There’s something magical about a quiet morning when the house is still waking up, and the smell of cinnamon fills the air. For me, it’s a trip down memory lane—sitting at the kitchen table, waiting eagerly for a plate of golden-brown French toast. My mom would sprinkle it with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, a moment of sweetness that felt like a hug. But mornings these days are often far from leisurely, and while I still crave that nostalgic flavor, I also need something quick, portable, and just as comforting. Enter Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins.

These delightful muffins are everything you love about French toast—custardy, rich, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor—but reimagined as a convenient, handheld treat. Whether you’re running out the door with coffee in hand or gathering around the breakfast table for a weekend brunch, these muffins fit seamlessly into any morning routine. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t love a muffin with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• All the Flavors of French Toast, No Fork Required: These muffins deliver the perfect balance of soft, custard-like insides and a lightly crisped, sugary crust—everything you love about traditional French toast but without the mess.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have a ready-to-go breakfast all week long. Simply warm them up or enjoy them straight from the fridge.
• Family-Friendly: These muffins are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re easy to hold, fun to eat, and taste like a sweet treat, even though they’re a breakfast staple.
• Great for Entertaining: Hosting a brunch? These muffins are an elegant yet simple addition to your spread. Pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a hot cup of tea for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Bread: 6 cups of cubed bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale for better texture)
• Eggs: 4 large eggs
• Milk: 1 cup of milk (any variety works)
• Sugar: ½ cup of granulated sugar
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
• For the Topping: ¼ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins:

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cubing your bread into bite-sized pieces. Day-old bread works best since it absorbs the custard mixture without turning soggy. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a standard muffin tin to ensure the muffins release easily after baking.

2. Whisk Together the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with the cinnamon evenly distributed. This custard is the heart of the recipe—it’s what transforms plain bread into that irresistible French toast flavor.

3. Soak the Bread
Add the cubed bread to the bowl, gently folding it into the custard until every piece is well-coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, giving the bread time to soak up the liquid. This step ensures a moist, custardy texture in your finished muffins.

4. Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Don’t worry if the cups look a little overfilled—the bread will settle slightly as it bakes.

5. Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle a generous amount over each muffin. This layer will bake into a sweet, slightly crunchy crust that’s absolutely irresistible.

6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and set. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen smells like a cinnamon wonderland. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Helpful Tips:

• Use Sturdy Bread: Brioche, challah, or a crusty loaf work best for this recipe. Their structure holds up well to the custard mixture.
• Don’t Skip the Topping: The cinnamon-sugar crust is what elevates these muffins from good to unforgettable.
• Make It Your Own: Add a handful of raisins, chopped nuts, or even mini chocolate chips to the bread mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes:

• These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore their warm, custardy texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! Wrap the muffins individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What if I don’t have stale bread?
Fresh bread can be dried out quickly by placing the cubes on a baking sheet and baking them at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.

Related Recipes:

If you enjoyed these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, you might also love:

• Libby’s Pumpkin Muffins
• Best Ever Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Conclusion:

Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins bring a touch of magic to your mornings with their comforting flavor and effortless charm. Whether you’re savoring one over a leisurely weekend coffee or grabbing it on your way out the door, these muffins are sure to brighten your day. So, why not give them a try? Your mornings deserve a little extra sweetness.

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