Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins – Easy Breakfast for a Crowd

If you love the cozy flavors of French toast but want something portable and easy to make, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the ultimate solution. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a cinnamon-sugar topping that’s slightly crisp, these muffins capture the essence of traditional French toast in a single-serving form.

Perfect for busy mornings, easy breakfast breads and muffins, or brunches for a crowd, these muffins are simple to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free French toast muffin option or a classic recipe, this dish is sure to delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a Crowd: No flipping slices of French toast over the stove—just bake and serve!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These muffins can be prepped ahead of time and reheated for busy mornings.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins for a personalized touch.
• Limited Ingredients: A simple recipe that doesn’t require anything fancy.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

• 8 cups cubed bread (French loaf, brioche, or gluten-free bread for a gluten-free French toast muffin option)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Cubes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cube your bread into bite-sized pieces and let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly, or toast the cubes in the oven for 5–7 minutes until firm. This helps the bread absorb the custard mixture better.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

3. Combine the Bread and Custard

1. Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and toss gently to coat. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all the bread absorbs the liquid evenly.

4. Assemble the Muffins

1. Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top and pressing gently to compact.

5. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of each muffin, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

6. Bake the Muffins

1. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
2. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect French Toast Muffins

1. Bread Choice Matters: Use sturdy bread like French loaf, brioche, or challah for the best texture. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free bread.
2. Soak Thoroughly: Let the bread soak in the custard mixture long enough to absorb all the flavors, but don’t let it get mushy.
3. Customize It: Add chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts for extra flavor. For a fun twist, try a French toast chocolate version by mixing cocoa powder into the custard.
4. Serve Fresh: These muffins are best enjoyed warm, but they can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust the muffins with powdered sugar for a classic French toast vibe.
• Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
• Pair with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant breakfast.
• Offer alongside savory breakfast options like bacon or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal.

Variations to Try

1. Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: Add a cream cheese filling for a rich, tangy surprise.
2. Gluten-Free French Toast Muffins: Swap the bread for a gluten-free variety and use almond or oat milk for the custard.
3. Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Add diced apples to the bread mixture for a fruity twist.
4. Chocolate Chip French Toast Muffins: Mix chocolate chips into the custard-soaked bread for a decadent treat.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

• Combines the best parts of French toast and muffins into one delightful dish.
• Easy to make for a crowd, with minimal hands-on time.
• Versatile enough for dietary needs and customizable with your favorite mix-ins.