There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house on a lazy weekend morning. These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic brunch dish, combining the comforting flavors of French toast into a portable, muffin-shaped format. In just under an hour, you can whip up these indulgent treats, perfect for satisfying that weekend sweet tooth while impressing your family or guests.
This recipe is ideal for brunch gatherings, cozy family breakfasts, or even a comforting snack anytime. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can assemble the muffins the night before and just pop them in the oven in the morning for a freshly baked treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They have a soft, custardy center with a crispy topping.
- Perfect for using up day-old bread, minimizing waste.
- Simple to prepare with a short list of pantry staples.
- They bake quickly in just 20-25 minutes.
What You’ll Need
You’ll need a mix of simple ingredients to create these luscious muffins.
For the Batter
- 1 loaf day-old bread, torn into pieces
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Serving
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Fresh berries (optional)
Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread as a substitute for white bread.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute honey for sugar.
- Replace vanilla with almond extract.
- Use coconut oil instead of butter.
How to Make It
Get ready to create scrumptious muffins with these straightforward steps.
1. Preheat
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin thoroughly.
2. Tear Bread
Tear the day-old bread into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
3. Whisk Mixture
Whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth.
4. Combine
Pour the egg mixture over the torn bread and mix until well combined. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
5. Fill Muffin Tin
Divide the bread mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup generously.
6. Mix Topping
Mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well blended.
7. Spoon Topping
Spoon the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each muffin, ensuring they are evenly coated.
8. Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and set. Check them at the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
9. Cool
Allow to cool slightly before removing them from the tin, as they will be delicate when hot.
10. Serve
Serve warm with maple syrup or fresh berries on the side for a tasty addition.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, muffins can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread for best texture.
- Allow the mixture to sit for a full 10 minutes for maximum soak.
- Adjust the cinnamon-sugar topping according to your sweetness preference.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of crispy bacon for a savory contrast.
- Add whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Great for holiday brunches or birthday celebrations.
