Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

Sweet Swirls: Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

Mornings bloom with warmth when you sink your teeth into these delectable cinnamon sugar french toast muffins that blend the best of breakfast traditions.

Soft, tender, and bursting with sweet cinnamon notes, these muffins redefine morning comfort.

Each bite carries the nostalgic essence of classic french toast, transformed into a handheld delight.

Crisp edges give way to a tender, custardy center that melts in your mouth.

The generous coating of cinnamon sugar creates a delightful crunch that elevates every single mouthful.

Simple ingredients come together to craft these irresistible treats that will have everyone at the breakfast table asking for seconds.

Dive into this recipe and let the aroma of freshly baked muffins awaken your senses.

Instructions For Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Instructions For Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
  • Cozy Oven Prep

Warmup your kitchen companion to a toasty 350 degrees. Grab a muffin tin and give it a quick spray or line with cute paper cups.

  • Magic Custard Creation

Whisk together creamy eggs, silky milk, sweet sugar, aromatic vanilla, and warm spices in a big mixing bowl. Let the flavors dance and mingle.

  • Bread Transformation

Toss soft bread chunks into the dreamy liquid mixture. Allow bread to soak up all the delicious goodness for a few minutes, becoming wonderfully saturated.

  • Muffin Assembly

Lovingly scoop the soaked bread into each muffin pocket. Press gently so each bite will be perfectly packed. Drizzle a touch of melted butter for extra happiness.

  • Golden Baking

Slide the tin into the oven and let magic happen. Bake until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown, around 20-25 minutes.

  • Sweet Finishing Touch

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once muffins cool slightly, brush with butter and roll in the sweet sparkly coating.

  • Breakfast Celebration

Serve these beauties warm. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Tips To Elevate Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

  • Bread Choice Magic: Use day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for the most luxurious, custardy texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better and creates a more decadent result.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the muffins the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast. Cover the prepared muffin tin with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour-based bread to make these muffins celiac-friendly. Ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the custard mixture without falling apart.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives for a lactose-intolerant friendly version. The muffins will maintain their rich, indulgent flavor profile while accommodating dietary needs.
  • Flavor Boost Hack: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the mixture before baking for added crunch and depth. Consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a sophisticated adult version of these breakfast muffins.

Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Warm

  • Breakfast Bliss Plate: Pair these muffins with crispy bacon strips and scrambled eggs for a complete morning feast that balances sweet and savory flavors.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve alongside fresh mixed berries or sliced peaches to add a refreshing fruity contrast and boost the nutritional value of the meal.
  • Decadent Dessert Transformation: Drizzle warm caramel sauce or chocolate ganache over the muffins, turning them into an indulgent after-dinner treat that will impress family and friends.
  • Cozy Coffee Sidekick: Enjoy these muffins with a steaming cup of cappuccino or hot chocolate, creating a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack experience that warms both body and soul.

How To Store Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins For Later

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Freeze the muffins flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
  • Room Temperature Freshness: Keep muffins at room temperature for 1-2 days if consuming quickly. Place them on a cooling rack, covered loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent condensation and maintain their crispy edges.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm muffins in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make them soggy. A toaster oven works wonderfully for restoring that just-baked crispness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 267 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything In Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Creamy binding agent that adds richness and helps muffins hold together beautifully.
  • Milk: Softens bread and creates luxurious, tender texture for the muffins.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall sweetness.
  • Melted Butter: Introduces incredible richness and helps create golden exterior.
For Dry Base Ingredients:
  • Bread: Use day-old or slightly stale white bread for best absorption and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the muffin edges.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and helps muffins maintain their shape.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that delivers classic French toast flavor profile.
  • Nutmeg: Optional aromatic spice that adds subtle warmth and complexity.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavor notes.
For Coating and Topping:
  • Cinnamon: Delivers signature French toast warmth and aromatic sweetness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates crispy, caramelized exterior with delightful crunch.
  • Optional Maple Syrup: Traditional accompaniment that elevates breakfast experience.
  • Optional Whipped Cream: Adds luxurious, creamy finishing touch.
  • Optional Fresh Fruit: Provides bright, fresh contrast to rich muffins.

Tools To Bake Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

  • Muffin Tin: Standard 12-cup tin for baking perfect individual muffins.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for whisking custard and soaking bread cubes.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Cutting Board: Surface for slicing bread into uniform cubes.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to cut bread into neat pieces.
  • Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying melted butter to muffins.
  • Small Bowl: Used for mixing cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Spatula: Helpful for gently tossing bread in custard mixture.
Print
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Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Mouthwatering cinnamon sugar French toast muffins combine classic breakfast comfort with portable charm. Bakers can enjoy sweet, crispy edges and tender interiors that elevate morning meal expectations while delighting family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups day-old bread cubes (brioche or French bread)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups milk (or half-and-half)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tbsps melted butter
  • 3 tbsps melted butter (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and outfit a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners or a light grease coating.
  2. Custard Foundation: Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl until achieving a harmonious, silky consistency.
  3. Bread Transformation: Gently fold bread cubes into the liquid mixture, ensuring complete saturation and allowing 5-10 minutes for flavor absorption. Distribute the custard-drenched bread pieces evenly into muffin cavities, pressing down to create compact layers. Drizzle melted butter across the surface for enhanced richness.
  4. Baking Alchemy: Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until developing a golden-brown exterior with a firm, set interior.
  5. Finishing Touch: Combine sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Once muffins have slightly cooled, brush with additional melted butter and generously coat with the aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Present the muffins while warm, accompanied by optional luxurious additions like maple syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of fresh seasonal fruit.

Notes

  • Customize Bread Selection: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for superior texture and absorption of custard mixture.
  • Prevent Soggy Muffins: Avoid over-soaking bread cubes; let them absorb liquid just until saturated to maintain structural integrity during baking.
  • Achieve Perfect Browning: Press bread cubes firmly into muffin cavities and ensure even butter distribution for consistent golden-brown exterior and crispy edges.
  • Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use gluten-free bread, and replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener for alternative dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 267
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

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.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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