There’s nothing better than waking up to a warm, sweet, and delightful breakfast that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins combine the best of both worlds—the flavors of your favorite French toast in a convenient, portable muffin form. These muffins are perfect for busy mornings, family brunches, or even as a snack for any time of day. With the sweet crunch of cinnamon sugar on top and the soft, custardy interior, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
French toast muffins are not only easy to prepare, but they also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. If you enjoy making ahead your breakfasts or simply want to offer your family something unique and flavorful, these muffins are the answer. Plus, with a few simple adjustments, you can tailor this recipe to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins from scratch, along with tips, variations, and frequently asked questions. We’ll also discuss how you can use organic and gluten-free ingredients, like those from Horizon Organic, to create healthier options without compromising on taste.
Looking for a sweet twist? Try exploring how muffins can be sweetened with natural ingredients like in this Pistachio Muffin recipe to create even more exciting breakfast options.
What are Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?
Imagine French toast with a crispy cinnamon sugar topping, packed into a muffin form. These muffins are incredibly versatile, and you can make them ahead of time, freeze them, and reheat whenever you want a quick breakfast treat. The key ingredients are thick-sliced bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, all baked to golden perfection.
To make this dish even more customizable, you can explore different bread alternatives, such as gluten-free options from King Arthur Baking, and adjust the recipe to fit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the essential ingredients for making these delightful muffins:
- 14 slices of Texas toast or thick bread – Texas toast is ideal for its thickness, which helps the muffins retain moisture without becoming soggy.
- 6 eggs – Essential for the custard-like mixture that binds everything together.
- 2 cups of whole milk – For a rich and creamy base. You can also substitute with almond, soy, or oat milk.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 6 tablespoons sugar – Used both in the custard and as a topping with cinnamon.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star of the recipe that adds warmth and spice.
- Powdered sugar or syrup for serving – Optional, but recommended for an extra touch of sweetness.
If you’re interested in learning more about perfecting baked goods like these muffins, check out the detailed tips on maintaining moistness and texture in muffins in this guide.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins recipe is incredibly easy and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. Follow the steps below to create a breakfast that will leave your kitchen smelling like a cinnamon-sugar wonderland!
1 Step: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cavity muffin tin.
- Slice your Texas toast into cubes. The bread should be slightly stale, as this helps it absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Place the bread cubes into a large bowl.
2 Step: Make the Custard Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
- Pour this mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
3 Step: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Divide the soaked bread cubes evenly among the muffin cavities. Don’t be afraid to pack them tightly and let the cubes pile above the rim—this will give the muffins that signature fluffy texture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each muffin.
4 Step: Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and baked through the middle.
- Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-sugar dream by the time these are done!
5 Step: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with syrup for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
To ensure your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins turn out perfect every time, here are some handy tips:
- Use slightly stale bread: Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked in the custard mixture. If your bread is fresh, try toasting it lightly before using it in the recipe.
- Pack the muffin tin well: Don’t be afraid to fill the muffin cavities to the top with the soaked bread cubes. The more packed the muffins, the fluffier they will be.
- Don’t over-soak the bread: While the bread should be thoroughly coated, you don’t want it to sit too long in the custard mixture, as it can become overly soft and lose structure.
Toppings and Serving Suggestions
While these muffins are delicious on their own, you can elevate them with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Maple syrup – Drizzle some warm syrup over the muffins for that classic French toast flavor.
- Fresh fruit – Top with berries, bananas, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent breakfast.
- Nuts – Add some crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans.
Pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or fresh juice for a complete breakfast experience.
Storing and Freezing Muffins
One of the best things about these muffins is that they store well, making them perfect for meal prep.
To Store:
- Place the cooled muffins in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days.
To Freeze:
- Individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
- To reheat, simply unwrap the muffin and microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
You can easily customize these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variation ideas:
Savory French Toast Muffins
If you prefer a savory twist on this recipe, try swapping the sugar and cinnamon for ingredients like:
- Cheese – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the egg mixture for a cheesy delight.
- Herbs – Season the custard with fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives.
- Protein – Incorporate diced ham, cooked sausage, or crumbled bacon into the muffin mix for a heartier breakfast option.
Gluten-Free French Toast Muffins
For a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure to check out the excellent selection of gluten-free bread options from King Arthur Baking, which work perfectly in this recipe.
Vegan French Toast Muffins
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with a plant-based alternative, such as:
- Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg)
- Use plant-based milk like almond or soy, and replace the sugar with a sweetener like maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
How do I prevent soggy muffins?
The key to avoiding soggy muffins is using slightly stale bread and not over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly before mixing it with the custard.
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Texas toast?
Yes, but keep in mind that Texas toast is thicker and will hold up better in this recipe. If you’re using regular sandwich bread, you may want to toast it lightly or use a double layer to achieve the same texture.
How long can these muffins be stored?
At room temperature, the muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. If you’re freezing them, they’ll last for up to three months.
Can I make these muffins in advance?
Absolutely! These muffins are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply store or freeze them after baking, and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per muffin:
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 257 mg
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Sugar: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
If you’re looking to make the muffins a bit healthier, consider using less sugar or opting for a plant-based milk alternative.
Conclusion: Try Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Today!
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins offer the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast or a special treat for a weekend brunch, these muffins are sure to please. With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, they are a great addition to your meal rotation.
So, why not give them a try? Experiment with different toppings, flavors, and even make-ahead options. You won’t regret it—this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Let me know in the comments below how your muffins turned out! What variations did you try?