These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful mix of soft, fluffy bread topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Making these muffins is a breeze! I love how they fill my kitchen with a warm and cozy smell. Plus, who can resist a bite of something that tastes like breakfast dessert? Yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: White bread works best for these muffins, but you can use challah or brioche for a richer flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, a GF bread will also do the trick. Just make sure it’s fresh!
Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and help bind everything together. For a vegan option, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg substitute.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can easily swap it for almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you could try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used to add richness. If you want to make it dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Baked Muffins?
To get those muffins just right, you want to make sure they bake evenly and stay fluffy. Here are some tips:
- Soaking Time: Let the bread soak in the egg mixture for at least 5 minutes. This helps it absorb all that tasty flavor!
- Don’t Overfill: Fill the muffin cups about 3/4 full. They’ll rise nicely without overflowing.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick! Insert it into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Keep an eye towards the end of baking as they can go from golden to overdone quickly.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 slices of white bread, crusts removed and cut into small pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. After that, just a few minutes to cool and you’ll be enjoying these tasty muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your muffins go in. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with some butter or use paper liners for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and melted butter. Make sure everything is mixed well until nice and smooth.
3. Soak the Bread:
Add the small pieces of bread into the egg mixture. Gently stir until all the bread is coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the bread can soak up that delicious flavor!
4. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Scoop the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about 3/4 full to allow room for the muffins to rise.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown on top, and you can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean!
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the muffins are baking, mix the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. This will be the sweet topping!
7. Coat the Muffins:
Once the muffins are done baking, take them out of the oven. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter, then either roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture or sprinkle it generously over the tops.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These muffins are best enjoyed warm! Drizzle them with maple syrup and add some fresh berries on the side if you like. Happy eating!
Enjoy your warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated French toast muffins! They’re sure to bring smiles to your breakfast table! 😊
Can I Use Stale Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale bread works great for French toast muffins since it soaks up the mixture without becoming too mushy. Just make sure to cut it into small pieces and let it soak well in the egg mixture!
How Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the muffin batter and fill the muffin cups the night before. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap them individually and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Customize the Flavor?
Definitely! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even nuts to the bread mixture for added texture and flavor. Feel free to experiment with different spices too, such as nutmeg or pumpkin spice!