Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins combine everything you love about classic French toast with the convenience of a soft, handheld muffin. Cubes of bread are soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard, baked until golden, and finished with melted butter and a generous cinnamon sugar coating. The result is warm, tender, and slightly crisp on the outside, making these muffins perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or an easy weekend treat.
Why This Recipe Works
These French toast muffins are a simple way to enjoy the flavor of French toast without standing over the stove flipping slices one at a time. The bread absorbs a rich egg-and-milk custard before being baked in a muffin tin, creating individual portions with golden edges and soft centers.
The cinnamon sugar coating is what makes these muffins especially delicious. Brushing the warm muffins with melted butter and rolling them in cinnamon sugar gives them a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that pairs beautifully with the soft French toast center.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Muffins
- 6 cups cubed brioche, challah, or French bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small bowl for cinnamon sugar
- Pastry brush, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cut the bread into small cubes, approximately ½ inch in size. Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soft. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them air-dry for a few hours, or lightly toast them before using.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is well incorporated.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture. Gently toss until all the bread is coated. Let the mixture rest for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, so the bread can absorb the custard evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Make sure the sides and bottom of each cup are well coated to make removing the muffins easier.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly between the muffin cups. Press the bread down gently with the back of a spoon so each muffin holds together, but avoid packing it too tightly.
Step 6: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The muffins should be golden on top, slightly crisp around the edges, and set in the center.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
While the muffins are baking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed. Melt the butter separately and keep it ready for coating the warm muffins.
Step 8: Coat the Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for just 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully remove them while they are still warm. Brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until the outside is generously coated.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the cinnamon sugar French toast muffins warm. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
- Choose the right bread: Brioche and challah make especially soft and rich muffins, while French bread gives them a slightly firmer texture.
- Use slightly dry bread: Fresh, soft bread can become too mushy when soaked in custard.
- Let the bread soak: Give the bread enough time to absorb the custard so the muffins have a moist, flavorful center.
- Grease the pan generously: French toast muffins can stick because of the egg custard and sugar, so don’t skip this step.
- Coat while warm: The melted butter and cinnamon sugar adhere best when the muffins are still warm.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the muffins once the centers are set and the tops are golden to keep them tender.
Variations
For a fun twist, add diced apples, raisins, chopped pecans, or a handful of chocolate chips to the soaked bread before baking. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth and spice.
For a richer version, replace a portion of the milk with half-and-half. If you prefer a less sweet breakfast, reduce the sugar in the custard and use a lighter coating of cinnamon sugar.
How to Store
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat individual muffins in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, or warm them in a low oven until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are an easy and delicious twist on classic French toast. With their soft, custardy centers, golden edges, and sweet cinnamon sugar coating, they turn a familiar breakfast into a fun individual treat. Best of all, they can be prepared in the oven without the flipping and stovetop cooking required for traditional French toast.
