Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Imagine your favorite weekend brunch treat—French toast—transformed into soft, bite-sized muffins coated in irresistible cinnamon sugar. These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins offer all the cozy flavors of classic French toast with the convenience of a grab-and-go baked treat. Perfectly golden, tender, and fluffy on the inside, each muffin is coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping for an indulgent, bakery-quality finish.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal prepping breakfast for the week, or looking for a fun twist on a classic recipe, these muffins are guaranteed to impress. Easy to make and completely customizable, they’re as versatile as they are delicious. Let’s dive into this recipe and explore all the ways to make it a regular on your menu!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• French Toast Meets Muffins: Combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a muffin.
• Perfect for Brunch or Snacks: These muffins are ideal for breakfast, brunch spreads, or as a sweet afternoon snack.
• Kid-Friendly: With their bite-sized, sugary coating, these muffins are a hit with kids.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them ahead of time and enjoy all week long!
• Endless Customizations: Add fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips for fun variations.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins
• Serving Size: 1 muffin

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients

For the muffins:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or challah works best)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

1. Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Custard

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. This custard mixture will soak into the bread and create a soft, rich texture.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

3. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, tossing gently to coat all the bread evenly. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
5. Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing gently to compact the bread cubes slightly. This helps the muffins hold their shape.

Step 5: Bake the Muffins

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and set in the center. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

7. While the muffins are still warm, dip each muffin top into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

8. Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream!

Ingredient Background

• Day-Old Bread: Using slightly stale bread is essential for soaking up the custard without becoming mushy. French bread, brioche, or challah are ideal for their sturdy texture and rich flavor.
• Custard Base: The combination of eggs, milk, and cream creates a rich and creamy custard that’s similar to traditional French toast.
• Cinnamon Sugar: This classic topping adds a warm, sweet flavor and an irresistible crunch to the muffins.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch of nutmeg enhances the overall flavor with its subtle, spicy undertones.

Technique Tips

• Compact the Bread: Gently pressing the bread into the muffin cups helps the muffins hold together and bake evenly.
• Use a Muffin Liner Alternative: Grease the tin well instead of using liners to allow for crispy edges.
• Double-Dip for Extra Coating: For an indulgent treat, dip the muffins in butter and cinnamon sugar twice!
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the muffins the night before and bake them fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized French toast muffins. Reduce the baking time to 12–15 minutes.
• Casserole Style: Instead of muffins, bake the custard-soaked bread in a 9×9-inch baking dish for a French toast casserole.
• Skewered Muffins: Stack mini muffins on skewers for a fun brunch presentation. Serve with a side of maple syrup for dipping.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Avoid Soggy Muffins: Be sure to let the bread soak up the custard fully, but don’t let it sit so long that it becomes mushy.
• Even Cooking: Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
• Crispy Edges: Bake the muffins slightly longer if you prefer crispy edges.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip French Toast Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the bread mixture for a decadent twist.
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Fold in 1/2 cup of diced apples and a pinch of apple pie spice for a fall-inspired treat.
• Pecan Praline Muffins: Add chopped pecans to the batter and drizzle with a brown sugar glaze after baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Reheating: Warm muffins in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds for a quick breakfast.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute white bread with whole wheat bread for added fiber.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the granulated sugar in the custard mixture or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
• Lighten the Fat: Use milk instead of heavy cream, and replace half the butter with coconut oil.
• Add Fruit: Mix in fresh berries, bananas, or diced pears for natural sweetness and added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Brunch Spread: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon for a well-rounded meal.
• Dessert Buffet: Present the muffins with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or Nutella.
• Holiday Treats: Pair with warm mulled cider or hot chocolate for a festive holiday breakfast.

Special Equipment

• Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for the custard and cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Pastry Brush: Helpful for evenly coating the muffins with melted butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Fresh bread can be used, but it may become too soft after soaking in the custard. To mimic day-old bread, lightly toast the cubes in the oven for 5–7 minutes before using.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for the cinnamon sugar coating.

3. How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?

Grease the muffin tin thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. Alternatively, use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.

4. Can I serve these muffins cold?

While they’re best served warm, they’re still delicious at room temperature or chilled, especially when paired with fresh fruit or yogurt.

5. What’s the best type of bread for this recipe?

Rich, sturdy breads like challah, brioche, or French bread work best because they absorb the custard without falling apart.

6. Can I make this recipe egg-free?

Replace the eggs with a mixture of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg, or use a store-bought egg replacer.

7. What toppings go well with these muffins?

Drizzle them with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

8. Can I prepare the custard the night before?

Absolutely! Mix the custard ingredients the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Assemble and bake the muffins in the morning.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins take all the comforting flavors of French toast and package them into an easy, portable format. Perfect for busy mornings, cozy brunches, or special occasions, they’re a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to your breakfast repertoire. With endless customization options and simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Make a batch today and enjoy a sweet, nostalgic treat that’s sure to brighten your day!

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