Easy Cinnamon French Toast Muffins: Perfect for Breakfast & Brunch
Cinnamon French Toast Muffins offer a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, transforming it into a convenient, freezer-friendly treat. This recipe is particularly great for using up any type of bread, especially those stale or about-to-be-stale slices you might have lying around! Imagine all the deliciousness of classic French toast, but in a grab-and-go form that’s perfect for dipping, dunking, or drizzling with warm maple syrup. These muffins are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making mornings a little sweeter and a lot easier.
French toast and muffins – two breakfast titans unite! Get ready for a morning staple that will conquer chaotic weekday breakfasts and leisurely weekend brunches alike. Say goodbye to forks and hello to fork-free fun with these incredible Cinnamon French Toast Muffins!
What Makes These Muffins Irresistible?
These perfectly portable muffins are not only a delightful grab-and-go alternative to the traditional French toast experience but also a quicker and easier option than their cousin, Cinnamon French Toast Sticks. They offer the same comforting flavors in a more manageable, mess-free format.
One of the best things about this recipe is its ability to transform stale bread into something truly special. The bread quickly absorbs a scrumptious custard made from eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Simply fill up your muffin tin cups with the mixture, bake them in the oven, and then dip, dunk, or drizzle them with your favorite toppings. These muffins are also a wonderful way to reduce food waste and make the most of your pantry staples.
These muffins are a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both children and adults. They are also a fantastic finger-friendly option for lunch boxes, car rides, or those cozy cartoon-filled mornings on the couch, providing a tasty and satisfying start to the day.
Essential Ingredients for French Toast Muffin Magic
The core ingredients required for these French toast muffin cups are remarkably similar to those used in my baked French Toast sticks recipe. Let’s delve deeper into what you’ll need to create these morning masterpieces:
- Eggs: Just like in classic French toast, eggs are essential. They provide structure, richness, and moisture to the muffins. In the custard, they act as a binding agent, contributing to the muffins’ incredibly smooth texture.
- Milk: I prefer to use whole milk for its creaminess and velvety texture. The higher fat content further enhances the overall richness of the muffins. However, you can use any type of milk you like, including non-dairy options like almond or soy milk. Slightly warming the milk before incorporating it into the custard mixture ensures that it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice that defines the warm, comforting taste of French toast. It’s also a key ingredient in my favorite apple cinnamon pancakes, adding that touch of spice that makes everything better.
- Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to the custard mixture, creating a perfect balance with the warm spices. This is a similar strategy to my favorite citrusy overnight French toast bake, where sweetness and spice harmoniously meet.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhance the overall flavor profile with a dash of vanilla extract. Whenever I have homemade vanilla extract on hand, that’s always my go-to choice! The depth of flavor in homemade vanilla is truly unparalleled.
- Bread: Almost any type of bread will work for this recipe, but slightly stale bread is ideal because it readily absorbs the custard mixture. I typically use a brioche loaf whenever I make this recipe. Its slightly sweet and rich flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly.
See the recipe card below for detailed information on ingredients and their precise quantities.
Step-by-Step Guide: Baking Your French Toast Muffins
Baking a batch of these handheld French toast muffins is incredibly easy! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of warm, delicious muffins.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make them easier to remove after baking. You can also use muffin liners for even easier removal.
- Cut your bread into uniform 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) cubes. Ensuring that the cubes are around the same size guarantees that each muffin will be perfectly moist and flavorful. Uniformity is key to even baking!
- Prepare the custard mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and consistent.
- Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture. Gently fold the bread into the custard until each piece is fully coated and the bread has absorbed all of the liquid. Allow the bread to soak for a few minutes to ensure maximum absorption.
- Fill the muffin cups. Divide the bread mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups, pressing it lightly into each cup to compact it slightly. This will help the muffins hold their shape during baking.
- Bake until golden brown. Bake the French toast cups for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are slightly crisped on top and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve. Allow the cups to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin tin before scooping each one out and serving. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Delicious Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Muffins
- Maple Syrup: The classic choice! Drizzle generously on top or dip to your heart’s content.
- Vanilla Glaze: Whip up a batch of the simple vanilla glaze recipe I use for my pizza cinnamon rolls. It adds a decadent touch of sweetness.
- Fresh Berries: Add a burst of refreshing, fruity contrast with your favorite fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all excellent choices.
- Whipped Cream: Complement the rich flavors of the French toast with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Keep it simple yet elegant with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Kelly’s Expert Tips for Perfect French Toast Muffins
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a sturdy bread such as brioche, challah, or slightly stale white or whole wheat bread. The denser texture will ensure the bread holds up well to the custard mixture. A French baguette also works great!
- Dry Out Fresh Bread: If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them air-dry for about an hour. This helps the bread absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
- Grease the Muffin Tin Well: Generously grease the muffin tin to prevent sticking. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even muffin liners for easy removal.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the custard-soaked bread cubes the night before, and in the morning, simply pop them in the oven for a stress-free and delicious start to your day.
Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Muffins Fresh
Store any leftover French toast muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
You can also freeze the baked French toast muffins for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Toast Muffins
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, these muffins are ideal for preparing in advance. You can assemble them, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight before baking in the morning for a convenient breakfast solution.
What’s the best way to serve them for a crowd?
Arrange the muffins beautifully on a platter and set up a DIY topping station complete with a variety of syrups, fresh fruits, whipped cream, and other toppings. It’s a fun and interactive way for guests to customize their breakfast or brunch.
Is French toast supposed to be crunchy?
Traditional French toast is not intended to be crunchy; it’s typically known for its soft and tender texture. The ideal result is a crisp, golden-brown exterior with a moist and slightly custardy interior. These muffins follow the same principle.
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Explore More French Toast Recipes You’ll Adore
- Banana and Nutella Stuffed French Toast: A decadent twist on a classic.
- Banana Bread French Toast: The best of both worlds in one delicious dish.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast: A sweet and creamy indulgence.
- Challah French Toast: Using challah bread elevates this recipe to a new level.
- Pumpkin French Toast Casserole: Perfect for fall mornings and holiday brunches.
- Hot Chocolate French Toast: A cozy and comforting treat for chocolate lovers.
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Cinnamon French Toast Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 14 cups cubed bread (1/2-inch cubes; See Kelly’s Note)
- Maple syrup or vanilla glaze, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla extract. Add the cubed bread to the bowl and fold until combined and the bread has absorbed all of the liquid.
- Divide the bread mixture among the muffin tin cups, pressing it lightly into each cup to compact it.
- Bake the French toast cups for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re slightly crisped on top and cooked throughout. Allow the cups to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin tin then scoop each one out and serve topped with maple syrup or vanilla glaze.
Kelly’s Notes
- Any type of bread will work, but slightly stale bread is best, as it’ll easily absorb the liquid.
- You can prep these and leave the muffin tin in the fridge overnight. However, you may have to bake them slightly longer if they start at a cold state.
- To freeze, place the cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave.
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