Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

There is something undeniably delightful about Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins that instantly brings a cozy, comforting vibe to any morning. These muffins capture that nostalgic flavor of classic French toast, with a cinnamon-sugar crust that’s crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft inside. Imagine waking up to these golden, bite-sized treasures that balance the richness of eggs and cream with the warm sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. It’s a delicious twist on breakfast that’s perfect for sharing or indulging all to yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. Each component plays a crucial role, from lending structure and creaminess to infusing that classic sweet-spicy flavor we crave.

• Day-old bread, 4 cups cubed: Using slightly stale bread ensures the custard soaks in perfectly without the muffins becoming too soggy.
• Large eggs, 4: These provide the perfect structure and richness to bind everything together.
• Whole milk, 1 cup: Adds creaminess that softens the bread while keeping the batter light.
• Heavy cream, ½ cup: Boosts the richness and gives the muffins a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar, ¼ cup: Sweetens the custard just enough to showcase the cinnamon’s warmth.
• Vanilla extract, 2 tsp: Amplifies the sweet flavors with a lovely fragrance.
• Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp: The heart of the recipe, bringing that essential cinnamon punch throughout.
• Topping ingredients: ¼ cup granulated sugar for sweetness, 1 tsp ground cinnamon for a crunchy spicy crust, and 2 tbsp melted butter to help everything crisp up beautifully.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

Start by placing your cubed day-old bread into a large mixing bowl. The cubes should be roughly bite-sized to create muffins that are tender but still hold their shape. Using day-old bread is key because it absorbs the custard mixture better, giving you that perfect custardy texture in every bite.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. This custard is what transforms the bread cubes into soft, flavorful muffins. The cinnamon and vanilla in this mixture are what infuse the signature warmth and sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold to coat them evenly. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the bread soaks up all that delicious custard. This step ensures the final muffins are moist and flavorful instead of dry or crumbly.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

While the bread is soaking, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Set aside the melted butter, as it will help the cinnamon-sugar mixture crisp up perfectly on top of the muffins once baked.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin and Add Topping

Spoon the soaked bread mixture into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. Brush the melted butter generously over each muffin, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly. This is what creates the signature crunchy, sweet crust that makes these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins truly special.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re puffed, set, and beautifully golden brown on top. Let them cool slightly before removing from the pan to enjoy that perfect combination of crispy tops and soft interiors.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Garnishes

These muffins are delightful enough on their own, but you can elevate them with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries add a nice pop of color and fresh brightness that balances the sweet spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins with savory sides like crispy bacon or sausage to create a balanced breakfast spread. Fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait also complement the muffins’ sweetness and add variety to your morning meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these muffins with a side of warm caramel sauce or a small bowl of melted chocolate for dipping. You can also stack them buffet-style for a brunch party, letting guests help themselves to the cinnamon-sugar goodness, garnishes, and sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll keep their texture and flavor well when stored properly, making them easy to enjoy later.

Freezing

To keep these muffins fresh for longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy a warm, homemade treat any time.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins by warming them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crisped back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Fresh bread tends to be too soft and will get soggy when soaked in the custard. Using day-old bread, which is drier, helps the muffins maintain a nice structure and prevents them from becoming mushy.

Can I substitute milk and heavy cream with a non-dairy option?

Yes! You can use almond, oat, or soy milk combined with coconut cream for richness. Just keep the total liquid volume the same for best results.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free bakery bread. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delightful.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

Yes, soaking the bread overnight in the custard actually enhances the flavor and texture. Just cover the mixture and refrigerate it overnight, then proceed with baking the next morning.

How long do Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins last after baking?

They’re best enjoyed within two days at room temperature, but can be refrigerated to stretch freshness for up to four days.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a little slice of breakfast heaven that bring warmth and joy to your mornings. Whether you’re making them for a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch, they’re sure to become one of your favorite treats to share. Dive in and enjoy the comforting hug of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness in every bite!

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