These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are like breakfast magic in a muffin! Soft, sweet, and coated in a cinnamon sugar topping, they are perfect for any morning.
Who doesn’t love a tasty treat that makes mornings a bit sweeter? I like to serve mine warm with a drizzle of maple syrup. You’ll definitely want to share these… or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Stale or day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the egg mixture better. However, you can use fresh bread too, just slightly dry it out in the oven for a few minutes. I recommend using brioche or challah for extra richness.
Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the muffins. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly.
Heavy Cream: This adds a rich creaminess. You can swap it for half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. I prefer the original as it gives a lovely, fluffy texture!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for flavor. You can mix it up with a bit of nutmeg or allspice if you like a spicy kick. I love adding a touch of nutmeg for a warm depth!
How Can You Ensure Your Muffins Are Perfectly Cooked?
Timing is essential for baking these muffins to perfection. Here’s how to monitor and achieve the best result:
- Preheat the oven properly to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven helps the muffins rise and brown.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are ready.
- Don’t skip cooling them slightly in the tin. This helps set the structure before transferring to a wire rack.
Follow these tips, and your muffins will be soft and delightful every time! Enjoy your baking adventure!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread (stale or day-old bread works best), cut into cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional:
- Maple syrup for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and another 20-25 minutes for baking. After that, let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying. In total, you can have these delicious muffins ready in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a muffin tin to prevent the muffins from sticking.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth—this will be the delicious base of your muffins!
3. Combine with Bread:
Add the cubed bread into the egg mixture. Gently fold the bread so that all the pieces get properly coated. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread absorb all those wonderful flavors!
4. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Use a spoon to divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This ensures that they have enough room to rise while baking.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this lovely mixture generously over the tops of your muffins. It adds a delightful sweet and spicy crunch!
6. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. They are done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
After baking, allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the tin. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready to eat, serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup if you’d like!
Enjoy your delightful Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins! They’re perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you like, but day-old or stale bread works best as it absorbs more liquid without becoming mushy. Try brioche, challah, or even whole wheat for a healthier twist!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily make these muffins dairy-free by substituting the milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just make sure to choose a creamy, unsweetened variant for the best results!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the bread mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a little stir before you fill the muffin tins and sprinkle on the topping. Bake as directed when you’re ready to enjoy!
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat!
