Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the ultimate breakfast treat for anyone who loves classic French toast but craves something a little more portable and fun. Imagine soft, golden cubes of rich brioche bread soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard, then baked into muffin-sized delights with a crackly cinnamon sugar finish. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for a cozy brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or even just a sweet snack to share. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how these muffins capture all the nostalgic flavors of French toast in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins so irresistible is how a handful of everyday ingredients—each with their own special role—work together to create something magical. Every element, from the bread to the butter, adds something unique to the flavor, texture, or golden color of these charming muffins.
- Day-old bread (6 cups, cubed): Day-old brioche or challah holds up beautifully to soaking and bakes up with a tender, custardy texture.
- Large eggs (4): These are the backbone of our custard, binding everything together and giving the muffins that soft, creamy bite.
- Milk (1½ cups): Full-bodied milk keeps the custard light and moist without being heavy.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup): Adds a luxurious richness and makes the muffins taste extra special.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup for batter + ¼ cup for topping): Sweetens the muffins and creates that irresistible finishing crunch.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little vanilla rounds out all the sweet and spiced notes.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon for batter + 1 teaspoon for topping): Warming spice is what makes these muffins truly sing.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance all the sweetness and intensify the other flavors.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons for muffins + 2 tablespoons for topping): Butter gives a rich flavor and that irresistible golden finish when brushed on top.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Custard
Begin by cubing your day-old bread into hearty chunks; perfect bread will soak up all that dreamy custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined. Gently toss the bread cubes into the custard, making sure every piece gets nicely coated. Let the bread soak for about five minutes so it soaks up as much flavor as possible without getting mushy.
Step 2: Fill the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin for easy release later. Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Press down gently so they fit snugly and hold together when baked. For added richness, brush the tops with melted butter—it helps them turn beautifully golden in the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are a gorgeous golden brown and the centers no longer look wet. The aroma of cinnamon and butter will fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s irresistible!
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the muffins are still warm, stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create that classic crunchy topping. Brush each muffin with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the tops. This step adds a little sparkle and a hit of sweet spice you won’t want to skip.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Garnishes
For extra flair, dust your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup just before serving. Both options add another layer of sweetness and make them look even more tempting. A few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side make these muffins feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm, cinnamon-scented beauties with a platter of fresh fruit, creamy Greek yogurt, or crisp bacon for a full brunch spread. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them alongside a steaming mug of coffee or chai latte to complement the cozy spices in the muffins.
Creative Ways to Present
These muffins are already adorable, but you can make them even more special by wrapping them in parchment and tying with a ribbon for a sweet breakfast gift. For a party or brunch buffet, display them on a tiered cake stand or nestled in a basket lined with a checkered cloth. You can even stack them on a platter with mini maple syrup pitchers for dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins keep well for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain their soft texture. Reheat before serving so you get back that just-baked warmth and aroma.
Freezing
Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to enjoy these muffins days or even weeks later. Once they’re completely cooled, pack them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months and make a wonderful grab-and-go breakfast.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a muffin for about 20–30 seconds or warm several at once in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. If they seem a little dry, a quick brush of melted butter or drizzle of syrup before reheating will bring them right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche or challah?
You can, but for the best texture and a rich, custardy bite, stick with denser, slightly sweet breads like brioche or challah. Regular sandwich bread tends to break down more and won’t hold up as well after soaking.
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk and heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or oat), and use a plant-based butter. They’ll still turn out soft, sweet, and full of cinnamon flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the muffins from sticking to the pan?
Greasing your muffin tin generously with butter or nonstick spray is key. Alternatively, muffin liners make cleanup a breeze and guarantee every muffin pops out perfectly.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the batter?
Of course! Toss in a handful of blueberries, diced apples, or chopped pecans along with the bread cubes for added flavor and texture. Just don’t overload them, or the muffins may fall apart.
Are Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins good for meal prep?
They are excellent for meal prep! You can bake them ahead and reheat as needed for a quick breakfast, snack, or even dessert throughout the week. They freeze and reheat beautifully, making busy mornings a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Once you take that first warm, sugar-dusted bite, you’ll see why Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins have a special spot in my breakfast routine. They’re cozy, fun, and so easy to share—or keep all to yourself! Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, I hope you’ll fall in love with these muffins as much as I have. Give them a try and let them bring a smile to your next breakfast table!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional French toast, baked in muffin form with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat!
Ingredients
Muffins:
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Add cubed bread, toss to coat, and let soak for 5 minutes.
- Fill muffin cups: Scoop soaked bread into muffin cups, press gently, brush tops with melted butter, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Prepare topping: While warm, brush muffins with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm, topped with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
- Great for using up leftover bread and can be frozen for a quick breakfast option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
