Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: The Perfect Breakfast Treat

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: Prepare to revolutionize your breakfast routine! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy muffin, its exterior perfectly crisp and coated in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced embrace. These aren’t just muffins; they’re individual servings of French toast perfection, baked to golden glory and ready to brighten even the sleepiest of mornings.

French toast, in its various forms, has a rich history, dating back to ancient Rome where it was a clever way to use up stale bread. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a beloved breakfast staple enjoyed worldwide. Our Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins take this classic dish and give it a modern, convenient twist.

What makes these muffins so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of textures – the slightly crunchy, caramelized exterior gives way to a soft, custardy interior. The warm cinnamon sugar adds a comforting sweetness that’s simply divine. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for meal prepping. Say goodbye to soggy French toast and hello to perfectly portioned, grab-and-go breakfast bliss! These muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them to family, friends, or simply treating yourself.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1 pound) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Optional toppings: maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is prepare our delicious cinnamon sugar coating. This is what gives these muffins their signature flavor and irresistible sweetness. It’s super simple, I promise!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
2. Whisk the sugar and cinnamon together until they are evenly distributed. Make sure there are no clumps of cinnamon. We want a nice, consistent mixture for coating our bread cubes.
3. Set the cinnamon sugar mixture aside. We’ll need it later for coating the bread cubes before they go into the muffin tin.

Preparing the Custard

Next up, we’re going to make the custard. This is what soaks into the bread and gives the muffins that soft, pillowy texture. Don’t skip the heavy cream – it makes all the difference!

1. In a large bowl, crack the 8 large eggs.
2. Add the 1 1/2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the bowl with the eggs.
3. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. You want to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. A few small bubbles are okay, but try not to over-whisk, as that can make the custard tough.
4. Set the custard aside. We’ll be using it to soak the bread cubes in just a moment.

Coating the Bread Cubes

Now for the fun part! We’re going to coat our bread cubes in that amazing cinnamon sugar mixture we made earlier. This step is crucial for getting that perfect caramelized crust on the muffins.

1. Place the cubed challah or brioche bread in a large bowl. Make sure the bread is slightly stale; this will help it absorb the custard better without becoming soggy. If your bread is too fresh, you can leave it out on the counter for a few hours to dry out a bit.
2. Pour the melted butter over the bread cubes. Toss gently to coat all the bread evenly with the melted butter. This will help the cinnamon sugar stick and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered bread cubes. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure that each cube is coated with the cinnamon sugar. You want every single piece to be covered in that sweet, spicy goodness!

Soaking the Bread Cubes

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to soak the cinnamon-sugar-coated bread cubes in the custard. This allows the bread to absorb all that delicious flavor and become incredibly soft and tender.

1. Pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon-sugar-coated bread cubes.
2. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are all submerged in the custard. You want the bread to be completely saturated.
3. Let the bread cubes soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and become nice and plump. If you have the time, you can even soak them overnight in the refrigerator for an even richer flavor. Just make sure to cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
4. While the bread is soaking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Assembling and Baking the Muffins

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to assemble our muffins and get them into the oven. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while these are baking is simply divine!

1. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent the muffins from sticking. Alternatively, you can use muffin liners.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the soaked bread cubes to the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup evenly. The slotted spoon will help drain off any excess custard, preventing the muffins from becoming too soggy.
3. If there is any custard left in the bowl, pour it evenly over the bread cubes in the muffin tin. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot; the bread will absorb it during baking.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.
5. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the tin and allow them to cool evenly.

Serving and Enjoying

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve and enjoy these amazing Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat any time of day.

1. Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature.
2. Optional: Drizzle with maple syrup, top with whipped cream, or add fresh berries for an extra touch of deliciousness.
3. Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
4. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make these muffins even more special:

• Bread Choice: While challah and brioche are my favorites, you can also use other types of bread, such as French bread, croissants, or even cinnamon swirl bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for best results.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warm and spicy twist.
• Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the muffins before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a decadent chocolatey treat.
• Fruit Filling: Add a layer of fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples, to the bottom of each muffin cup before adding the bread cubes.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of maple syrup for a rich and indulgent treat.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins as much as I do! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to start your day or satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are truly a must-try recipe, transforming a classic breakfast favorite into a fun, portable, and utterly irresistible treat. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one – the combination of the soft, eggy bread, the warm cinnamon spice, and that perfectly caramelized sugar crust is simply divine. They’re the perfect solution for busy weekday mornings, a delightful addition to a weekend brunch spread, or even a sweet little dessert when you’re craving something comforting. What makes these muffins so special is their versatility. They’re not just a one-trick pony! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a richer, more decadent experience, try using brioche or challah bread instead of regular white bread. The extra butter and eggs in those breads will create an even more luxurious texture. You could also add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg to the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Serving suggestions are endless! A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always a classic choice, but why stop there? A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream takes these muffins to the next level. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. If you’re looking for a healthier option, pair them with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt. They’re also fantastic dipped in a warm caramel sauce! Beyond the basic recipe, think about adding mix-ins! Chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter would be amazing additions. For a more festive touch, consider adding dried cranberries and orange zest during the holiday season. The possibilities are truly endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures. These muffins are also incredibly kid-friendly. My own little ones absolutely adore them, and they’re a great way to get them involved in the kitchen. Let them help with measuring ingredients, whisking the egg mixture, or dipping the bread cubes in the cinnamon sugar. It’s a fun and educational activity that the whole family can enjoy. But the best part about these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins? They’re incredibly easy to make! Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these muffins in no time. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the results are always delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your feedback helps me improve the recipe and inspires other readers to give it a try. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear all about your muffin adventures! Print