Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe for Breakfast Joy

My weekend mornings light up whenever cinnamon sugar french toast muffins appear on the breakfast table.

These delectable treats combine the warmth of classic french toast with the portable charm of muffins.

Sweet aromas drift through the kitchen, promising something special.

Each bite delivers a delightful mix of tender crumb and caramelized sugar edges.

Soft, pillowy textures mingle with rich cinnamon notes that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe a morning game-changer for busy households.

Come bake these irresistible muffins and transform your breakfast routine into a celebration of flavor.

Reasons Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Are a Hit

  • Elevate your morning routine with these delightful French toast muffins that bring restaurant-style magic to your home kitchen.
  • Prep takes just minutes, making these muffins perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous weekend brunches with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Kids and adults will love these handheld treats that combine the classic French toast experience with the convenience of a grab-and-go muffin, suitable for weekday breakfasts or special occasions.
  • Easily customize the recipe by using different bread types, adding nuts, or experimenting with alternative spices to match your flavor preferences and pantry ingredients.

What Goes Into Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Main Ingredients:

Bread Cubes:
  • Bread: Soft, day-old bread is the heart of these muffins, perfect for soaking up the rich custard. Brioche or challah work wonderfully for extra richness.
Base Liquids:
  • Eggs, Milk: Create a creamy custard base that transforms bread into a luscious breakfast treat. Whole milk provides the best texture and flavor.
Sweeteners and Spices:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Add sweetness and warm spice to the muffins. Fresh ground cinnamon offers the most intense flavor.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweet flavors. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for best results.
  • Nutmeg: Optional spice that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
  • Salt: Balances and elevates the overall sweetness of the muffins.
Coating and Finishing:
  • Butter (Melted): Provides richness and helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick to the muffins. Unsalted butter gives the best control over saltiness.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: A classic topping that adds a sweet, spicy crunch to the exterior of the muffins. Mix just before using for maximum flavor.

Directions for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by either greasing it thoroughly or lining with cupcake papers.

Step 2: Create Magical Custard Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Transform Bread Into Custardy Goodness

Tear bread into bite-sized chunks and gently fold into the custard mixture. Allow bread to soak up all the delicious liquid for 5-10 minutes, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4: Build Tasty Muffin Towers

Carefully scoop the soaked bread into each muffin cavity. Press down gently to compact the mixture. Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra richness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers feel set.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Sugar Magic Coating

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Once muffins have cooled slightly, brush with melted butter and roll or sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Present warm muffins with optional garnishes like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries. Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Best Tips for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

  • Select the Right Bread: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture, ensuring your muffins remain moist and delicious.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Press bread cubes gently into the muffin tin to avoid excess liquid pooling, which helps create a perfectly uniform and crispy-edged muffin.
  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Add a dash of ground nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the custard mixture for a more sophisticated and unexpected taste profile.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free bread to make these muffins accessible for different dietary restrictions.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the muffins the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that impresses family and guests with minimal morning effort.

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for long-term storage.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins at 350F for 5-7 minutes until heated through, restoring their original soft texture.
  • Quickly reheat a muffin for 15-20 seconds, watching carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.

Pair These with Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

  • Rich espresso topped with velvety milk foam perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon notes of these French toast muffins, creating a harmonious breakfast experience.
  • Fresh mixed berry sauce drizzled over the muffins adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the rich, buttery texture and balances the sweet cinnamon flavor.
  • Warm, golden caramel sauce provides a luxurious depth that intensifies the muffins' sweetness and creates an indulgent morning treat.
  • Chilled vanilla-infused milk offers a smooth, refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced muffins, making each bite feel like a delightful comfort food moment.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Made New

Gluten-Free French Toast Muffins: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour-based bread to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.

Vegan French Toast Muffins: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.

Whole Wheat Protein Boost: Swap white bread with whole wheat bread and add a scoop of protein powder to the custard mixture for a more nutritious breakfast option that supports muscle recovery.

Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, incorporate chia seeds into the mixture, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious cinnamon flavor profile.

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Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon sugar french toast muffins blend classic breakfast comfort with handheld convenience. Delightful pockets of sweet cinnamon goodness promise a delectable morning treat you’ll savor with pure breakfast joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (brioche or French bread)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups milk (or half-and-half)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously prepare a standard muffin tin with non-stick spray or cupcake liners to ensure effortless removal.
  2. Create a luscious custard base by vigorously whisking eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a delicate pinch of salt until smooth and fully integrated.
  3. Gently fold bread cubes into the aromatic custard mixture, allowing them to luxuriously absorb the liquid for 7-8 minutes, ensuring maximum flavor saturation.
  4. Carefully transfer the saturated bread mixture into muffin cavities, pressing gently to compact the contents and eliminate air pockets, creating dense and structured muffins.
  5. Artfully drizzle melted butter across the top of each muffin to enhance richness and promote golden-brown caramelization during baking.
  6. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, watching for a perfectly bronzed exterior and firm, set interior.
  7. While muffins cool momentarily, combine sugar and additional cinnamon in a shallow dish for coating.
  8. Delicately brush each warm muffin with melted butter, then roll or generously sprinkle with the fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture for a crisp, sweet exterior.
  9. Serve immediately, accompanied by optional garnishes like pure maple syrup, fluffy whipped cream, or vibrant fresh berries to elevate the breakfast experience.

Notes

  • Create extra flavor depth by using day-old brioche or challah bread instead of regular white bread for richer, more indulgent muffins.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting half the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia for a lower-calorie version.
  • Enhance nutritional value by incorporating whole wheat bread or adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the custard mixture for additional protein and texture.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 246
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 71 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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