If you are looking for a delightful breakfast treat that’s irresistibly cozy and packed with flavor, the Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These muffins capture the classic charm of French toast in a portable, perfectly portioned bite, generously kissed with cinnamon sugar on top. Imagine soft, custardy bread cubes soaked in a sweet, spiced egg mixture, baked until golden, then finished with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crunch. It’s like breakfast comfort food redefined, perfect for lazy mornings, brunches, or even a sweet snack anyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward breakfast bliss. Each one plays an important role: from giving the muffins their tender texture to delivering that warm cinnamon aroma and a touch of sweetness that makes this recipe stand out.
- Day-old bread, 8 slices cubed (about 4 cups): Using day-old bread is perfect because it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
- Large eggs, 4: These bind everything together and create the rich, custardy base for the muffins.
- Milk, 1 cup (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess and helps create that soft texture inside.
- Maple syrup or honey, 1/4 cup: For natural sweetness and a hint of depth in flavor.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Infuses warmth and enhances the overall aroma.
- Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon: Provides that essential spicy note that makes these muffins irresistible.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Melted butter, 2 tablespoons: Adds richness to the topping and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: For that classic crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon (for topping): Intensifies the sweet-spicy topping for an addictive finish.
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease your 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners to ensure easy removal of your muffins later.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined and smooth. This mixture is where all the magic begins, blending sweet and spice into the base of your French toast muffins.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Add the cubed day-old bread to the egg mixture, stirring gently to ensure every bread piece is thoroughly coated. Let this soak for 5 to 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard, making sure each muffin will be perfectly soft and flavorful inside.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the soaked bread evenly among the muffin cups, pressing down slightly to compact the mixture. This step helps the muffins hold their shape while baking, delivering a luscious but structured bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the filled muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers are firm to the touch—like the very best French toast texture packed into a muffin tin.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the muffins bake, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple mix is essential for that crunchy, sweet topping that creates a fantastic contrast with the tender muffins beneath.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over each one. The warmth helps the sugar and butter meld into a delectably crispy crust that’s hard to resist.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re best enjoyed slightly warm but will keep their charm even after cooling down.
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these muffins, try topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add vibrant color and a fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar crust. A sprinkle of powdered sugar works too for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These muffins go wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or savory sausages if you want a well-rounded breakfast plate. For a lighter approach, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt with honey and nuts. These combos provide a delightful balance to the sweetness and spice of the muffins.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving these muffins in a rustic basket lined with a tea towel—perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy weekend breakfasts. Cut them in half and layer with cream cheese and jam for a mini breakfast sandwich twist. You can even skew a muffin with fruit and marshmallows to make adorable breakfast kabobs for kids or brunch guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover baked cinnamon sugar French toast muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is recommended, where they will last up to a week without losing much of their deliciousness.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a convenient grab-and-go breakfast option.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the muffins in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes, which revives their crispy topping and soft inside perfectly. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the crunchy cinnamon sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Fresh bread tends to absorb liquid differently, often becoming too soggy. Day-old bread is preferred because it’s slightly drier and soaks up the egg mixture without turning mushy, resulting in better texture for the muffins.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular milk with almond, soy, oat, or any other plant-based milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives for the topping. This will still deliver excellent flavor and texture.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or fruit to the muffins?
Yes! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips can be gently folded into the soaked bread mixture before baking. Just be mindful not to overload the muffins to maintain their soft, custardy texture.
How do I know when the muffins are fully cooked?
They should be golden brown on top and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. If needed, give them a couple more minutes in the oven.
Can I prepare these muffins the night before and bake in the morning?
Yes, you can assemble the muffins in the muffin tin and cover them tightly with plastic wrap overnight in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes if needed since the mixture will be chilled.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe highly enough for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sweet maple syrup paired with soft, custard-soaked bread. They’re easy to whip up, totally satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a leisurely solo breakfast. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite breakfast traditions!
Print
Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are a delightful breakfast treat featuring cubes of day-old bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar sprinkle. Perfectly portioned and easy to make, they are a delicious twist on classic French toast.
Ingredients
French Toast Muffins
- 8 slices of day-old bread, cubed (about 4 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin to prepare for baking the muffins.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined to create the custard base.
- Soak Bread Cubes: Add the cubed day-old bread to the custard mixture and stir gently to coat all pieces. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid fully.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the soaked bread mixture among the prepared muffin cups, pressing down gently to compact the bread for better structure.
- Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the muffins turn golden brown and are set in the center.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the muffins are baking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to make the topping.
- Add Topping: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter, then immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is essential for the muffins to absorb the custard without turning mushy.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or a sugar-free syrup to adjust sweetness.
- Non-dairy milk alternatives such as almond, oat, or soy milk work well for a dairy-free version.
- Ensure to press the bread mixture firmly into the muffin cups for better shape and texture.
- These muffins reheat well in a toaster oven or microwave for a quick breakfast option.
