Description
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins combine the best elements of donuts, muffins, and classic French toast into bite-sized, portable treats. These muffins feature a crispy, sugary exterior with a soft, custardy interior, perfect for busy mornings or brunch. Baked in a muffin tin and coated with butter and cinnamon sugar, they offer a delicious, handheld way to enjoy the flavors of traditional French toast without the mess or time. Serve warm with maple syrup for an irresistible breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 1 loaf French bread or Brioche, cubed (approx 10 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Coating
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Cube the Bread: Cut the French bread or Brioche into 1-inch cubes, roughly 10 cups, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, gently tossing to coat all pieces. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Evenly divide the soaked bread mixture into the prepared muffin cups, pressing down slightly to compact each portion.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the custard is set.
- Prepare the Coating: While the muffins bake, melt the butter in one bowl. In another bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon to form the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Coat the Muffins: Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Then, dip the tops of the warm muffins into the melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon sugar French toast muffins warm, optionally with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- Using stale or day-old bread works best as it soaks up the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- Whole milk is preferred for a richer custard, but you can substitute with 2% or almond milk if desired.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk.
- Press the bread cubes gently into the muffin cups to ensure they hold together well after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, French Toast Muffins, Breakfast Muffin Recipe, Cinnamon Sugar Muffins, Easy Breakfast, Brunch Recipe, Make Ahead Breakfast
