Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on your favorite breakfast classic. These easy-to-make muffins deliver the sweet, spiced flavor of French toast—wrapped in a soft, golden, handheld treat. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just need a comforting grab-and-go snack, these muffins are guaranteed to impress with every bite. With their fluffy texture, cinnamon-sugar topping, and rich custard base, they’re the perfect blend of nostalgic and new.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
These muffins go beyond just good taste. Here’s why they’re destined to become a breakfast favorite:
- Quick and Simple: Basic ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe a breeze.
- Irresistible Flavor: Classic cinnamon and vanilla in every warm, sweet bite.
- Perfect Anytime: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy mid-day treat.
- Zero Waste: Use up leftover bread instead of tossing it—perfect for reducing food waste.
- Prep Ahead Friendly: Mix up the batter the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Tools and Preparation
What You’ll Need:
- Muffin tin—for shaping and even baking
- Mixing bowls—large enough to soak and mix with ease
- Whisk—To ensure a smooth custard blend
- Measuring cups and spoons—for accuracy
- Rubber spatula—gentle on the bread while folding
- Pastry brush—for applying melted butter to finish
Why These Tools Matter:
Using the right tools helps ensure even texture and flavor throughout your muffins and simplifies every step of the process.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Add cubed bread to the custard. Gently fold to coat each piece and let soak for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Tin
Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Lightly press down to pack each one and help them bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until muffins are golden brown and set in the center.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Melt the butter separately.
Step 7: Top the Muffins
While muffins are still warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 8: Serve
Let cool slightly, then serve warm with optional maple syrup or fresh fruit. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Make them your own with these delicious pairing ideas:
- Maple Syrup Drizzle—Classic and comforting
- Fresh Berries—Brighten up the plate with strawberries or blueberries
- Whipped Cream—Adds a creamy, decadent touch
- Greek Yogurt—For a protein-packed, tangy balance
- Hot Coffee or Tea—The perfect cozy pairing
- As a dessert, they’re sweet enough to end a meal with!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
- Use stale bread: It soaks up more custard without turning mushy.
- Let it soak: Don’t rush the 5-minute soak—every cube should be well coated.
- Don’t overbake: Bake just until golden and set to keep the centers moist.
- Get creative: Try chopped nuts, raisins, or mini chocolate chips in the batter.
- Serve them warm: that’s when they’re at their absolute best.
Best Side Dishes to Pair With These Muffins
Round out your breakfast or brunch with one of these:
- Crispy Bacon—Salty and sweet heaven
- Sausage Links—Adds a savory, protein-packed bite
- Scrambled Eggs—Fluffy and mild, perfect next to spiced muffins
- Fresh Fruit Salad—A light and refreshing contrast
- Smoothie Bowl—Cold, creamy, and endlessly customizable
- Roasted Potatoes—A hearty brunch pairing with crispy texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✅ Using fresh bread: Won’t absorb the custard properly—use day-old.
✅ Skipping the soak leads to dry, underflavored muffins.
✅ Overfilling the pan: Can spill over and create uneven muffins.
✅ Undercooking: Muffins should be fully set in the center before removing.
✅ Forgetting the topping: That cinnamon sugar crust is what makes these muffins shine!
Storage & Reheating
Store
In an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze
Once fully cooled, place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- Microwave: Heat on high for 30 seconds
- Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for 5 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins special?
They pack the comfort of French toast into a perfectly portioned, easy-to-eat muffin.
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes—brioche, challah, or any rustic loaf will work well. Just make sure it’s not fresh.
How do I customize them?
Mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips work great. You can also experiment with extracts like almond or maple.
How long do they last?
You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the ultimate breakfast treat—simple, satisfying, and packed with cozy flavor. Whether you make them for Sunday brunch or weekday snacks, they’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Don’t forget to pin this recipe and share your muffin creations in the comments below!
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Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins—The Coziest Way to Start Your Day
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a cozy, handheld twist on classic French toast. Soft, fluffy, and spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, they’re baked to perfection and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust.
Ingredients
4 cups day-old bread, cubed
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the cubed bread. Let soak for 5 minutes to absorb the custard.
4. Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin tin. Press gently to compact.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until muffins are golden brown and set in the center.
6. While baking, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Remove muffins from oven and brush each with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping.
8. Let cool slightly and serve warm. Enjoy as-is or with maple syrup.
Notes
Use brioche or challah for an even richer texture.
Don’t skip the soaking step—it ensures the bread is flavorful and moist.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave or oven for a warm, fresh muffin experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, french toast muffins, cinnamon breakfast muffins, brunch muffins
