One of my biggest struggles when I first started experimenting with the cinnamon sugar french toast muffins was getting the bread-to-custard ratio just right. Too much custard, and you’ve got soggy bottoms (no one wants that!). Too little, and they’re dry and sad. It took a few tries, but trust me, the recipe I’m about to share is foolproof. It’s become a go-to for busy school mornings, weekend brunches, and even the occasional dessert. It’s one of my favorite ways to make easy french toast muffins!
Life gets hectic, doesn’t it? Between school drop-offs, soccer practice, and trying to squeeze in a little bit of sanity, a quick and easy breakfast is a lifesaver. And these cinnamon sugar french toast muffins fit the bill perfectly. I usually prep them the night before, pop them in the oven in the morning, and voila! Warm, delicious breakfast ready in minutes. It’s almost magical how easily they come together, especially when you’re juggling a million other things.
Trust me, once you try this cinnamon sugar french toast muffins recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and a guaranteed smile-inducer. So, grab your muffin tin, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Okay, let’s talk ingredients. This cinnamon sugar french toast muffins recipe is pretty straightforward, but using good quality ingredients makes all the difference. Fresh, high-quality ingredients elevate the flavor profile and ensure the best possible outcome. Don’t skimp on the vanilla!
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes: I always use challah for my cinnamon sugar french toast muffins because it’s slightly sweet and has a wonderful texture. Brioche works great too! The slight sweetness of challah complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly.
- 6 large eggs: Free-range eggs are my preference. I feel like they add a richer flavor to the cinnamon sugar french toast muffins.
- 1 ½ cups milk: Whole milk gives the best results, but you can use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer. The fat content in whole milk contributes to a richer, creamier custard.
- ½ cup heavy cream: This is the secret to extra-creamy baked french toast muffins. Don’t skip it! This is *essential* for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness in the custard. Adjust this to your liking, depending on how sweet you want your muffins.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is always the best. It adds a beautiful aroma and flavor to the cinnamon sugar muffins. Imitation vanilla just doesn’t compare.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: I love a generous amount of cinnamon. You can adjust this to your liking. Cinnamon not only adds flavor but also has some health benefits!
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little nutmeg adds a warm, cozy flavor. It enhances the cinnamon and adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness. A little salt goes a long way in balancing the flavors.
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted: For drizzling over the muffins before baking. This adds richness and helps them brown beautifully.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: For the cinnamon sugar topping.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: For the cinnamon sugar topping.
When making cinnamon sugar french toast muffins, you can usually find challah bread at most grocery stores or bakeries. If you can’t find it, brioche is a great substitute. And here’s a cinnamon sugar french toast muffins trick I learned from my mom: always use slightly stale bread. It soaks up the custard better and prevents the muffins from becoming soggy. This is because stale bread is drier and more absorbent.
For cost-saving tips, buy your spices in bulk. It’s much cheaper than buying those small jars at the grocery store. And if you have leftover bread, just cube it up and freeze it for the next time you want to make cinnamon sugar french toast muffins. Freezing bread is a great way to reduce waste and save money.
As for storing ingredients, keep your eggs in the refrigerator, of course, and store your spices in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and flavor of your ingredients.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get down to business and make these delicious cinnamon sugar french toast muffins! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Each step is designed to build upon the previous one, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners. I prefer to grease the muffin tin well – it makes it easier to remove the muffins later. A properly prepared muffin tin ensures that your muffins release easily and bake evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. This is your custard base for the cinnamon sugar french toast muffins. Whisking ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a smooth and flavorful custard.
- Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat. Make sure all the bread cubes are evenly coated with the custard. Don’t worry if your cinnamon sugar french toast muffins mixture seems a little wet – the bread will soak up the liquid as it sits. Gentle tossing prevents the bread from breaking apart and ensures even coating.
- Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This is a crucial step! The longer the bread soaks, the more flavorful and moist your baked french toast muffins will be. I often prep this the night before for a quick and easy breakfast in the morning. Soaking allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a moist and flavorful muffin.
- While the bread is soaking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. Preparing the topping in advance saves time and ensures that it’s ready when you need it.
- Once the bread has soaked, gently spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Don’t overfill the cups, as the muffins will puff up slightly while baking. Overfilling can cause the muffins to overflow and stick to the tin.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the muffins. This adds richness and helps them brown beautifully. The melted butter creates a golden-brown crust and adds a layer of richness to the muffins.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping generously over the muffins. Don’t be shy – this is what gives them that irresistible cinnamon sugar flavor! The cinnamon sugar topping adds sweetness, spice, and a delightful crunch to the muffins.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. In my kitchen, cinnamon sugar french toast muffins usually takes about 28 minutes. Baking until golden brown and set ensures that the muffins are cooked through and have a firm texture.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking to the tin. Cooling in the tin allows the muffins to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove.
While the cinnamon sugar french toast muffins is baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or make a pot of coffee. And your cinnamon sugar french toast muffins should smell like warm cinnamon and sweet bread – absolutely heavenly!
I learned the hard way with cinnamon sugar french toast muffins that using a good quality muffin tin is essential. Cheap ones can cause the muffins to stick or bake unevenly. And here’s a family-tested shortcut: if you’re short on time, you can skip the overnight soaking. Just soak the bread for at least 15 minutes while the oven is preheating. They won’t be quite as moist, but they’ll still be delicious! I also found a great french toast recipe.
