Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy breakfast treat that bridges the gap between a classic morning staple and portable, hand-held goodness, look no further than these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. Imagine everything you adore about French toast — golden, custardy bread, sweet hints of vanilla, and, of course, a generous coating of cinnamon sugar — all bundled into muffin form. These muffins are delightfully crisp on the edges and irresistibly soft inside, making them a surefire hit for breakfast tables, weekend brunches, or even an afternoon snack. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to save and share!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins lies in its simplicity; each ingredient has a special role in creating those perfect layers of flavor and texture. Gather these staples for muffins that taste like a warm hug on a chilly morning.

• Day-old bread (4 cups, cubed): Slightly stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard base without turning mushy, giving the muffins their signature bite.
• Large eggs (4): Eggs bind everything beautifully and add rich flavor to the custard.
• Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps soak every bread cube with flavor.
• Heavy cream (½ cup): For extra silkiness in every muffin, heavy cream makes the center super tender.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup for the custard, ¼ cup for the topping): Sweetens the base and gives that sparkly, crunchy finish on top.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Brings warmth and depth that makes each bite taste like pure comfort.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp for the custard, 1 tsp for the topping): The star spice — it infuses both the batter and the topping with an irresistible aroma.
• Melted butter (2 tbsp for the topping): Helps the cinnamon sugar cling to the golden tops, adding gleam and flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

First things first, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a muffin tin and either grease it well or pop in some paper liners. This simple prep guarantees easy muffin removal and effortless clean-up later on!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, a quarter cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This creates a velvety custard base that will soak into every bread cube, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Add your cubed, day-old bread straight into the custard mixture. Gently fold with a spatula to coat each piece, then let everything sit for about 5 minutes. This soak is the secret to achieving the luscious, soft centers that make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins so addictive.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups

Evenly divide the soaked bread mixture among the muffin wells. Fill each nearly to the top, pressing down lightly with a spoon to pack in the bread but still leaving some texture. This helps the muffins hold together as they bake while still staying lofty and light.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the muffin tin on the center rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for tops that turn nicely golden and edges that get slightly crisp. Your kitchen will fill with warm, cinnamon-spiced aromas that will make waiting feel impossible — but it’s so worth it!

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Topping Finale

As soon as you pull your muffins from the oven, brush the tops generously with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar mixture (mix together the remaining quarter cup sugar with one teaspoon cinnamon). This extra step creates that magical, slightly crunchy topping that makes these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins unforgettable.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Garnishes

Dress up your muffins with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a handful of fresh berries. For an extra-special touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look bakery-worthy and adds a gentle sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a tangy yogurt parfait. For a more indulgent brunch, consider serving them alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or a spicy breakfast sausage.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a pretty cake stand, arrange in muffin liners for grab-and-go brunches, or cut a small pocket and fill with cream cheese or fruit preserves for extra fun. For parties or showers, mini-muffin versions make delightful bite-sized treats that always impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. Let them cool completely before storing to keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each muffin snugly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop muffins in a 350°F oven for five to eight minutes, or microwave for about 20 seconds. If you want the cinnamon sugar topping to stay crisp, opt for the oven method!

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or even thick leftover sandwich bread all work beautifully — just try to use something a little stale for the best texture.

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as oat milk or almond milk, and use vegan butter for the topping.

Why do the muffins need to soak before baking?

The soak time lets each bread cube absorb the custard mixture, giving you moist, tender muffins instead of dry or unevenly textured results.

Can I prepare the mixture in advance?

You can fully assemble the bread-and-custard mixture the night before and store it refrigerated. Just spoon it into your muffin tin and bake fresh in the morning for maximum convenience!

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin?

Be sure to liberally grease your muffin pan or use good-quality muffin liners. Silicone muffin pans are also a great non-stick option for easy removal every time.

Final Thoughts

You’ll be amazed how quickly these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins become a repeat request in your household. They’re warm, sweet, and packed with cozy flavor, perfect for slow mornings or sharing with family and friends. Go ahead, give them a try — your new favorite breakfast treat is waiting!

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