Okay, picture this: It’s Sunday morning, the house is still quiet-ish, and you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to. What’s the fuss of making a whole batch of French toast? Where are these ‘evil’Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins.They’re like regular French toast, but baked in muffin tins for the perfect portion size and a whole lot of flavor. I think they’re even better than the classic because you get that crispy edge all the way. They have that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch that we all crave, plus, they’re SO easy the kids can make them. My youngest calls them “Cinnamon Swirl Cloud Bites” and honestly, I think that’s the perfect name.
What is Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?
These delightful little treats are essentially French toast in muffin form. Think of it as your favorite weekend breakfast, deconstructed and reconstructed into perfectly portioned bites. Instead of dipping bread slices into a custard and frying them, we’re whisking that custard up with cubes of bread (like a bread pudding!) and baking them in muffin tins. What sets them apart is the generous swirl of Cinnamon Sugar we add before baking – it caramelizes beautifully, creating a crispy, sweet topping that’s absolutely addictive. It’s a fantastic way to use up slightly stale bread too! It’s essentially a simple dish, that delivers that comfort food experience. It’s perfect for meal prep, lazy weekends, or even a quick dessert.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love muffins? What I love most is how easy they are to make. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. If you’re not a baker, you can nail this recipe.
• Flavor Explosion:The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and the eggy, vanilla-infused bread is just heavenly. What is breakfast heaven? I’ve had friends compare it to a cinnamon roll, but with lighter, crispier texture.
• Simple & Speedy: What areFrom start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes of prep and bake time. What are some of the best ways to spend your morning without spending hours in the office?
• Budget FriendlyYou probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already – bread, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, salt, pepper, etc. No need to break the bank for a delicious breakfast! Plus, like I said before, its perfect to use up bread that is getting older.
• Versatile DelightWhat are some good muffins for breakfast? What are some of the best brunch snacks? I often pack these in my kids’ lunchboxes as a special treat. Can you customize them with different toppings, like chopped nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup? Can you serve these with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream after dinner? What are some of the best food I have ever eaten?
How do I make cinnamon sugar French Toast Muffins?
Quick Overview
How do I make these muffins? How do you make custard and bread? What’s the best way to layer bread mixture and Cinnamon Sugar into muffin tins? After a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have golden-brown, irresistibly delicious muffins that are just as delicious as they are delicious. What are some of the best wedding dresses to buy for What’s special about this method is how it creates a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, smooth edges. Is there a custardy center in muffins?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some of the
• 6 cups cubed bread (day-old works best! I love brioche or challah, but even regular white bread will do.
• 4 large eggs – Use room temperature eggs to get a smoother batter.
• 1 cup milk (whole milk is my go-to, but any milk will work! I’ve even used almond milk with great results)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Adjust to your sweetness preference. I sometimes add a tablespoon of brown sugar to my smoothies for flavor.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter – Unsalted is best, but if you only have salted, just omit the salt in the bowl.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds a lovely warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
For the Filling:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For that irresistible sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – Use good quality cinnamon for the best flavor. What’s your favorite Vietnamese cinnamon flavor?
• 2 tablespoons melted butter – This helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the bread.
For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar – Sift it to avoid any lumps.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk – Add gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Optional, but it adds a lovely touch.
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. I always grease the tin even if I use liners, just to be extra safe! This ensures the muffins release easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss bread. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. I like to mix everything together until well Make sure all the sugar is dissolved so you don’t end up with grainy muffins.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
If you have bread cubes, pour the wet ingredients over them, making sure to coat all the bread evenly. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, gently pressing down on the bread occasionally to help it absorb the liquid. Do not let bread sit too long or it will get mushy! You want it to be nicely soaked, but still hold its shape.
Step 4: Combine
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Does it smell good?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Set aside.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Spoon bread mixture into muffin cups. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Drizzle a little melted butter over each cup, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add another layer of bread mixture, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon. What is the best way to finish bread mixture? Drizzle any remaining melted butter and cinnamon sugar over the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. What are some of the best ways to get a Keep an eye on them, as ovens vary! If they start to get brown on top, you can tent them with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to .25 inch muffin pans. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Is it possible to While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Once the muffins are cool, drizzle them generously with the glaze. How do you dip muffins into the glaze?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I like to warm them up slightly before serving if they’ve been stored.
What to Serve It With
These muffins are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to take them to the next level:
For Breakfast: Serve with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas. A cup of hot coffee or tea is the perfect complement. I love pairing these with a strong, dark roast coffee.
For Brunch: Arrange the muffins on a platter with other brunch favorites, like scrambled eggs, bacon, and a Fruit Salad. Offer a mimosa or a Bellini for a touch of elegance.
As Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce would also be amazing.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy with a glass of milk or a mug of hot chocolate on a cold day. These are also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on picnics.
My family always loves these served fresh with a side of crispy bacon, it’s a great balance of sweet and savory, which is just perfection!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best cinnamon sugar French Toast muffins ever:
Bread Selection: As I mentioned before, day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard better without getting too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out slightly by leaving it out on the counter for a few hours or toasting it lightly in the oven.
Custard Consistency: Make sure the custard is well combined and smooth before pouring it over the bread. This will ensure that the muffins bake evenly.
Cinnamon Sugar Ratio: Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can reduce the amount of sugar. If you like a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can add more cinnamon.
Muffin Tin Preparation: Greasing the muffin tin really well is essential to prevent the muffins from sticking. You can also use muffin liners for easy removal.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the muffins while they’re baking, as ovens vary. They’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Glaze Consistency: Add the milk to the powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the muffins, but thin enough to drizzle easily.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will make the muffins dry. The muffins should be moist and tender, not dry and crumbly. Remove them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep these delicious muffins fresh:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best on the first day, but still enjoyable the next.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent them from getting soggy.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also toast them in a toaster oven for a crispier texture. If you’ve frozen them, make sure they’re fully thawed before reheating. I don’t usually re-glaze them after freezing but you can make a fresh batch if you’d like!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins have become a staple in my house, and I have a feeling they will be in yours too! They’re the perfect combination of easy, delicious, and versatile. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a simple dessert, they’re sure to be a hit. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other muffin recipes for more delicious baking ideas. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices challah bread Can substitute with brioche or Texas toast
- 2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Dip each slice of bread into the milk mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Place the soaked bread slices into the muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
