Imagine waking up to warm, cinnamon-kissed muffins with a caramelized crust and a soft, custardy center. Sounds irresistible, right? These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins have a golden, caramelized crust and a soft, custardy center. Made with thick bread, warm cinnamon, and a rich vanilla custard, they capture all the flavors of classic French toast in a handheld muffin form. They’re quick to make, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for everything from lazy weekend mornings to a special brunch spread. Whether you enjoy them warm with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar, these cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are a deliciously comforting treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Table of contents
Ingredient lineup
These muffins bring together simple ingredients to create the perfect balance of crisp, golden edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. Below is everything you’ll need to make these irresistible muffins, plus some substitutes to suit different preferences.
The essentials
- Bread: thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah soaks up the custard without falling apart.
(Substitute: French bread or Texas toast for a firmer texture.) - Eggs: provide structure and richness to the custard.
- Whole milk: adds creaminess to the batter.
(Substitute: half-and-half for a richer texture or almond milk for a dairy-free option.) - Heavy cream: enhances the custard for a luxurious texture.
(Substitute: more whole milk for a lighter version.) - Granulated sugar: lightly sweetens the custard and helps create the caramelized edges.
(Substitute: brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.) - Vanilla extract: adds warmth and enhances the flavor.
Optional flavor boosters
- Cinnamon: the star spice that brings warmth and depth.
- Nutmeg: a pinch complements the cinnamon and adds extra complexity.
- Maple syrup: a drizzle in the custard adds natural sweetness and depth.
Optional toppings
- Cinnamon sugar: a generous dusting creates a crisp, sweet crust on top.
- Powdered sugar: lightly sprinkled for a bakery-style finish.
- Drizzle of honey or maple syrup: enhances the caramelized edges.
- Whipped cream: adds a soft, creamy contrast to the crispy muffin tops.
Optional finishes
- Butter glaze: brushing melted butter over the muffins before adding cinnamon sugar enhances the crunch.
- Chopped nuts: a sprinkle of pecans or walnuts adds texture.
Step-by-step directions
These muffins may be easy to make, but they taste like something straight from a bakery. Follow these steps for a foolproof bake.
Prepare the bread and custard
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients. Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking. Cut the bread into ½-inch cubes and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
Soak the bread
Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat. Let the bread sit for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it absorbs the custard evenly without becoming too soggy.
Fill the muffin tin
Spoon the soaked bread cubes into the muffin cups, packing them lightly. Pour any remaining custard over the tops to ensure each muffin is moist and flavorful.
Bake until golden
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops turn golden brown and crisp. They should feel firm to the touch when gently pressed. Once done, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Coat with cinnamon sugar
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then brush it over the warm muffins. In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then roll or sprinkle the muffins with the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serve and enjoy
Let the muffins cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch if desired. Serve them warm on their own or pair with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgent treat.
Pro oh là là tips
Want to take your cinnamon sugar French toast muffins to the next level? Try these creative twists and perfect pairings for the ultimate treat!
Customization and variations
- Use different bread: try croissants for a buttery texture or French bread for a firmer bite.
- Add a surprise filling: place a spoonful of cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves in the center before baking.
- Go maple-infused: mix a tablespoon of maple syrup into the custard for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- Spice it up: add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to complement the cinnamon.
- Boost the crunch: sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the muffins before baking.
- Turn them into churro muffins: double-coat with cinnamon sugar for an even crispier, caramelized top.
Pairings and serving ideas
- Pair with a warm beverage: sip on a warm vanilla chai alongside these muffins for a cozy, spiced pairing that feels like a hug in a cup.
- Serve with a fresh fruit side: add a plate of berries, sliced bananas, or a tropical fruit salad to balance the richness.
- Make it a brunch favorite: pair with peanut butter banana pancakes for a decadent morning feast.
- Go classic with coffee: pair with coconut coffee for a smooth, nutty complement to the cinnamon sugar flavor.
- Turn it into dessert: drizzle with warm caramel sauce and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Frequently asked questions
How do you keep French toast muffins from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy muffins, use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah that holds up well in the custard. Let the bread soak just long enough to absorb the mixture without becoming overly soft. Avoid adding too much liquid and ensure the muffins bake until golden brown and firm on top. If they seem too wet after baking, let them rest for a few minutes to set before serving.
Can I make cinnamon sugar French toast muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them as usual, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispness. If you’re short on time, a quick 15-second microwave reheat works too, though the muffins may be softer.
Can I freeze French toast muffins?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring them to a sealed container or freezer bag. This prevents sticking. Store for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes in the oven for the best texture.
How do I keep leftovers fresh without getting dry?
For short-term storage, keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. If they start to dry out, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or brush with melted butter before reheating in the oven for a fresher taste.
These muffins are proof that simple ingredients can deliver bakery-worthy flavor and texture. With crisp, cinnamon-coated edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, they bring the best of French toast into a fun, muffin-sized package. Whether you serve them for brunch, as an afternoon treat, or even dessert, they are bound to be a hit.
Tried these muffins? I’d love to hear how you made them your own! Share your favorite toppings and variations in the comments below.
Bon appétit!
Recipe card
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Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups brioche or challah, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cinnamon sugar topping: ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the bread and custard
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2️⃣ Soak the bread
Add the bread cubes to the custard and toss to coat. Let soak for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Fill the muffin tin
Spoon the soaked bread into the muffin cups, lightly packing them. Pour any remaining custard over the tops.
4️⃣ Bake until golden
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5️⃣ Coat with cinnamon sugar
Brush melted butter over the warm muffins. Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and roll or sprinkle the muffins in the mixture.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy
Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or honey.
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: for an extra crispy exterior, bake for the first 20 minutes, then switch to broil for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the tops.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Soaking Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes