We absolutely love kicking off our mornings with a cozy twist on breakfast classics, and our Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins deliver just that. Imagine the warm, cinnamony goodness of French toast baked into fluffy muffins – it’s a game-changer for busy days or lazy brunches.
This easy recipe draws from the timeless appeal of French toast while adding a fun, portable spin. We’re sharing our foolproof method to help you whip up a batch that’s crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft inside, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For our Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, we gather high-quality ingredients that blend seamlessly to create a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. We’ll list them in the order they’re typically prepared, with prep notes for clarity.
- Bread: 6 slices of day-old bread (such as brioche or white bread), cubed into 1-inch pieces for even soaking and baking.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten to form the base of our egg mixture.
- Milk: 1 cup whole milk, for a creamy texture that enhances the French toast essence.
- Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided (1 teaspoon for the batter and 1 for the sugar coating).
- Sugar: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, mixed with cinnamon to create that signature sweet crunch.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, to add a warm, aromatic depth.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for greasing the muffin tin and adding richness.
- Optional Add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like pecans) or fresh berries, for extra texture and flavor customization.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our irresistible Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, we need a straightforward set of tools and equipment that ensure precise measurements, even mixing, and perfect baking. Gathering these items beforehand helps us streamline the process from mixing the batter to achieving that crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
Here’s a detailed list of the essential tools, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: We recommend using two medium-sized mixing bowls—one for whisking the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and another for combining the cinnamon and sugar coating. Opt for glass or stainless steel bowls for easy cleaning and to avoid any unwanted flavors.
- Whisk or Fork: A sturdy whisk is ideal for beating the eggs and blending the wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring our batter is light and airy. If you don’t have one, a fork works as a simple alternative.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for our Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, so use a set of standard measuring cups (for liquids like milk) and measuring spoons (for spices like cinnamon). This prevents imbalances in flavor and texture.
- Muffin Tin: A 12-cup muffin tin is essential for shaping and baking the muffins to golden perfection. We suggest a non-stick version to make removal effortless and reduce the need for extra grease.
- Oven: A reliable conventional or convection oven preheated to the right temperature is crucial for even baking. This tool transforms our mixture into muffins with that signature French toast crispiness.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Use a heat-resistant spatula for gently folding in ingredients and transferring batter into the muffin tin without deflating the mixture.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, a wire cooling rack allows the muffins to cool evenly, preventing sogginess and preserving their delightful texture.
By having these tools on hand, we can focus on the joy of creating this easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s create our irresistible Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins step by step. We’ll ensure each phase delivers muffins that are crispy on the outside and soft, flavorful inside, making them a breakfast favorite.
Prep
First, preheat our oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking. In a medium mixing bowl, we whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and frothy, infusing it with a rich, creamy base that promises a custardy texture.
Next, we cube the 6 slices of day-old bread into 1-inch pieces and add them to the wet mixture, gently tossing with a spatula to coat evenly and let them soak up the flavors for about 5 minutes—this step ensures our muffins absorb the essence of classic French toast.
In a separate bowl, we combine 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, stirring until blended for a sweet, aromatic coating that will add a delightful crunch.
Bake
Once our bread mixture is soaked, we grease a 12-cup muffin tin with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to prevent sticking and promote a golden crust. Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow for rising.
We slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for uniform heat distribution—watch as the muffins puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown, filling our kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, we transfer them to a cooling rack for 5 minutes to set while they remain warm and pliable. Then, we roll each muffin in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture from earlier, ensuring every side is generously coated for that signature crisp, sugary exterior that enhances the soft interior with a burst of sweetness.
For optional add-ins like chopped nuts or fresh berries, we gently press them into the muffins before coating to add extra texture and flavor, elevating our treat to new heights.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To keep Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins fresh and delicious, we offer these practical tips for preparing them in advance and storing them properly. This ensures you can enjoy their crispy exterior and soft, cinnamon-infused interior anytime.
Make-Ahead Tips
We love making these muffins ahead of time to simplify your mornings. Follow these steps for seamless preparation:
- Prepare the Mixture the Night Before: Whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Cube the day-old bread and let it soak in the mixture for about 10 minutes. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in muffins that burst with sweet, aromatic cinnamon notes when baked.
- Assemble and Refrigerate: After soaking the bread, spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin. Cover the tin with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Freeze Unbaked Muffins: For longer make-ahead options, assemble the muffins in the tin, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen muffins to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the original baking time for that perfect golden-brown finish.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage helps maintain the muffins’ delightful texture and flavor. Here’s how we recommend handling leftovers:
- Room Temperature Storage: If you’ll eat them within 1-2 days, store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps their crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating intact while preserving the soft, fluffy center.
- Refrigeration: For up to 3 days, place muffins in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their warm, inviting aroma and crisp edges.
- Freezing Baked Muffins: Baked muffins can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or use a microwave for 30 seconds on high for a quick option.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1-2 days | Not recommended; eat fresh |
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes |
| Freezing (Unbaked) | Up to 1 month | Bake from frozen, add 5-7 minutes |
| Freezing (Baked) | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight and oven-warm for 5 minutes |
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffin recipe to bring joy to your mornings. It’s a versatile treat that combines ease with delicious results.
Trust us it’s a hit for any occasion and we’re excited for you to make it your own. With its simple steps you’ll create something truly special every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a fun twist on classic French toast, baked into convenient muffin form. They offer a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful inside, making them ideal for quick breakfasts or brunches. This recipe combines simple ingredients like bread, eggs, and cinnamon for a sweet, satisfying treat that’s easy for anyone to make.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need 6 slices of day-old bread, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Optional add-ins like nuts or berries can enhance texture and flavor. All ingredients are straightforward and easy to find at most grocery stores.
What tools and equipment do I need?
Essential tools include two medium mixing bowls, a whisk or fork, measuring cups and spoons, a 12-cup muffin tin, an oven, a spatula, and a cooling rack. These ensure precise measurements and even baking for perfect results. Gather them ahead to streamline your cooking process.
How do I make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla in a bowl, then cube and soak the bread in the mixture. Prepare a cinnamon-sugar coating separately. Grease the muffin tin, fill with soaked bread, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Roll warm muffins in the cinnamon-sugar mix for a crunchy finish. Total time is about 30-40 minutes.
Can I prepare these muffins in advance?
Yes, you can make the mixture the night before and refrigerate it to let flavors meld, making mornings easier. For longer storage, freeze unbaked muffins and bake from frozen when needed. This method keeps them fresh and ready for busy days without much hassle.
How should I store the muffins?
Store baked muffins at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container. For up to 3 days, refrigerate them. Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven for the best texture. Always cool completely before storing to maintain their crispy exterior and soft inside.
What variations can I add to the recipe?
Try adding chopped nuts, fresh berries, or chocolate chips to the mixture for extra texture and flavor. You can also substitute almond milk for whole milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. Experiment with these add-ins before baking to customize the muffins while keeping the base recipe simple and delicious.