Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that wraps comfort and nostalgia into every bite, let me introduce you to Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. Imagine everything you love about classic French toast—incredible warmth, a hint of cinnamon, that irresistible custardy center—now transformed into hand-held muffins with a crackly cinnamon-sugar crown. These delightful muffins are perfect for brunch, a cozy snack, or a sweet grab-and-go breakfast, making them a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple, reliable ingredients that make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins absolutely shine. Each one plays a role in creating those pillowy interiors and crisp, glistening tops that make these muffins unforgettable.

• Day-old bread cubes (6 cups, white or brioche): The key to the perfect texture—stale bread soaks up the custard without turning mushy!
• Large eggs (4): Eggs create a rich, binding custard and ensure the muffins hold together.
• Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps to round out the custard flavor.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Brings luxurious richness and soft texture to every muffin.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Lightly sweetens the muffin base, setting up the perfect balance for the topping.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses the muffins with a subtle, sweet spice throughout.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Only a pinch, but it amplifies every flavor in the mix.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Essential for a moist, tender crumb and a golden top.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds caramel notes and creates a deliciously sticky topping.
• Cinnamon (1 tbsp, for topping): Takes the topping from simple to spectacular.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, for topping): Creates that signature sparkly crunch.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for perfectly baked muffins. Generously grease your muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray to ensure those lovely muffins pop out effortlessly later.

Step 2: Cube and Toast the Bread

Chop your day-old bread into hearty cubes and pile them into a big mixing bowl. If you crave extra texture, take a moment to lightly toast the cubes in the oven for up to 10 minutes—this adds a satisfying bite that makes Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins irresistible.

Step 3: Mix Up the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. This dreamy custard will soak the bread, ensuring every muffin is moist and fragrant with vanilla-cinnamon goodness.

Step 4: Marry Bread and Custard

Pour your custard mixture over the bread cubes, and gently toss until every piece is coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes—this is key! It gives the bread time to soak up all that rich custard and guarantees that signature French toast texture in every muffin.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the soaked bread into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Try not to pack the bread too tightly; a little air means a fluffier muffin with crisped edges.

Step 6: Make and Add the Topping

Whip up the topping: in a small bowl, blend the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this mix generously over the muffins—it creates the magic, crackly top that’s the hallmark of Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma is heavenly—sweet, toasty, and inviting. Give the muffins a few minutes to cool in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

After about five minutes, gently remove your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins from the tin. Serve them warm, perhaps with a drizzle of real maple syrup for a little extra decadence!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Garnishes

Dress up your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, a fresh berry or two, or a dollop of whipped cream. Each of these adds a pop of color and a festive touch, making them brunch-table ready or party-perfect in seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with tangy Greek yogurt, a colorful fruit salad, or crispy bacon for a beautiful breakfast spread. The slightly sweet, cinnamon-laced flavor of the muffins complements savory sides and juicy fruits brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, pile your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins on a cake stand or rustic wooden board, nestled among sprigs of mint and bowls of berry compote. For single servings, tuck a muffin into a cute cupcake liner and serve alongside a tiny pitcher of syrup for drizzling fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen runs warm or humid, tuck them in the fridge to keep that topping crisp and delightful.

Freezing

These muffins are freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay scrumptious for up to two months—just perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked magic, simply reheat muffins in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. The aroma of cinnamon sugar will fill your kitchen all over again!

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white or brioche is classic for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, challah or even leftover dinner rolls work beautifully. Just avoid super-dense breads so you maintain that light, fluffy result.

Do I need to let the bread soak for exactly 10 minutes?

Ten minutes gives most breads the perfect amount of time to absorb the custard, but if you’re using especially stale bread, a few more minutes won’t hurt. Watch that everything is nicely moistened but not soggy.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! You can substitute extra milk for the heavy cream. Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins will be a bit lighter, but still delicious and satisfying.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread. The texture may be a little different, but the cinnamon sugar flavor and joy factor will be just as wonderful.

Is there a dairy-free way to make these?

Definitely! Use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and a plant-based cream. Substitute melted coconut oil for butter in the topping, and you’ll still get lovely, golden muffins everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for yourself. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or as a cozy treat just for you, these muffins are guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe a few requests for seconds! Give them a try and let the sweet, spiced aroma fill your kitchen with joy.

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