As a single mom of three with a freezer full of “just in case” dinners, I live for recipes that can pull double duty fast to make and still good the next day. These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins became a breakfast lifesaver during the chaos of school mornings. I can whip them up before the coffee finishes brewing, and the kids grab them on the way out the door. They taste like warm Sunday brunch but fit right into a weekday rush. The cinnamon sugar topping makes them feel special, even if breakfast is happening in the minivan.
What is Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are a cozy twist on classic French toast, baked in a muffin tin for easy portioning and grab-and-go convenience. Cubes of bread are soaked in a sweet, eggy custard, then baked until golden with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you want something comforting without standing at the stove flipping slices. Plus, unlike regular French toast, they reheat beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or a quick snack after school.
Why You’ll Love This
Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins bring all the comfort of a weekend breakfast with none of the fuss. You can prep them in under 15 minutes, and they bake up while you’re getting everyone ready for the day. They’re soft on the inside with a golden, crunchy topping that makes them feel like a bakery treat. Plus, they store well, so you can make a batch ahead and reheat all week. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll pull out for both lazy Saturday mornings and hectic school days just like my go-to lemon oatmeal no-bake cookies for a quick sweet bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Quick Overview
The process is simple: cube your bread, whisk together a sweet custard, pour it over the bread, and bake until golden. The final touch is a dusting of cinnamon sugar that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche or challah works best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (for topping)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces and divide evenly among muffin cups.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Pour custard evenly over bread, pressing gently so all cubes soak up the mixture.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
- Cool slightly before serving warm, or store for later.
Tip: These muffins pair beautifully with a savory breakfast like creamy spinach and roasted red pepper salmon for a balanced brunch spread.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
What to Serve With Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
These muffins shine on their own, but they’re even better when paired with fresh fruit or a light protein. A bowl of berries, a dollop of yogurt, or scrambled eggs makes for a complete breakfast. If you’re serving them at brunch, balance the sweetness with something savory, like a platter of garlic chicken lo mein for a crowd-pleasing twist. They also work well as a dessert just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for an instant treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use slightly stale bread – Fresh bread can turn mushy; day-old bread holds its shape and soaks up the custard perfectly.
- Don’t skimp on the topping – The cinnamon sugar layer gives these muffins their signature crunch and bakery-style flavor.
- Let them rest – Allow muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin to prevent them from falling apart.
- Double the batch – These freeze like a dream, so make extra for those mornings when cooking feels impossible (the same trick I use when making butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars for holidays).
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave in 20-second bursts until heated through. For that fresh-baked crunch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar before reheating.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are the perfect balance of cozy flavor and weekday practicality. Whether you’re rushing out the door with coffee in hand or hosting a leisurely weekend brunch, these muffins deliver warm, sweet comfort every time. Their make-ahead potential and freezer-friendliness mean you’ll always have a batch ready for hungry mornings or last-minute guests. They’re a little like life simple, sweet, and best enjoyed with people you love.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make cinnamon sugar French toast muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the muffins the night before, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake as directed for a quick breakfast.
What’s the best bread for cinnamon sugar French toast muffins?
Brioche or challah are top choices for their rich flavor and soft texture. French bread works too, but choose a loaf with a tender crumb.
How do you keep French toast muffins from getting soggy?
Use day-old bread and avoid over-soaking the cubes in custard. Also, let the muffins rest for a few minutes after baking so excess steam escapes.
Can cinnamon sugar French toast muffins be frozen?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled muffins individually, freeze for up to 2 months, and reheat straight from frozen in the oven.