If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting breakfasts tinged with cinnamon and sugar, you are absolutely going to love this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe. These delightful little muffins transform the classic French toast experience into individually portioned bites that are perfectly tender on the inside with a crisp, golden exterior. They’re ideal for starting your day with a smile or impressing guests at a brunch. This recipe offers all the cozy flavors of a traditional French toast but in a fun, convenient muffin shape that’s just begging to be savored.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is an easy and enjoyable step since each one contributes so much to the irresistible flavor and texture of these muffins. From the rich creaminess of the eggs and dairy to the warm sweetness of cinnamon and sugar, every element is essential to crafting this classic comfort treat.
- Thick-cut bread (4 slices): Using brioche or Texas toast ensures a soft, buttery crumb that soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Large eggs (2): They create the rich, custardy base that holds everything together and adds protein for a satisfying bite.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness, keeping the muffins tender and fluffy.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Intensifies creaminess for that luxurious French toast texture you crave.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/4 cup for topping): Sweetens the custard and creates a delightful cinnamon sugar crust on top.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings out the lovely, warm flavors and complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp + 1 tsp for topping): Provides that signature spice that defines this recipe’s comforting appeal.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp melted + extra for greasing and topping): Adds richness, helps crisp the edges, and is key to that golden finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin and Custard
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 6-cup muffin tin with butter. This preparation ensures the muffins release easily once baked. Then, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl to create a smooth custard base that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Cubes
Cut your thick slices of bread into roughly 1-inch cubes, then gently toss them in the custard mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes so the custard saturates the cubes deeply. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Carefully divide the soaked bread cubes evenly into the muffin cups, pressing down slightly to pack them in nicely. Drizzle each muffin with some melted butter to encourage beautiful browning during baking. Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until the muffins turn golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the muffins rest for five minutes after baking, mix the topping by combining sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the muffin tops generously with melted butter, then sprinkle or dip them into your cinnamon sugar blend for that addictive crunchy, sweet crust that makes these muffins so special.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm cinnamon sugar. Fresh berries perfectly contrast the sweet muffin and add brightness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful muffins alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage links to add a savory balance to the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad is also a fantastic fresh, juicy partner that brings some refreshing texture to your breakfast plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Arrange these muffins on a tiered stand for brunch, or serve them in cute paper liners with a drizzle of maple syrup. For a fun twist, turn them into bite-sized skewers alternating muffin cubes with fruit chunks for an easy-to-eat party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the muffins moist and ready to enjoy later without losing that delightful flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Freezing preserves freshness and makes it super easy to grab a quick breakfast or snack whenever time is tight.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the muffins in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crisp edges and soft center. Avoid the microwave if possible, to keep that perfect texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or Texas toast are ideal for their buttery softness, challah or even sturdy French bread works well too. Just make sure the bread is a day old to soak up the custard better without becoming mushy.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Certainly! You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milks such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor and texture will differ slightly but still be delicious.
Can I add extra flavors to the custard mixture?
Definitely! A splash of maple syrup, a dash of nutmeg, or even a teaspoon of orange zest can add wonderful complexity to the custard and make the muffins uniquely your own.
How long do these muffins keep their best texture?
Freshly baked, these muffins are best enjoyed within the first day or two as they are soft and tender. After that, refrigeration can help preserve them for a few more days, but reheating well is key to bringing back their delightful texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe is straightforward! Just use two muffin tins or bake in batches, and keep an eye on the baking time, which might vary slightly when the oven is loaded.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, freshly baked muffin that tastes like cinnamon sugar French toast. This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and thoughtful technique, resulting in a breakfast treat that feels special every time. I encourage you to try making these muffins—it’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of joy and coziness to your mornings or brunch gatherings!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on classic French toast, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Made with thick-cut bread cubes soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (like brioche or Texas toast), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin with butter to prevent sticking.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Soak Bread Cubes: Add the cubed bread into the custard mixture and gently toss to ensure all bread pieces are coated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes allowing the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the soaked bread evenly into the greased muffin cups, pressing down slightly to pack the bread well to hold its shape during baking. Drizzle melted butter on top of each filled muffin cup for richness.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25–28 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and set in the center when gently touched.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While muffins bake, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Cool and Add Topping: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes in the tin. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle or dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Serve: Serve the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs more of the custard mixture without falling apart.
- You can substitute brioche with challah or French bread for different flavors and textures.
- For additional sweetness and flavor, add a touch of maple syrup to the custard mixture.
