If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s both irresistibly cozy and wonderfully easy to make, this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, custardy bread baked into perfect little muffin shapes, bursting with warm cinnamon flavor and a sweet sugar crunch on top—these muffins bring all the magic of classic French toast without the fuss. Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend brunch or just craving a sweet morning bite, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get a taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, from tenderizing the bread to infusing it with aromatic warmth and a touch of natural sweetness. It’s all about balance—the creamy milk and eggs form the perfect custard base, while cinnamon and sugar create that signature cozy flavor.
- Bread (4 slices, cubed): Choose a sturdy bread like brioche or challah for a light, tender crumb that holds up well when soaked.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and moisture, helping the bread soak up that rich custard.
- Large eggs (2): The binder that sets the custard and gives structure to the muffins.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a sweet, fragrant note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the custard just enough for that perfect morning treat.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that gives these muffins their warm, inviting flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, crispy top on each muffin.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your muffin tin is key here—this simple step ensures that once golden and baked, your muffins will come out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. This custard mixture is where the magic begins to happen, soaking the bread cubes with flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Coat the Bread Cubes
Gently add your cubed bread to the custard and stir well to ensure every piece is soaked thoroughly. This is what transforms ordinary bread into decadently soft muffins with a hint of firmness.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the bread mixture evenly among the greased muffin cups. Don’t worry if some cubes are more soaked than others—this variation will give your muffins delightful texture.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Pour the melted butter over the tops of each muffin. This step helps to create that irresistible golden crust you crave on your French toast.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crispy. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time will be a comforting invitation to dig in.
Step 7: Add a Sweet Finish
Once baked, serve these warm with an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar to boost the sweet, spicy kick and add a little crunch on top—the perfect final touch for this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate these muffins. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also make delightful garnishes that add freshness and creaminess alongside the warm, fragrant cinnamon.
Side Dishes
Pair your muffins with crispy breakfast bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a satisfying sweet-and-savory combo. A side of fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait balances out the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these muffins with a small pot of warm syrup for guests to drizzle themselves, or place them on a brunch board surrounded by nuts, fresh fruits, and spreads. You can even transform them into a breakfast parfait by layering broken muffin pieces with yogurt and fruit in a glass—simple, stunning, and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick breakfast or snack, just pop one out!
Reheating
For reheating, warm the muffins in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispy tops and soft insides. Microwaving is quicker but can make them a bit soggy, so if you’re aiming for that fresh-baked texture, the oven is best.
FAQs
Can I use stale bread for this recipe?
Yes! Slightly stale bread actually works better for soaking up the custard without becoming mushy. Just make sure it’s not too dry or moldy.
What type of bread is best for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe?
Try brioche, challah, or French bread for the best texture, as they hold custard well and offer a tender crumb with a slight chew.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free bread brand to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities, just keep an eye on the soaking time as gluten-free bread can sometimes soak more quickly.
Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes, substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for drizzling to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the muffins from being soggy?
Make sure to grease the muffin tin well and bake them until they are golden and crispy on top. Also, avoid soaking the bread too long before baking—just enough to coat evenly is perfect.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe, you’ll wonder how breakfast could ever be easier or more delicious. These muffins are a warm hug on a plate, combining the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon sugar French toast into perfectly portioned, bite-sized joy. So, gather your ingredients, heat up that oven, and embrace the simple delight of homemade breakfast treats everyone will love.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional French toast, baked into convenient muffin-sized portions. Featuring a cinnamony custard-soaked bread base baked to golden perfection, they offer a warm, sweet breakfast treat that’s easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying on-the-go.
Ingredients
Base
- 4 slices bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin to prevent the muffins from sticking.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Coat Bread Cubes: Add the cubed bread into the bowl with the custard mixture and stir gently to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the coated bread mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each one.
- Add Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of each filled muffin cup to enhance flavor and aid browning.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins develop a golden, crispy top and are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and serve warm. Optionally, dust the tops with extra cinnamon sugar for an added sweet touch.
Notes
- You can use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- Customize by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the mixture before baking.
- Use a non-stick spray or butter to grease the muffin tin thoroughly for easy removal.
- Leftover muffins can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a suitable melted non-dairy butter.