Serving Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Okay, the cinnamon sugar french toast muffins are baked, cooled slightly, and ready to be devoured! Now, let’s talk about how to serve them and make them even more irresistible. Presentation is key to enhancing the overall dining experience.
The kids love our cinnamon sugar french toast muffins when I serve them with a side of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a simple yet delicious combination that everyone enjoys. You can also drizzle them with maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or even a caramel sauce for an extra-special treat. These additions can elevate the muffins to a dessert-like experience.
My go-to side dishes that pair with cinnamon sugar french toast muffins include scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. It’s a classic breakfast combination that always hits the spot. The savory flavors of the eggs and meat balance out the sweetness of the muffins perfectly. This creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
This cinnamon sugar french toast muffins is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a special breakfast-in-bed treat. They’re easy to make ahead of time, so you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your guests. This allows you to be present and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
For presentation tips, I like to arrange the muffins on a pretty platter and dust them with a little extra cinnamon sugar. You can also garnish them with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. These small details can make a big difference in the overall appeal of the dish.
If you have extra cinnamon sugar french toast muffins, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Proper storage ensures that the muffins remain fresh and delicious.
For seasonal variations, try adding pumpkin spice to the custard in the fall or using cranberries and orange zest during the holidays. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as croissants or cinnamon rolls. These could also be considered cinnamon roll muffins. Seasonal variations add a festive touch and allow you to customize the muffins to your liking.
My friends always ask for this cinnamon sugar french toast muffins recipe whenever I make it for brunch. They love the combination of the crispy exterior and the soft, custardy interior. Plus, they’re so easy to eat – no forks required! You can check out more great recipes on this pizza recipe too.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins FAQs
I get so many questions about this recipe, so I thought I’d address some of the most common ones here. Addressing frequently asked questions helps to clarify any confusion and provides additional guidance to readers.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread for these cinnamon sugar french toast muffins?
A: Absolutely! While I prefer challah or brioche, you can use any type of bread you like. Just make sure it’s slightly stale so it soaks up the custard properly. You know what I do when my cinnamon sugar french toast muffins have to be made with something other than challah? Sourdough! The tang gives it a unique taste. Using stale bread is key to preventing soggy muffins.
Q: Can I make these cinnamon sugar french toast muffins ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! You can prepare the muffins the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them in the morning as directed. Preparing the muffins ahead of time saves time and effort on busy mornings.
Q: My cinnamon sugar french toast muffins are soggy. What did I do wrong?
A: This usually happens when the bread isn’t stale enough or when there’s too much custard. Make sure to use slightly stale bread and don’t overfill the muffin cups with the custard mixture. We’ve all been there with cinnamon sugar french toast muffins! Using the correct bread and custard ratio is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
Q: Can I freeze these cinnamon sugar french toast muffins?
A: Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before freezing, and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freezing allows you to enjoy the muffins for an extended period of time.
Q: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
A: Yes, you can use almond milk or any other type of milk you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the muffins. I have some family members who can only eat almond milk! Using different types of milk can create unique flavor profiles.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to these cinnamon sugar french toast muffins?
A: Oh, you know I like how you think! Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these muffins. You could also add nuts, dried fruit, or even a little bit of cream cheese for extra flavor. Adding different ingredients allows you to customize the muffins to your liking.
Q: My cinnamon sugar topping is burning in the oven. What should I do?
A: This can happen if your oven is too hot or if the muffins are too close to the heating element. Try lowering the oven temperature slightly or covering the muffins with foil during the last few minutes of baking. Adjusting the oven temperature or covering the muffins can prevent burning.
These are my favorite tips! Toast can be a part of a healthy diet!
My Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
This cinnamon sugar french toast muffins recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that brings my family together. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious treat that everyone enjoys. And honestly, seeing the smiles on my kids’ faces when they bite into these warm, cinnamon-y muffins makes all the effort worthwhile. The joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones is priceless.
Here are my cinnamon sugar french toast muffins Pro Tips:
- Pro Tip 1: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Get creative and make them your own!
- Pro Tip 2: Use a good quality muffin tin to ensure even baking and easy removal.
- Pro Tip 3: Let the bread soak in the custard for as long as possible – it makes all the difference!
Some cinnamon sugar french toast muffins variations I’ve tried with my family include adding blueberries, raspberries, or even a little bit of lemon zest to the custard. My son loves the blueberry version, while my daughter prefers the raspberry. My husband enjoys his cinnamon sugar french toast muffins with pecans! Customizing the muffins to suit individual preferences ensures that everyone enjoys them.
I hope you’ll make this cinnamon sugar french toast muffins recipe your own, too. Add your own personal touch, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, learning, and creating something delicious for yourself and your loved ones. So, don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes along the way. That’s how you learn and grow as a cook. I really believe you can make these wonderful cinnamon sugar french toast muffins!
Easy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: Amazing Recipe!
These easy cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are a delicious and convenient breakfast or brunch option. They’re perfect for meal prepping or a quick treat!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 slices bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Add cubed bread to the egg mixture and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons cinnamon.
- Spoon bread mixture into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over each muffin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture. Serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.