Who says French toast has to stay on the skillet? Say hello to Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, your new favorite breakfast hack! Imagine all the cozy flavors of classic French toast, crispy edges, soft centers, and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch.
Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, this recipe takes just 5 Easy Steps and 30 minutes to make.
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If you loved my Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins, you’ll adore this portable twist. Ready to make your mornings sweeter? Let’s bake these muffins and start the day right!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Breakfast Perfection in Every Bite: These muffins combine the best parts of French toast—soft, custardy centers and crispy edges, with the convenience of a handheld treat. Each bite is packed with warm cinnamon flavor and a sweet, crunchy sugar topping that’s downright irresistible.
Budget-Friendly and Easy: Skip the bakery prices! With simple pantry staples like bread, eggs, milk, and cinnamon, you can whip up a batch of these muffins for a fraction of the cost. Plus, they’re a great way to use up stale bread, no waste here!
Customizable and Fun: Make them your own! Add a drizzle of your homemade maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of fresh berries for extra flair. The cinnamon-sugar topping is a game-changer, giving these muffins a delightful crunch that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making these delicious Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, and why each ingredient matters:
- Toast Sliced Bread – For me, toast sliced bread works best because it holds its shape while soaking up the custard. You can use regular white toast, but if you want a slightly richer flavor, maybe try a buttery version.
- Milk – I always go for whole milk because it adds creaminess, but if you want a lighter version, maybe try 2% milk instead.
- Eggs – These hold everything together and give the muffins that classic French toast texture.
- Granulated Sugar – This adds a touch of sweetness to both the muffin base and the cinnamon sugar coating. You can adjust it slightly if you prefer them less sweet.
- Vanilla Extract – For me, vanilla is a must! It enhances the overall flavor and makes the muffins taste just like classic French toast.
- Ground Cinnamon – I always say, cinnamon is what makes these muffins special! It gives them that warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sugar.
- Salt – Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors. Don’t skip this, it makes a difference!
Note: This is just a quick rundown of the ingredients I used and why, to find all the details and measurements, simply scroll down to my recipe card!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: 5 Easy Steps
Let’s break it down so that anyone, even with little baking experience, can make these tasty muffins!
Prep the Bread
First, cut your toast sliced bread into small cubes. If you’re using fresh bread, toast the slices lightly first. This helps them hold up better when soaked in the custard mix. Just set the bread cubes aside for now.
Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined. You want the mixture to be smooth and well-mixed so that it coats the bread cubes evenly. I always make sure the vanilla is stirred in well; it adds so much flavor to the muffins!
Soak the Bread
Add the bread cubes into the custard mixture and gently stir them together. You want the bread to soak up the custard but not fall apart. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the bread absorbs all that delicious custard. You might notice some pieces will look slightly soggy, that’s fine!
Fill the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your muffin tin with a little butter or non-stick spray. Once the bread is fully soaked, spoon the mixture into each muffin cup. Don’t worry if they seem a little packed in; that’s the perfect way to get soft, fluffy muffins.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over each muffin. This creates that irresistible crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating on top. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch.
What to Serve with this recipe
These muffins are already a delightful treat on their own, but if you’re looking to create a well-rounded meal, here are some tasty options that pair perfectly:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the muffins. The natural sweetness of fruits like berries, oranges, or kiwi adds a refreshing contrast. Plus, the acidity from citrus fruits can cut through the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar topping, creating a delightful balance.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle a bit of maple syrup or honey over the muffins. It enhances the sweetness and adds a bit of stickiness that goes wonderfully with the cinnamon. For a twist, you could try flavored syrups like caramel or vanilla for a fun variation.
- Hot Coffee or Fresh Juice: To wash everything down, hot coffee is a natural pairing. The bold, rich flavor of coffee balances out the sweetness of the muffins. If you prefer something fruity, fresh orange juice or apple cider can add a refreshing touch to the meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Don’t Overmix the Custard
When making the custard mixture, mix gently. Over Whisking can cause the eggs to foam, which could affect the texture. A gentle whisk will create a smooth, creamy base that coats the bread evenly.
Try Adding a Pinch of Nutmeg or Allspice
While cinnamon is the star, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a subtle depth of flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the cinnamon, these spices work best when used sparingly.
Adjust Baking Time Based on Muffin Size
If you decide to use a different-sized muffin tin (like mini muffins or jumbo muffins), adjust the baking time. Mini muffins will bake faster, while jumbo muffins might need a little more time in the oven. Keep an eye on them and check with a toothpick to see if they’re done.
Storing Tips
- Keep any leftovers in a sealed, airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3–4 days. The topping may soften, but they’ll still taste great!
- Wrap muffins in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, pop them in the oven (350°F) for 10–15 minutes to stay soft.
- For that fresh-baked feel, brush the tops with butter and sprinkle on extra cinnamon sugar. You can also use a toaster oven for a crispy finish!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Healthier?
To make your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins healthier, try using whole wheat bread or a gluten-free option. You can also swap regular sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp?
The secret to getting that perfect crisp on Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins lies in the cinnamon sugar topping. After brushing the muffins with melted butter, sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon-sugar on top before baking.
Did you try making this recipe? It will make me so HAPPY if you rate it and share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 10 slices of Toast bread cut into small cubes
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- First, cut your toast sliced bread into small cubes. This helps them hold up better when soaked in the custard mix.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined. You want the mixture to be smooth and well-mixed so that it coats the bread cubes evenly.
- Add your bread cubes into the mixture and stir. You want the bread to soak up the custard but not fall apart. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your muffin tin with a little butter or non-stick spray. Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup. Don’t worry if they seem a little packed in; that’s the perfect way to get soft, fluffy muffins.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over each muffin. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Over Whisking can cause the eggs to foam, which could affect the texture. A gentle whisk will create a smooth, creamy base that coats the bread evenly.
- If you decide to use a different-sized muffin tin, adjust the baking time.
