Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

The Perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe for Breakfast

Sweet mornings light up with these delightful cinnamon sugar French toast muffins that combine classic breakfast comfort with playful bakery magic.

Fluffy textures promise delectable bites packed with warm spice and nostalgic flavor.

Unexpected ingredients create a remarkable twist on traditional French toast, making breakfast feel like a special celebration.

Kitchen adventures call for simple techniques that deliver maximum deliciousness without complicated steps.

Baking these muffins fills your home with irresistible aromas that draw everyone to the kitchen.

Soft, tender crumbs dusted with cinnamon sugar guarantee smiles around the table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these incredibly moist, perfectly spiced morning treats.

Save French Toast Muffins for Another Morning

  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve their delicious flavor and soft consistency.
  • Warm muffins at 325°F for 8-10 minutes, which helps restore their original crispy exterior and soft interior. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Zap each muffin for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a damp paper towel over the muffin to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Muffins That Work With Cinnamon Sugar

  • Brew a Perfect Breakfast Coffee: Rich, freshly ground medium-roast Colombian coffee complements the sweet cinnamon notes, cutting through the muffins' richness with a smooth, balanced flavor profile.
  • Enhance with Sweet Maple Syrup: Drizzle pure Canadian maple syrup alongside the muffins to amplify the cinnamon's warmth and add a luxurious, silky sweetness that elevates the entire breakfast experience.
  • Create a Creamy Companion: Serve with a chilled glass of vanilla-infused almond milk or a smooth Greek yogurt smoothie to balance the muffins' dense texture and provide a refreshing, protein-packed side.
  • Match with Fresh Fruit: Add a bright, tangy element by serving sliced strawberries or a mixed berry compote, which will contrast the muffins' sweet, spiced flavor and add a nutritious touch to the meal.

Cinnamon French Toast Muffin Mix-Ins

  • Gluten-Free Wonder: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy these muffins without worry.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Use almond flour bread or cloud bread instead of traditional bread, cutting down on carbohydrates while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter for a lactose-free alternative.
  • Vegan Version: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and opt for coconut oil instead of butter to create a completely plant-based breakfast treat.

FAQs

  • Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, day-old brioche, challah, or white bread work best. Avoid very soft or fresh bread as it might become too soggy.

  • Is it necessary to let the bread soak in the custard?

Soaking is crucial. It allows the bread to absorb the custard flavors and creates a rich, custardy texture inside the muffins.

  • Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a fresh breakfast treat.

  • How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

Look for golden brown tops and a set center. Insert a toothpick – it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

French Toast Muffins with a Sweet Cinnamon Swirl

  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy families or weekend brunches, these French toast muffins satisfy everyone from kids to adults with their irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Enjoy these muffins warm from the oven or pack them for a delicious on-the-go breakfast that brings the cozy flavors of French toast into a convenient handheld form.
  • Make-Ahead Breakfast Bliss: Prepare these muffins in advance and reheat for a stress-free morning meal that looks impressive but requires minimal morning preparation.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffin Ingredients

Bread Base:
  • White Bread, Challah Bread, Brioche: Soft, slightly stale bread perfect for soaking up the rich custard mixture. Day-old bread works best for better texture and absorption.
  • Bread Cubes: Provides structure and becomes wonderfully custardy inside the muffin.
Dairy and Eggs:
  • Eggs: Binds the custard and adds richness to the muffin base. Fresh eggs ensure the best flavor and texture.
  • Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious custard with deep creamy notes. Full-fat versions recommended for maximum richness.
Sweeteners and Flavors:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. Provides different depth of flavor when combined.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds warm aromatic notes to the muffins.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Signature spice that provides warm, sweet flavor throughout the muffin. Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for best results.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps create a golden exterior and allows cinnamon sugar coating to stick. Room temperature butter works best.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors in the recipe.

French Toast Muffins Cinnamon Sugar Bake Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Grab a 12-cup muffin pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or line it with cute paper liners.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, crack open some eggs and add in milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and beautifully blended.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Chunks

Tear up some bread into bite-sized cubes and drop them into the creamy custard mixture.

Gently toss the bread around so each piece gets completely drenched in the delicious liquid.

Let the bread sit and soak up all those amazing flavors for about 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups

Carefully spoon the soggy bread mixture into each muffin cup.

Press down gently with your spoon to make sure the bread settles nicely and looks compact.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and look slightly crispy around the edges.

After baking, let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Melt some butter and use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the warm muffins.

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Either sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the muffins or dip each one completely to create a sweet, crunchy exterior.

Quick Ideas For Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

  • Choose day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for optimal custard absorption and better texture.
  • Press bread cubes gently into the muffin tin to prevent excess liquid pooling and ensure even baking.
  • Use room temperature eggs and milk to create a smoother, more consistent custard mixture.
  • Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon sugar topping for a unique flavor twist.
  • Prepare the soaked bread mixture the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for a quick, delicious breakfast.
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Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins blend breakfast comfort with sweet indulgence, creating a delightful morning treat. Warm spices and golden-brown edges promise a delectable experience you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Dairy:

  • 6 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old bread, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (240 milliliters)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 milliliters)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (60 milliliters)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 350°F and meticulously coating a muffin tin with non-stick spray or protective paper liners.
  2. Craft a luxurious custard base by whisking eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
  3. Gently introduce bread cubes into the custard, delicately folding to ensure complete saturation. Allow the bread to luxuriate in the creamy mixture for 5-10 minutes, absorbing maximum flavor.
  4. Strategically distribute the saturated bread mixture into each muffin cavity, applying gentle pressure to create compact, uniform portions.
  5. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven, allowing the delicate morsels to bake for 25-30 minutes until they develop a golden, crisp exterior that hints at the delectable interior.
  6. After removing from the oven, permit the muffins a brief 5-minute rest within the tin to stabilize their structure.
  7. Liberate the muffins from the tin and place them on a cooling rack. Brush each muffin with melted butter, creating a glossy foundation.
  8. Prepare a cinnamon-sugar coating by combining the two ingredients. Generously dust or completely immerse each muffin, ensuring a complete and even coverage that promises a sweet, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Swap bread types to make the recipe more versatile, using challah, brioche, or gluten-free alternatives for different dietary needs.
  • Let bread sit overnight in custard for deeper flavor absorption and more intense cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Prevent soggy texture by ensuring bread cubes aren’t too soft or stale, using day-old bread at room temperature for best results.
  • Customize by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the custard mixture for extra texture and flavor dimensions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 257
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 185 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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