Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Cups Recipe

Irresistible Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Cups Recipe for Breakfast Joy

Cinnamon swirl French toast cups blend breakfast magic with irresistible comfort.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising pure morning delight.

Crispy edges and soft centers create a sensational texture that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Imagine converting classic breakfast ingredients into something surprisingly elegant and playful.

Bread becomes a delicate vessel for rich, warm spices and creamy custard.

Mornings deserve something special that makes you smile before the first bite.

Explore this recipe and turn an ordinary breakfast into an unforgettable experience.

FAQs About Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Cups

  • Can I make these French toast cups ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake these cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just reheat briefly in the oven before serving to restore their fresh-baked texture.

  • What if I don't have a muffin tin?

You can use a cake pan or baking dish, but adjust baking time and cut the cups into squares after baking. The texture might be slightly different from individual cups.

  • Can I substitute ingredients for a healthier version?

Sure! Replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, use a sugar substitute, or swap vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter option. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the recipe’s structure.

  • How long will these French toast cups stay fresh?

These cups will stay delicious for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate and gently reheat before serving.

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Cups Breakdown

  • Indulge in a delightful morning treat that transforms classic French toast into adorable, portable muffin cups bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
  • Enjoy a foolproof recipe that requires minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Whip up a crowd-pleasing breakfast in just 30 minutes that kids and adults will love, with individual portions that make serving and enjoying a breeze.
  • Elevate traditional breakfast fare by creating a handheld version of French toast that combines the best elements of muffins and cinnamon-swirl bread in one irresistible package.

Ingredients for French Toast Cups

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key base for the structure and texture of the French toast cups.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for helping the batter rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic flavor characteristic of the recipe.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with browning, available in melted form.
  • Vegetable Oil: Contributes to moisture and helps create a soft crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spicy coating for the French toast cups.
  • Butter: Used for dipping to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the surface.

Instructions for French Toast Cups

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a muffin tin and either line it with paper cups or give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Milk
  • Melted butter
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t worry about a few small lumps – they’ll add character to your French toast cups!

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Carefully spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters of the way. This gives them room to rise and become beautifully puffy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a cup – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Create the Delicious Topping

While the cups are cooling, prepare your finishing touch:
  • Mix sugar and cinnamon in one small bowl
  • Melt butter in another bowl

Once the cups are warm (but not piping hot), dip the tops first in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Transfer the French toast cups to a wire rack. Let them cool slightly so the topping sets. Serve warm.

Pro Tips for Cinnamon Swirl Toast Cups

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy, avoiding tough French toast cups.
  • Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise 350°F temperature, preventing uneven baking or burned edges.
  • Create Consistent Size: Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to distribute batter evenly, guaranteeing uniform cooking and professional-looking results.
  • Master the Topping Technique: Dip muffin tops quickly in melted butter and immediately roll in cinnamon-sugar for maximum coverage and flavor absorption.
  • Test Doneness Carefully: Insert toothpick at a slight angle into the center of a muffin, ensuring it comes out clean without raw batter for perfectly baked cups.

How to Store and Reheat French Toast Cups

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm cups at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior. Covering with foil prevents excessive browning.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Pair with French Toast Cups

  • Brew Cinnamon Comfort: Pair these French toast cups with a warm, spiced chai latte to enhance the cinnamon notes and create a cozy morning experience.
  • Fruity Morning Delight: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet, rich breakfast treat.
  • Creamy Companion Drizzle: Top with a light vanilla bean cream sauce or maple-infused whipped cream to elevate the texture and add an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or pecans over the cups to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth to the soft, sweet base.

French Toast Cup Recipe Ideas

  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking for added texture and rich nutty flavor.
  • Berry Blast Version: Fold fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter to create bursts of fruity sweetness in each bite.
  • Chocolate Swirl Option: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the cinnamon-sugar topping for a decadent chocolate enhancement.
  • Cream Cheese Filling Twist: Create a small well in the center of each muffin cup and add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese before baking for a creamy surprise inside.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Cups Recipe

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Cups Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Cups bring classic breakfast comfort to new heights with layers of sweet, spiced perfection. Crisp edges and tender centers promise a morning treat that melts in your mouth, inviting breakfast enthusiasts to savor each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk

Wet Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange paper liners inside a muffin tin or lightly coat the cups with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring the dry ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
  3. In a separate vessel, vigorously whisk milk, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the liquid components are well blended.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Small lumps in the batter are acceptable and will contribute to a tender texture.
  5. Carefully ladle the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
  6. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring the progress. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
  7. Remove the tin from the oven and let the muffins rest momentarily. Carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack.
  8. While the muffins are still warm, create the topping by combining sugar and cinnamon in one bowl and melting butter in another.
  9. Dip each muffin top first into the melted butter, then immediately roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  10. Serve the cinnamon swirl french toast cups warm, enjoying their delicate, fragrant exterior and soft interior.

Notes

  • Prep these delightful breakfast cups ahead of time for quick morning enjoyment or as a weekend treat for family and friends.
  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, ensuring your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Check muffins at the 20-minute mark to prevent overcooking, as every oven can vary slightly in temperature and baking performance.
  • Make sure to fill muffin cups only three-quarters full to allow proper rising and prevent overflow during baking.
  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • For extra richness, consider adding a splash of cream or replacing some milk with buttermilk in the wet ingredient mixture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star