If you love the warm, comforting flavors of classic French toast but need something easy to grab on busy mornings, Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the perfect solution! These delightful muffins capture the essence of French toast with their rich custard-soaked bread, sweet cinnamon sugar topping, and convenient handheld form. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick bite, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
What Makes These Muffins Special?
These muffins bring together everything you love about French toast in an easy-to-eat, mess-free form. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Custard-Soaked Bread – Soft bread cubes absorb a delicious mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon for a rich and flavorful texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping – A generous sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar gives these muffins a sweet crunch.
- Muffin-Style Convenience – Instead of cooking each slice individually, bake everything together for a simple, grab-and-go breakfast.
The History Behind French Toast
French toast has been enjoyed in various forms across cultures for centuries. Traditionally made by soaking bread in an egg-and-milk mixture before frying, this classic dish has inspired countless variations. Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins offer a modern twist, bringing the same delicious flavors in a fun, muffin-sized package.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Essential Tools:
- Muffin Tin – Ensures even baking and a perfect muffin shape.
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the custard mixture and coating the bread.
- Whisk – Helps create a smooth and well-blended custard.
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Soak the Bread: Add bread cubes to the custard mixture, stirring gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Evenly distribute the soaked bread mixture into the muffin cups, pressing down lightly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle melted butter over each muffin, then generously sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let muffins cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
Serving Ideas & Variations
Enhance your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins with these creative additions:
- Maple Syrup Drizzle – Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Filling – Add a small spoonful of sweetened cream cheese to the center before baking for a creamy surprise.
- Fresh Fruit – Mix in blueberries or diced apples for a fruity variation.
- Chocolate Chip Treat – Stir in mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Gluten-Free Option – Swap out regular bread for your favorite gluten-free variety.
- French Toast Casserole Version – Instead of muffins, bake the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch pan at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze muffins in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm muffins in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Yes! Use a flax egg substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water per egg.
What type of bread works best?
Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread are great choices as they absorb custard well without becoming too soggy.
Can I prep them the night before?
Yes! Soak the bread in the custard mixture overnight, then bake in the morning for an easy breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of classic French toast in a convenient, grab-and-go form. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or make a batch ahead for busy mornings, these muffins are sure to be a hit!