Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

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Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the answer to every lazy weekend morning that craves something warm, sweet, and comforting. I first made these out of pure curiosity, hoping to capture the spirit of French toast but in a handheld muffin form, and what came out of the oven was nothing short of delightful. Each bite is a cozy embrace of cinnamon sugar with a fluffy, tender interior that reminds you of Sunday breakfasts and family kitchen chatter.

What I love most about these muffins is how effortlessly they come together. You don’t need a mixer or any special gadgets. I usually make these when I have a few slices of day-old bread lying around. That slight dryness works like magic, soaking up the vanilla custard mixture perfectly. And let me tell you, the sugary top gives that beautiful, crackly bite—almost like the caramelized crust on the best slice of French toast.

They’ve become a staple in my home, especially during holiday mornings or when I want to treat friends and family. I like serving them warm with a side of fruit or even a drizzle of maple syrup. They store well, too, so you can make them ahead and warm them up when needed. I’ve even added a bit of fun by pairing them with other sweets like my Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes or Delicious Lemon Cake for a full brunch spread.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

These muffins are a cozy blend of sweet breakfast comfort and bakery-worthy charm. You’ll love them because they’re easy to make, don’t require fancy ingredients, and bring that nostalgic French toast flavor into a portable, make-ahead format. Perfect for breakfast on the go, weekend brunches, or sweet snacks, they hit that sweet spot between simplicity and indulgence. The cinnamon sugar crust on top gives a satisfying crunch, while the inside stays soft and custardy, making them irresistible with every bite.

Ingredients

Bread: Day-old bread works best. It soaks up the custard mixture without falling apart and gives the muffins structure. I prefer brioche or challah for a rich texture.

Eggs: They create the custard base that binds the ingredients together and gives the muffins their French toast identity.

Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to the custard. You can substitute with dairy-free alternatives if needed.

Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar sweetens the custard, while a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top creates a caramelized crunch.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the sweet flavors, essential for that classic French toast taste.

Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon infuses both the custard and the topping, making each bite cozy and flavorful.

Butter: Melted butter is brushed on top for richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick and caramelize beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread into small cubes, around 1-inch in size. If it’s not already stale, you can leave the cubes out for an hour or bake them at low heat for a few minutes to dry them out.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Make sure the mixture is well-blended.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture. Toss gently until the bread is thoroughly soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can absorb all the custard.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into each cup, pressing slightly so they hold together.

Step 5: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Lightly brush the tops of each muffin with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the tops.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Serve the muffins warm as-is or with a drizzle of maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit on the side. They reheat wonderfully for busy mornings.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

There are so many ways to customize these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. You can use different types of bread like cinnamon swirl, whole wheat, or even leftover croissants for a buttery twist. If you’re dairy-free, swap the milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

For added texture and flavor, try folding in small pieces of fresh fruit like diced apples, blueberries, or mashed bananas before baking. A handful of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can also bring a lovely crunch. Craving something extra sweet? Toss in mini chocolate chips or a swirl of cream cheese in the center.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These muffins are best served warm, ideally straight out of the oven when the sugar crust is still crisp and aromatic. I love plating them with fresh berries or orange slices for a contrast of freshness. They also go wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a light drizzle of maple syrup.

Pair with a creamy latte, spiced chai, or a tall glass of cold milk to complete your breakfast or brunch. They make a beautiful addition to holiday mornings or brunch spreads alongside savory options like quiche or cheesy egg bakes.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to a month.

To reheat, microwave individual muffins for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes. For frozen muffins, allow them to thaw at room temperature before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! These muffins are perfect for making a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, wrap each muffin individually and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and reheat as needed.

What type of bread is best for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?

Brioche or challah are ideal due to their rich, soft texture. Day-old versions of either absorb the custard better and hold their shape.

How do I prevent Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins from becoming soggy?

Be sure to let the bread absorb the custard without being too wet. Use day-old bread and allow excess custard to drip off when filling the muffin tin.

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

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure it’s a firm, slightly dry variety so it doesn’t fall apart in the custard.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, you’ll want to try the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes. They deliver the same warm cinnamon flavor but with a creamy, indulgent twist. Another sweet morning treat to explore is the Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler, which pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are too good to keep to yourself! Be sure to pin this recipe on your breakfast or brunch Pinterest board, so you can find it easily the next time you’re hosting guests or craving a sweet morning treat. Sharing is caring—send the link to a friend, share it on Facebook, or tag someone who would bake these with you. The more love these muffins get, the better!

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