If you love French toast and can’t resist the sweet flavor of cinnamon sugar, then you’re going to adore Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. These muffins combine all the best flavors of French toast—crispy edges, soft centers, and a hint of sweetness—with the convenience of a portable muffin form. The result is a perfectly baked, bite-sized breakfast treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, need an on-the-go breakfast option, or just want something special for weekend mornings, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into this simple recipe and learn how to create the perfect muffin version of French toast!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
There are plenty of reasons to love these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, from their irresistible flavor to their easy-to-make nature. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a breakfast staple in your kitchen:
1. Convenient and Portable
Unlike traditional French toast, which requires a plate and fork, these muffins are easy to grab and eat on the go. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick yet satisfying breakfast.
2. Cinnamon-Sugar Perfection
Each muffin is coated in a delicious layer of cinnamon sugar, giving you that warm, spiced flavor in every bite. If you’re a fan of cinnamon, you’ll love the added crunch and sweetness this coating provides.
3. Perfect for Brunch or Meal Prep
These muffins are great for serving at a brunch gathering, but they’re also perfect for meal prep. Bake a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a quick breakfast ready for the week ahead. Plus, they freeze well for long-term storage!
To learn more about the origins and variations of French toast, you can check out the Wikipedia page on French Toast.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
To create these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Many of these are likely already in your pantry or fridge, making this recipe both accessible and budget-friendly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread: 6 slices of slightly stale bread (such as brioche or white bread), cut into cubes.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs, for the custard base.
- Milk: 1 cup (whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness).
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for spiced flavor in the custard.
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (for the custard) + 1/4 cup (for the cinnamon sugar coating).
- Butter: 1/4 cup, melted (for brushing the muffins).
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (for the cinnamon sugar coating).
- Maple syrup: Optional, for serving.
These basic ingredients come together to create delicious muffins with the flavors of classic French toast, but in a fun, handheld form.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Making Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins is quick and easy, and they bake to perfection in less than 30 minutes. Follow these steps for the best results:
Step 1: Prep the Bread Cubes
Start by cutting your slightly stale bread into small, 1-inch cubes. Slightly stale bread works best for this recipe because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by spreading the cubes on a baking sheet and toasting them in a 200°F (90°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl and set it aside while you prepare the custard.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and granulated sugar (1/4 cup). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently tossing to ensure all the bread is evenly coated. Let the bread sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the liquid. This step ensures that your muffins are moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
Once the bread has absorbed the custard mixture, spoon the soaked bread cubes evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. Don’t worry if the bread is slightly heaped—this will give the muffins that delightful, crispy top.
Step 4: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and crispy on top. The muffins should feel set and slightly firm to the touch.
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the muffins are still warm, melt the butter and brush it generously over the tops and sides of each muffin. In a small bowl, mix the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (1/4 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon) to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Roll or sprinkle the muffins in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. This gives the muffins that delicious, sweet crunch with every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm, with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. They’re perfect as a breakfast treat, a brunch addition, or a fun snack for any time of day.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Here are a few tips to ensure your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins turn out perfectly every time:
1. Use Slightly Stale Bread
Stale bread is key for French toast because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.
2. Customize the Coating
If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the sugar coating. You can also experiment with adding nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor twist.
3. Don’t Skip the Butter
Brushing the muffins with melted butter before coating them in cinnamon sugar gives them a rich, buttery flavor and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick.
Variations on Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
While these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are delicious as is, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Blueberry French Toast Muffins
For a fruity twist, add a handful of fresh blueberries to the bread mixture before baking. The blueberries will burst in the oven, adding a sweet and juicy contrast to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
2. Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Muffins
For an indulgent treat, add a dollop of cream cheese to the center of each muffin. Simply spoon a little of the bread mixture into the muffin tin, add a small spoonful of cream cheese, and then top with more bread mixture. The result is a creamy, tangy surprise in the middle of each muffin.
3. Maple French Toast Muffins
If you love the flavor of maple, you can swap out the granulated sugar in the custard mixture for maple syrup. This will give the muffins a rich, maple flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of toppings and sides to make them even more special. Here are a few ideas:
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the muffins with warm maple syrup before serving.
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair the muffins with fresh berries, bananas, or apple slices for a lighter, more balanced breakfast.
- Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top makes these muffins feel even more indulgent—perfect for a special brunch or holiday breakfast.
- Pair with Bacon or Sausage: The sweet muffins pair wonderfully with savory sides like bacon or sausage for a well-rounded breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
1. Can I Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make these muffins ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to restore their crispy texture.
2. Can I Freeze French Toast Muffins?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the muffins to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the muffins in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave.
3. What’s the Best Bread for French Toast Muffins?
Any type of slightly stale bread will work for this recipe, but softer, enriched breads like brioche or Hawaiian rolls are ideal. These breads absorb the custard mixture well and have a buttery flavor that complements the cinnamon sugar.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a fun and delicious twist on traditional French toast. With their soft centers, crispy edges, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack. Best of all, they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them with a drizzle of maple syrup or serve them alongside fresh fruit and savory sides, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Looking for more breakfast ideas? Check out our Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe for another delicious and easy treat!