French Toast Muffins

The comforting essence of classic French toast takes a delightful twist in these French Toast Muffins. With crispy golden edges and a soft, custardy center, these muffins are a perfect harmony of texture and flavor. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a cozy breakfast-in-bed, or a treat for the kids, these bite-sized delights fit the bill effortlessly.

You’ll love how simple these are to make, all you need are a few pantry staples and some day-old bread. The cinnamon-sugar aroma will fill your kitchen with cozy vibes as they bake. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for the ultimate sweet brunch experience. These muffins are sure to become a family favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

6 slices of thick bread (preferably brioche or challah), cubed
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp melted butter (for greasing muffin tin)
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with melted butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Add the bread cubes into the egg mixture, gently tossing to ensure every piece is coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to soak.
Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing lightly to pack each one.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the middle.
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with fresh berries as desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins

Why You’ll Love These French Toast Muffins

There’s something incredibly comforting about French toast. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and always brings back memories of slow weekend mornings. But what if we could take everything we love about French toast, the cinnamon, the custard-like texture, the sweetness, and turn it into something even easier to make and eat? That’s exactly what French Toast Muffins are: handheld, muffin-sized bites of golden, baked French toast goodness.

These muffins are not only cute and fun to eat, but they’re also ideal for serving a crowd. You can bake a dozen in one go, which makes them perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or meal prepping for the week ahead. They reheat beautifully, they freeze well, and they’re made with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand.

What sets this recipe apart is how it balances texture and flavor. The tops of the muffins bake up golden and slightly crisp, while the insides stay soft and custardy, just like a classic slice of French toast. Add a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream on top, and you’ve got a bakery-style breakfast treat right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

Day-Old Bread: Using day-old bread (or slightly stale bread) is essential because it absorbs the custard mixture without getting soggy. Brioche, challah, or even plain sandwich bread work wonderfully here. The bread cubes should be dry enough to soak up the egg mixture without breaking apart.
Eggs: Eggs are the foundation of the custard that binds the muffins together. They add richness and structure, ensuring that each muffin holds its shape and has that classic French toast flavor.
Milk and Cream: A combination of whole milk and heavy cream provides the ideal texture. Milk keeps the custard light, while cream adds richness. You can use just milk if you want to lighten things up, or just cream for an extra decadent treat.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar not only sweetens the mixture but adds a hint of molasses flavor, which pairs beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg. You can substitute it with white sugar if needed, but brown sugar gives the muffins more depth.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is the secret to that “bakery” smell and taste. Just a teaspoon is enough to make these muffins feel special.
Spices: Cinnamon is non-negotiable in a French toast recipe, it adds warmth and familiarity. A pinch of nutmeg takes it up a notch, adding complexity without being overwhelming.
Butter: Drizzling melted butter over the muffins before baking helps them get those irresistible golden tops. It also adds a hint of buttery richness with every bite.

What Bread Works Best?

You can use many types of bread for this recipe, but some work better than others:

Brioche: Buttery, tender, and absorbs the custard beautifully.
Challah: Slightly sweet and eggy, ideal for French toast recipes.
French baguette: Use if it’s a day or two old, it offers a chewier texture.
White sandwich bread: A great everyday option, just make sure it’s a little dry.
Cinnamon raisin bread: Adds built-in flavor and sweetness!

Pro tip: If your bread is too fresh, cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or bake it at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry it out.

How to Serve French Toast Muffins

These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Here are a few serving ideas:

Classic: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Fruity: Top with fresh berries, banana slices, or a spoonful of berry compote.
Dessert-style: Add whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a caramel or chocolate drizzle.
Savory twist: Omit the sugar and spices, then mix in cheese, herbs, and cooked bacon or sausage for a savory version.

They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, a chai latte, or a tall glass of cold milk.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best parts about French Toast Muffins is how well they store. Here’s how to make them work for your schedule:

To Make Ahead:

You can assemble the muffin mixture the night before and store it (covered) in the refrigerator overnight. Then simply bake them fresh in the morning.
You can also fully bake the muffins, let them cool, and store them for later use.

Storing:

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Freezing:

Once cooled, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tips for Success

Grease your muffin tin well. These are custard-based, so they can stick if not properly oiled or buttered.
Don’t over-soak the bread. Letting it sit too long in the custard can make the muffins soggy and dense.
Let them cool slightly before removing. This helps them firm up and hold their shape when you take them out of the tin.
Want a crispier top? Broil the muffins for 1–2 minutes after baking for a golden crust.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

French Toast Muffins are a fantastic recipe to make with kids. They can help cube the bread, whisk the custard, and fill the muffin tins. It’s a great introduction to baking and a delicious reward at the end! These muffins are also an ideal option for hosting, whether it’s brunch with friends, a baby shower, or a holiday morning breakfast buffet.

You can double or triple the recipe with ease, making it a reliable go-to when you’re feeding a hungry crowd. And since they don’t require forks or knives, cleanup is a breeze!

Variations to Try

Want to experiment? Here are a few tasty variations:

Apple Cinnamon: Add finely chopped apples and a pinch of apple pie spice to the mix.
Pumpkin Spice: Mix in 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips for a dessert-like breakfast treat.
Pecan Streusel: Top with a brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecan mixture before baking.

Conclusion

French Toast Muffins are more than just a fun twist on a breakfast classic, they’re a celebration of everything we love about cozy mornings, sweet cinnamon spice, and easy baking. Whether you’re looking to impress brunch guests or whip up something special for your family, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. With just a few pantry staples and 40 minutes, you can create a warm, inviting treat that’s packed with comfort and flavor.

From busy weekday mornings to leisurely weekend brunches, these muffins fit the moment. And best of all? You can customize them endlessly to suit your cravings. French Toast Muffins might just become your new breakfast favorite; one golden, cinnamon-scented bite at a time.

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