If you love the cozy, nostalgic flavors of breakfast classics, you are going to adore this French Toast Muffins Recipe. Imagine the warm cinnamon, sweet brown sugar, and vanilla-infused custard soaking into tender bread cubes, baked into perfectly portioned muffins that are crisp on the edges and soft in the center. These delightful muffins bring all the comfort of traditional French toast with the convenience of a handheld treat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a quick breakfast, these muffins are the easiest and most delicious way to start your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this French Toast Muffins Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make these muffins so irresistible. From the rich custard base to the heart of fluffy bread, every component plays a vital role.
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche or French bread): Using day-old bread ensures the cubes soak up just the right amount of custard without becoming mushy.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the custard’s rich texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard mix for tender muffs.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: A splash of decadence that makes each muffin extra luscious.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: The subtle molasses flavor in brown sugar balances sweetness with warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds that quintessential spicy note that defines French toast.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the custard’s flavor with sweet depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the sweetness and spice.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing): Provides richness and helps the muffins brown beautifully.
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup (for serving): To finish, either dust with powdered sugar or drizzle maple syrup for that perfect touch.
How to Make French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray. This simple preparation prevents sticking and ensures each muffin comes out cleanly for an easy serving experience.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter until smooth and well blended. This custard mixture will infuse your bread cubes with sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.
Step 3: Coat the Bread Cubes
Add the cubed day-old bread to the bowl with the custard and gently fold everything to coat the bread pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard. This step is essential for soft, custardy centers in your muffins.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups
Evenly divide the soaked bread mixture among the prepared muffin cups. Press down lightly on each portion to compact the bread and custard so they bake together into a pleasing muffin shape that slices and holds nicely.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the muffins to be golden brown on top and set in the center—no wobbling when you gently shake the pan. This ensures the custard is fully cooked but still tender.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Serve the muffins warm, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous drizzle of maple syrup for that extra comforting sweetness.
How to Serve French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins shine when garnished simply with powdered sugar or maple syrup, but you can also sprinkle chopped nuts, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for a festive twist. The garnishes add texture, color, and pops of fresh flavor that brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your French Toast Muffins Recipe alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory balance, or pair with fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing contrast. A cup of rich coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice makes the whole breakfast feel thoughtfully rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, place these muffins on a decorative tiered stand surrounded by small bowls of assorted toppings such as cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, and berry compotes. You can also thread a couple on skewers alternating with fruit chunks for a fun, grab-and-go presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover French Toast Muffins Recipe completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated—just be sure to warm before serving to bring back their soft texture.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making this recipe a perfect option for batch cooking breakfasts ahead of busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins by microwaving them for about 20 to 30 seconds or warming them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. This brings back their freshly baked texture and makes enjoying leftovers just as special.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well, especially if it’s sturdy enough to hold up when soaked in custard. Just be sure to use day-old gluten-free bread cubes for the best texture.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or berries in the French Toast Muffins Recipe?
Yes! Adding mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries before baking is a wonderful way to personalize the muffins and add bursts of flavor or crunch.
Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter substitute to make these muffins dairy-free while keeping them delicious.
How long do these muffins keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, French Toast Muffins stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare the mixture the night before?
Definitely! You can soak the bread cubes in the custard mixture overnight in the refrigerator. This can even enhance the flavor as the bread absorbs all those cozy custard spices.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to the scent of these French Toast Muffins Recipe fresh from the oven. They capture the essence of classic French toast in a portable, easy-to-make muffin form that you will want to bake again and again. Whether for a lazy weekend brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or a fun snack, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try—you might just find your new breakfast obsession!
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French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make French Toast Muffins that transform leftover bread into a delicious baked breakfast or brunch treat. Soft and custardy on the inside with a golden crust, these muffins are perfect for a grab-and-go meal and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche or French bread)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing)
To Serve
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin well with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread: Add the cubed day-old bread to the custard mixture and gently fold to coat all pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups, pressing down slightly to compact the mixture for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool and serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently removing them. Serve warm, topped with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- These muffins are ideal for using up leftover bread and minimizing food waste.
- Customize your muffins by adding mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Muffins reheat well in the microwave or oven, making them excellent for meal prep and quick breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
