These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a tasty treat that combines the classic flavors of French toast with a soft muffin texture. They’re sweet, warm, and perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Who can resist that lovely cinnamon sugar topping? When I make these, I always have to sneak a couple before breakfast is even served—so good! 😋
They are super easy to whip up, too! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. They’re a fun twist on regular muffins, making your mornings feel special without too much effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your muffins. For a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour. It adds a nice nuttiness, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk gives them moisture. If you’re dairy-free, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk work well too. Just choose a plain or vanilla flavor without added sugars for best results!
Day-Old Bread: Soft white bread or French bread is perfect for soaking up the batter. You can use brioche for a richer taste or even gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. Just make sure it’s dry enough to hold shape!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the muffins. Brown sugar can be used instead for a deeper flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, you might try using applesauce or mashed bananas in part of the batter.
How Do I Properly Fold in the Bread without Breaking It?
When incorporating the cubed bread into the batter, be gentle! Folding means using a spatula to lift and turn the batter over rather than stirring vigorously. This helps keep the bread cubes intact and makes the muffins light and fluffy.
- Use a large bowl for more room to maneuver.
- Add the bread to the slightly thick batter in batches for easier mixing.
- Gently lift the batter over the bread, rotating the bowl as needed until just combined.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Main Filling:
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably soft white or French bread)
For The Topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For Serving:
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll need a bit of cooling time, too, so set aside around an hour for the whole process. These delicious muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or a cozy brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking. This step is important for easy removal after baking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until they are well combined. This helps ensure that your muffins rise nicely and have a light texture!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is mixed well. This mixture will give your muffins moisture and flavor.
4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is moistened. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a bit thick and lumpy!
5. Fold in the Bread:
Gently fold in the cubed bread and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix until all the bread is evenly coated with the batter. This process ensures that every bite will be deliciously soft!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing while baking.
7. Create the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of sugar with the 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix until there are no clumps. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the tops of each muffin—this creates that delightful crispy layer!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Just before serving, drizzle warm maple syrup on top for that classic French toast feel!
10. Enjoy:
These muffins are best served warm, so gather your loved ones and dig in! You’ll love how the crispy cinnamon sugar crust pairs with the soft, custardy inside. Enjoy every bite!
These delightful muffins make for a perfect start to your morning or a sweet treat at any time of day. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
While day-old bread works best because it’s drier and soaks up the batter without becoming mushy, you can use fresh bread. If using fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it to help reduce moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing!
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the muffin batter and refrigerate it overnight. Just give it a quick stir in the morning before spooning it into the muffin tin and baking as usual. They’ll be just as delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you’re looking to make these muffins egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken).