If you adore the comforting flavors of traditional French toast but crave the convenience and fun of a handheld breakfast, this French Toast Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, fluffy muffins bring together the rich creaminess of custard-soaked bread with the crisp edges of a perfectly baked treat, offering a delightful twist on a classic morning favorite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for an easy weekday breakfast that feels a bit special, these muffins hit the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the best part because each one plays an essential role in creating the delicious texture and warm flavors of this recipe. From the creamy custard base to the spicy hint of cinnamon, everything works together beautifully.
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche or French bread): Using day-old bread ensures the cubes soak up the egg mixture perfectly without falling apart.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs create the custard that binds everything and gives it that rich, satisfying flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups milk: Milk adds moisture and lightness to the custard mixture.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: The cream boosts richness and tender texture.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar: For natural sweetness and a touch of caramel depth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that complements the cinnamon.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the muffins with that quintessential French toast spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar and extra maple syrup for serving (optional): These finishing touches make presentation pretty and flavor even better.
How to Make French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the muffin tin well or line it with paper liners to ensure your French toast muffins come out easily once baked. This small step saves a lot of frustration later!
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup or brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This custard base will soak into the bread cubes, infusing them with flavor and moisture that transforms into a tender, fluffy muffin once baked.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Gently fold the cubed bread into the custard mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. Let the bread sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb as much liquid as possible. This soaking step is crucial for achieving the soft-inside, slightly crisp-outside texture that makes this recipe shine.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups
Evenly distribute the soaked bread mixture into your prepared muffin tin, pressing down gently to compact the bread cubes slightly. This helps the muffins hold together and gives them that satisfying bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The muffins will turn a beautiful golden brown on top and should feel firm to the touch. This baking time allows the custard to set perfectly while developing a slightly crisp texture around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the muffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with extra maple syrup if you like. These warm muffins are simply irresistible!
How to Serve French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, while a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup elevates each bite with sweetness and moisture. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also make fantastic toppings that add color and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your French toast muffins with crisp bacon or savory sausage for a perfect sweet-and-salty breakfast combo. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt on the side will brighten up the plate and balance richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these muffins as individual bites at a brunch buffet or stack a few on a pretty plate alongside a pot of warm coffee for an inviting breakfast tray. You can even spread some cream cheese or nut butter inside warm muffins for a delightful surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the muffins moist and delicious without getting soggy or stale.
Freezing
French toast muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, perfect for quick mornings when you need a fuss-free breakfast option.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated muffins back to life, microwave them for about 30 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The exterior will crisp up while the inside stays soft and custardy, just as it should.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for the French Toast Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use sturdy gluten-free bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread works best regardless of type.
Can I add mix-ins like fruits or nuts?
Yes! Blueberries, chopped nuts, or even mini chocolate chips folded into the bread mixture add fun bursts of flavor and texture. Just add them right before spooning the batter into the muffin tin.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the French Toast Muffins Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat, only eggs and dairy products.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Day-old brioche or French bread is ideal because of its sturdy texture and mild flavor. Both soak up the custard well and bake into lovely muffins.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the milk and cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free maple syrup or sweetener. The muffins will still taste fantastic.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about warming your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and vanilla while baking these French Toast Muffins Recipe. They turn a beloved classic into a fun and convenient breakfast that everyone will reach for again and again. I’m so excited for you to try these and make them your own—happy baking!
Print
French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and easy-to-make French Toast Muffins combine the classic flavors of French toast baked into convenient, individual-sized muffins. Made with cubed day-old brioche or French bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, these muffins are baked to golden perfection and make a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche or French bread)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Extra maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup or brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Soak Bread: Add the cubed day-old bread to the custard mixture. Gently fold the bread pieces into the liquid, ensuring all cubes are coated. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb most of the custard.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Press down lightly on each to compact the mixture so that the muffins hold together after baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the muffins turn golden brown and are set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- These muffins freeze well—reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast option.
- Add blueberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the bread mixture before baking for a fun and tasty variation.
