How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins -Easy Recipe!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a cozy breakfast treat made with simple pantry staples. Crispy on top, soft in the center, and loaded with warm cinnamon flavor, they’re the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays, brunches, or busy weekdays.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed bread (brioche, challah, or French bread recommended)
4 large eggs
1¼ cups milk (whole, almond, or oat)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional: pinch of nutmeg
Topping: 2 tablespoons sugar + ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Divide evenly into muffin cups.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread in each muffin cup. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar topping on each muffin.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and slightly firm.
7. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit if desired.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread for best texture.
Customize with chocolate chips, berries, or chopped nuts.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated individually.
For a dairy-free version, use plant milk and vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Table of Contents
If you’re looking for a sweet, cozy, and make-ahead breakfast idea, look no further than these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. They’re crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and loaded with warm cinnamon flavor. Imagine all the comforting taste of traditional French toast – wrapped in a muffin form that’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or busy weekday mornings.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need: a step-by-step recipe, handy baking tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive into a warm, cinnamon-sweet breakfast – these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins will become a regular in your morning routine.
What Makes These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins So Irresistible
There’s something comforting about these muffins – their warm scent, soft texture, and easy prep make them perfect for any kind of morning. Let me show you why these muffins earn a well-deserved place on your breakfast table.
1. Perfect for Busy Mornings
When time is short, having breakfast ready to go is a lifesaver. These muffins are ideal for meal prep – you can bake a batch ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze them, and simply reheat them in seconds. Whether you’re heading out the door or preparing lunchboxes, this grab-and-go format is a winner.
2. Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
These cozy little Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins always win over both little ones and grown-ups. The soft, pillowy texture and cinnamon sugar topping make them feel like a treat, while the wholesome ingredients make parents feel good about serving them.
For picky eaters or little hands, these mini French toast cups are easy to eat and even easier to love. If your kids love baking with you, they’ll also have fun decorating our Labubu Cake – it’s whimsical, colorful, and perfect for playful mornings.
3. Comforting and Full of Flavor
Cinnamon and sugar are a timeless duo. That’s why Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are such a crowd favorite – they pack all the flavor of a bakery-style breakfast in a handy muffin form. When paired with vanilla-soaked bread and baked to golden perfection, the result is cozy, bakery-style muffins that smell incredible straight from the oven.
Not only do they taste like a warm hug, but they also make your kitchen smell like a cinnamon wonderland.
If you’re into bold cinnamon-sugar creations, you’ll also love our Churros Locos – a crispy, spicy-sweet snack that’s as fun as it is flavorful.
4. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
No special gadgets or exotic ingredients needed – just kitchen basics you already have. Just basic pantry staples like bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar come together to create these muffin-style French toast bites. Simple, satisfying, and stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need for French Toast Muffins
Before jumping into the baking process, let’s take a closer look at what goes into these delicious muffins.
1. Basic Pantry Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a dozen Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins:
Making Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins starts with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- 6 cups cubed bread (brioche, challah, or French bread recommended)
- 4 large eggs
- 1¼ cups milk (any type – whole, almond, oat, etc.)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing)
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth
2. Topping Ideas
To elevate your muffins with extra flavor and crunch, consider these simple toppings:
- A mix of sugar and cinnamon for the classic finish
- A maple syrup drizzle for sticky sweetness
- A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist
3. Tools You’ll Need
You likely already have what you need in your kitchen:
- Standard muffin tin (12-cup)
- Mixing bowls and whisk
- Spatula or ladle
- Non-stick spray or muffin liners
If you’re making these for a crowd, using a silicone muffin pan can make cleanup even easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ready to bake? These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins come together in just a few easy steps. The process is similar to making classic French toast, but with a twist.
1. Prepare the Bread Base
- Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Lightly grease your muffin tin or line it with paper cups.
- Fill each muffin cup with bread cubes, pressing them down lightly so they hold their shape but don’t spill over.
If you’re using extra-thick bread slices, give them a quick toast before cubing to ensure they soak up more custard.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Egg Custard for Your French Toast Muffins
In a large mixing bowl:
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
Then:
- Carefully spoon or ladle the custard mixture over each cup, making sure all the bread is soaked evenly.
- Make sure all bread cubes are fully moistened.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes so the bread can absorb the mixture.
🥄 The soak time is crucial. It gives the muffins a creamy interior and prevents them from drying out during baking.
3. Top and Bake
- Combine 2 tablespoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a small dish to create the topping blend.
- Dust the tops of the muffins with the cinnamon-sugar blend to create a crisp, sweet finish as they bake.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden and spring back lightly when touched.
4. Cool and Serve
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm and top with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit – whatever suits your morning mood.
- For a unique twist, serve with a scoop of Lucuma Ice Cream – the creamy, caramel-like flavor pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
For a bakery-style presentation, add a drizzle of maple glaze right before serving.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
There’s no one right way to serve these muffins – whether you’re planning ahead for a busy week or adding a little flair for a special gathering, here are a few creative ways to make the most of them:
1. Prep-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Tips
Need to make mornings smoother?
You can assemble the muffins the night before and store them unbaked in the fridge. Come morning, just bake them fresh while the coffee brews.
Already baked a batch? Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. You can also prep something equally comforting like our Applesauce Cobbler – a fruit-filled dessert that’s just as easy to make ahead.
2. Flavor Ideas to Change Things Up
Want to give these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins your own spin? Here are a few simple swaps and mix-ins to try:
- Toss in some chopped apples, raisins, or fresh blueberries
- Add chocolate chips for a more dessert-like version
- Mix in a spoonful of pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist
- Swap in brown or coconut sugar if you’re after a richer, more molasses-like flavor
Mixing in different fruits or spices is a great way to match the muffins to the season – or just your mood. If you’re looking for a protein-packed alternative, try our Cottage Cheese Banana Pancakes for a fluffy and energizing breakfast option.
3. Fun Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are incredibly versatile on the plate, too. Here are a few easy and appealing ways to serve them:
- Pair with Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries for a satisfying, balanced breakfast
- Serve them alongside hard-boiled eggs, fresh-cut fruit, and your favorite jam for a well-rounded brunch plate. Or balance the cinnamon spice with a surprising contrast like our Matcha Crinkle Cookies – a sweet treat with a sophisticated green tea twist.
- Serve alongside savory dishes like bacon or scrambled eggs for sweet-savory contrast
- Slip one into a lunchbox for a surprise midday treat
No matter how you serve them, Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins add charm to any breakfast table.
And if you’re building out a brunch table, try adding something playful like our White Chocolate Pretzels – they make a charming and tasty pairing.
FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Here are some of the most common questions home bakers ask about Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins.
What’s the biggest mistake when making French toast muffins?
One common misstep is using bread that’s too soft or fresh. It soaks too quickly and turns the texture soggy. Day-old bread, especially something rich like brioche, helps your muffins stay structured and bake up with that tender middle and golden top.
Which muffin is the most popular worldwide?
Blueberry muffins tend to take the top spot in popularity, but cinnamon-sugar flavors have a nostalgic charm. Their balance of spice and sweetness makes them a favorite for breakfast, brunch spreads, or snack time.
How do you get French toast muffins to turn out just right?
The trick is soaking – not too much, not too little. You want the bread cubes to sit in the custard long enough to absorb the flavor, but not so long they fall apart. A well-mixed custard and short rest time before baking make all the difference.
How can I make sure my muffins turn out moist?
The secret lies in the balance of ingredients. Eggs and milk form the custard, while melted butter adds richness. Letting the bread absorb this mixture evenly ensures the muffins bake up tender, not dry or dense.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are everything you want in a breakfast: quick, cozy, versatile, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you serve them for Sunday brunch, weekday mornings, or as a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
So grab your muffin tin, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins – your kitchen will smell amazing. You won’t regret it!
Whether you serve them for brunch or as a quick weekday bite, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins never disappoint.
Love cinnamon-forward recipes? Don’t miss our rich and indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – it’s a showstopper for holidays or weekend baking.
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