If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar paired with the comforting texture of French toast, you are absolutely going to adore making this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe. These delightful muffins capture all the best parts of classic French toast in a perfectly portable, mini-sized treat that’s crispy on the outside, tender and custardy inside, and sprinkled with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. They’re a breeze to whip up for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack when you want something warm and nostalgic but easy to eat on the go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple is the secret to letting each flavor shine in this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe. Each component plays a key role in creating the texture, warmth, and sweetness that make these muffins truly special.
- Bread (6 slices, cubed): Sturdy bread holds up well—day-old or slightly stale bread works best to soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs (3): Eggs provide that rich, custardy base that makes French toast so irresistible.
- Milk (1 cup): Milk keeps the custard smooth and moist, balancing the eggs perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the custard mixture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Imparts a warm, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that brings that classic cinnamon sugar flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthiness and depth to the spice profile.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup plus extra for brushing): Butter lends richness and helps achieve that golden crust.
- Additional cinnamon sugar: Used as a final sprinkle for a sweet, crunchy finish on top.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your muffins are ready to go in. While it’s warming up, grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal later.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well combined. This fragrant custard is what transforms the bread cubes into soft, flavorful muffins.
Step 3: Coat the Bread Cubes
Toss the cubed bread in the custard mixture ensuring each piece is evenly soaked. This step ensures every bite is tender and bursting with cinnamon sugar goodness.
Step 4: Add Melted Butter
Drizzle the 1/4 cup of melted butter over the soaked bread cubes and toss again gently. The butter adds richness and will help the muffins brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin and Bake
Spoon the bread and custard mixture evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup nearly full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are golden and the custard has set firmly.
Step 6: Brush and Sprinkle
Right after baking, brush each muffin with extra melted butter and generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top. This final touch creates a sweet, crisp crust that is utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve these muffins warm for the best gooey, cinnamon sugar experience that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe, making them even more indulgent and festive for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing these muffins with fresh fruit like berries or a side of crispy bacon or sausage to balance the sweet flavors with savory goodness, creating a well-rounded breakfast plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these muffins in small baskets lined with parchment for a charming brunch presentation, or stack them up on a dessert stand to wow guests at your next gathering. Even boxed individually, they make great on-the-go treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful if eaten within that time frame.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months while maintaining their delicious taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins by warming them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked crispness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or even whole wheat work well because they soak up custard while holding their shape, giving you moist but intact muffins.
Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, and swap butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to keep the flavor rich and delicious.
How long do these muffins last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for 2 days at room temperature and can be frozen up to 2 months for longer enjoyment.
Is it okay to use fresh bread or does it have to be stale?
While fresh bread can be used, slightly stale bread is preferred because it absorbs the custard without turning mushy, resulting in perfect texture after baking.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or fruit to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, raisins, or small fruit pieces like blueberries can be folded into the mixture before baking for extra texture and flavor bursts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and exciting about this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe that makes you want to share it again and again. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special brunch, these muffins bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of magic to any table. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a new favorite you’ll want to keep baking forever!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on classic French toast, baked into convenient, bite-sized muffins. Infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, these sweet, fluffy muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack. Easy to prepare, they combine cubed bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-egg custard and baked to golden perfection, then finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar topping.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 6 slices bread, cubed
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Topping
- Additional melted butter for brushing
- Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or butter a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Spices: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until thoroughly combined.
- Coat Bread Cubes: Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture, tossing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated and soaked with the flavored custard.
- Add Melted Butter: Drizzle the 1/4 cup melted butter over the bread mixture, then toss again to distribute the butter evenly throughout the bread cubes.
- Spoon into Muffin Tin and Bake: Spoon the soaked bread mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the muffins are golden brown and set in the center.
- Brush with Butter and Add Cinnamon Sugar: Remove the muffins from the oven. While still warm, brush the tops with additional melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar to add a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Serve Warm: Allow the muffins to cool slightly, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy as a delicious breakfast or snack treat.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for better soaking and texture.
- You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Reheat muffins in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
