Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful blend of two breakfast classics: French toast and muffins. They bring together the crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior of French toast in a portable, muffin-sized treat. These muffins are ideal for busy mornings or leisurely brunches, offering both convenience and flavor.

Their appeal comes from their versatility, as they can be easily customized with various toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruits, and they are freezer-friendly for meal prep. Whether served warm or reheated, they provide a delicious breakfast option for any occasion.

Perfect for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or an afternoon snack, Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are crowd-pleasers. The recipe can be easily modified by using pantry staples and leftover bread, making them an economical and satisfying treat.

Ingredients and Recipe Step-by-Step

Ingredients

Bread cubes (white bread, Texas toast, or sourdough work well)
Eggs
Milk
Ground cinnamon
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and either grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Soak the Bread: Add cubed bread to the egg mixture, gently folding it in until the bread absorbs all the liquid.
Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly into the muffin tin, pressing down slightly to pack the bread into each cup.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of each muffin for a crispy, flavorful topping.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before serving. For added sweetness, drizzle them with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is not just a delicious spice—it’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for people with diabetes. Additionally, cinnamon has antimicrobial qualities, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

Eggs

Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair. Eggs are also rich in vitamins like B12 and D, along with minerals such as choline, which supports brain health and function.

Milk

Milk contributes essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. For those who are lactose intolerant, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used as dairy substitutes, without compromising the texture or taste of the muffins.

Whole Wheat Bread (optional)

Swapping out white bread for whole wheat bread in the recipe increases its fiber content, making the muffins more filling and beneficial for digestive health. Whole wheat bread also provides a good dose of B vitamins and antioxidants.

Flavors and Add-ins

Blueberry Muffins: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a sweet, fruity twist. The blueberries add moisture and a refreshing flavor burst with every bite.
Apple Cinnamon: Diced apples mixed with a dash of apple pie spice create a warm, autumnal variation. This combo is perfect for fall brunches.
Pumpkin Spice: Substitute some milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat. This gives the muffins a rich, spiced flavor perfect for cozy mornings.
Chocolate Chip Muffins: For a kid-friendly version, fold in mini chocolate chips to add sweetness and fun.
Nut Toppings: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The nuts can either be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top for a nutty flavor.

Alternative Toppings

Lemon Glaze: A drizzle of tangy lemon glaze adds brightness to the muffins, balancing out the sweetness.
Nutella Swirl: Swirl Nutella into the batter before baking for a decadent, chocolate-hazelnut treat.
Whipped Cream: For a more indulgent option, top the muffins with whipped cream for a dessert-like experience.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week to extend their freshness.
Freezer: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave: Reheat each muffin for 20-30 seconds to enjoy them warm.
Oven: For a slightly crisp exterior, reheat the muffins in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

For Breakfast or Brunch

Pair the muffins with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect start to the day.

As a Snack

These muffins make a great mid-afternoon snack, especially when served with a spread of cream cheese or butter.
Pair with a warm beverage like hot chocolate, coffee, or chai tea for a comforting treat.

FAQs

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?
Make sure the muffins are completely cooled before removing them from the liners. Alternatively, using non-stick muffin tins or greasing the liners can help prevent sticking.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake them for a fresh breakfast option.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture might be denser. Whole wheat flour adds extra fiber and a slight nutty flavor.
How can I make these muffins vegan?
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use almond milk or another plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.
How long do these muffins last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the muffins stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature and can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Author: Christophe

Print Recipe

Description

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delicious fusion of two breakfast favorites. These muffins capture the soft, custardy interior of French toast while adding a sweet, crispy cinnamon-sugar topping. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients like bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Perfect for meal prep, these muffins can be made ahead of time and stored for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless customizations, whether you want to add fruits, nuts, or drizzle them with syrup.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
Prepare the muffin batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Fill the muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
Coat with cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Serve warm or at room temperature: Enjoy these muffins fresh from the oven or store them in an airtight container for up to three days.

Notes

Bread Choices: Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Use white bread, sourdough, or even brioche for a richer flavor.
Toppings: For extra flavor, consider adding a drizzle of maple syrup, dusting with powdered sugar, or serving with fresh berries.
Customizations: You can easily customize these muffins by adding chocolate chips, diced apples, or blueberries to the batter.
Freezing: These muffins freeze well. Store them individually wrapped for up to one month, and reheat when needed for a warm, satisfying breakfast.