Get ready for the coziest breakfast treat you’ve had all year with these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. Imagine everything you love about classic French toast—the custardy texture, the sweet cinnamon aroma, that buttery finish—baked into individually portioned muffins that deliver a warm hug in every bite. They’re easy enough for a lazy Sunday morning, yet special enough to serve at a festive brunch. Each muffin is golden, fluffy, warmly spiced, and finished with a sparkling cinnamon-sugar topping that’s practically impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins starts with a handful of everyday staples that come together for a breakfast you’ll look forward to all week. Each ingredient plays a unique role, guaranteeing every bite is as satisfying and flavorful as the last.
- Thick-cut bread: Day-old brioche or challah holds up beautifully and soaks all that lovely custard for the perfect texture.
- Large eggs: Four eggs create a rich, silky custard base that mimics classic French toast.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps the bread soak up flavor without getting soggy.
- Heavy cream: Just a splash for extra indulgence and a supple crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and also forms part of that signature crunchy topping.
- Brown sugar: Contributes notes of caramel that set these muffins apart.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the custard with comforting warmth.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, infusing both the batter and topping with cozy flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and enhances every flavor.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top while warm for a bakery-style finish.
- Extra cinnamon sugar (for topping): Adds crunch, sparkle, and makes everything even better!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot when the muffins go in. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin so the muffins release effortlessly once baked—trust me, you don’t want to miss out on any of those golden, buttery edges.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In your largest mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a vigorous whisk—you want everything totally blended, creating a fragrant, creamy custard that’s destined to soak into every bread cube.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Add the bread cubes to your bowl of custard and use a gentle hand to toss and fold until each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. This soaking time is the secret to that signature custardy interior.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using clean hands or a spoon, divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the greased muffin cups. Gently press down on the mixture in each cup—just enough to help the muffins hold together and bake up nicely compact.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers feel set when gently pressed. Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon dream by now! Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops generously with melted butter and sprinkle with the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture. This final step ensures that characteristic sweet crunch with every bite.
Step 7: Serve Warm
These beauties are best enjoyed while they’re still warm, perhaps with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Garnishes
Enhance the appeal and flavor with a few finishing touches: try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of real maple syrup, or even a few fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness alongside your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins.
Side Dishes
Round out your brunch table by pairing the muffins with creamy Greek yogurt, crispy breakfast potatoes, or thick-cut bacon for a delightful sweet-and-savory balance. A simple fruit salad also brings a refreshing contrast to the rich muffins.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the muffins on a beautiful cake stand with extra cinnamon sugar sprinkled beneath, or stack them high on a platter alongside mini jars of syrup. Individually wrapping each muffin in parchment makes a thoughtful and portable breakfast gift, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer completely cooled Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week if refrigerated, all while staying tender and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat for a fresh-baked taste anytime.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked magic, reheat muffins in a 300°F oven or toaster oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the edges. The microwave will do in a pinch, but the oven keeps the texture on point.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Brunch
Absolutely! While brioche and challah deliver the richest flavor and texture, sturdy white or whole wheat sandwich bread works well in a pinch. Just avoid very soft or airy breads, which may get too mushy.
Can I prepare the mixture the night before?
Yes, you can mix the bread and custard together the night before and chill it covered in the refrigerator, then bake off fresh muffins in the morning. This lets the flavors mingle and can make for an even more custardy muffin.
Are Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins gluten-free?
By default they are not, but you can substitute your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure the bread can hold up to soaking in the custard without falling apart.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
If you prefer things less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar in the custard or use a lighter hand with the cinnamon sugar topping. The muffins will still be delicious, just a bit more subtle in their sweetness.
Do I have to use melted butter for the topping?
The buttery finish helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick and adds that wonderful bakery-style flair. If you need a dairy-free option, use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bite into these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins and experience all the joy packed into every golden-topped morsel. Whether you make them for a weekend breakfast, a brunch celebration, or just to treat yourself on a weekday, they’re bound to become a new favorite. Go ahead—whip up a batch and let me know what creative twists you love most!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on classic French toast, baked into individual portions for a convenient and delicious breakfast treat. With a custardy interior and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping, these muffins are perfect for a cozy morning at home.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (preferably day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Add the bread cubes and stir until coated.
- Soak the Bread: Let the bread soak in the custard for 10 minutes.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the mixture among muffin cups, pressing down gently. Bake for 25–28 minutes.
- Top and Serve: Brush the warm muffins with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and serve warm.
Notes
- Consider using brioche or challah bread for added richness.
- These muffins freeze well and can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
