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins either before or after baking. To freeze baked ones, cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat muffins in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or pop them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to regain their crisp, buttery exterior. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that sweet crunch on top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Fresh bread tends to soak up custard too quickly and may result in a mushy texture. Day-old bread or slightly stale bread like brioche works best because it holds its shape while absorbing the custard perfectly.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal choices for this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe. Their rich texture and slight sweetness complement the custard and cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for coating. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Are these muffins good for meal prep?
Absolutely. These muffins keep well in the fridge and freeze nicely. They make an excellent grab-and-go breakfast option or a sweet snack during the day, making meal prep easy and tasty.
Can I add other flavors to the custard?
For sure! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, some orange zest, or even a splash of rum extract to the custard for a twist on the classic Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe. These variations can add exciting new layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like starting your morning with a warm, sweet muffin that tastes like a little hug on a plate. This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe is comfort food meets convenience in the best way possible. I promise once you make these, they’ll become a cherished addition to your recipe collection, perfect for lazy weekends or impressing friends at brunch. So go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful breakfast treat that combines the comforting flavors of classic French toast with the convenience of a portable muffin. Made with cubed day-old bread soaked in a rich custard and baked to golden perfection, then coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mix, they are perfect for brunch or a sweet start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices day-old bread, cut into small cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Fill Muffin Cups with Bread: Evenly distribute the cubed bread into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for the custard.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Soak Bread with Custard: Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in the muffin tin, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the muffins bake, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat Muffins: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and cool slightly. Brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon sugar French toast muffins warm, optionally with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Best made with slightly stale bread such as brioche, challah, or French bread for better texture and absorption.
- These muffins are delicious on their own or can be served with maple syrup or fresh fruit for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture and taste.
