Description
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins combine the best of donuts, muffins, and classic French toast into one delicious, portable breakfast treat. Featuring a crispy cinnamon sugar coating and a soft, custardy interior, they’re perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a butter and cinnamon sugar dip, these muffins hold their texture well and offer a comforting, sweet start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 1 loaf French bread or Brioche, cubed (approx. 10 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cube the Bread: Cut the French bread or brioche into small 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined.
- Soak Bread Cubes: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Press slightly to compact the mixture.
- Bake: Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and fully set in the center.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the muffins bake, melt the butter in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
- Coat Muffins: Once baked, let the muffins cool for 5 minutes. Dip the tops of the warm muffins into the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until generously coated.
- Serve: Enjoy the muffins warm, optionally with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps the muffins hold their shape and absorb the custard better.
- Whole milk is preferred for a richer custard; however, you can substitute with 2% or dairy-free milks if desired.
- Pressing the bread mixture gently into the muffin cups ensures the muffins stay together when baked.
- For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy milk and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat muffins in a toaster oven or conventional oven to maintain the crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar, French Toast, Muffins, Breakfast, Brunch, Baked French Toast, Portable Breakfast
