French Toast Muffins Recipe

Sweet French Toast Muffins Recipe for Morning Joy

Weekends call for delightful breakfast treats that make French toast muffins recipe a game-changer for lazy mornings.

These sweet, custardy delights blend the classic breakfast favorite into a portable, easy-to-devour format.

Warm spices and soft, pillowy textures promise to wake up even the sleepiest taste buds.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers that melt in your mouth.

Cinnamon and vanilla create an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen with comfort.

You’ll love how these muffins transform a traditional breakfast into something extraordinary.

Grab a mug of coffee and dive into this delectable morning adventure that everyone at the table will adore.

Why French Toast Muffins Are Weekend Winners

Prep work is straightforward, making it a breeze for even novice cooks.

  • Adaptable to various occasions from casual family breakfasts to weekend brunches. These muffins can be dressed up or down, suiting both impromptu gatherings and planned events.
  • Swap ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs. Experiment with different bread types, add nuts, or play with spices to create your unique breakfast masterpiece. The recipe welcomes creativity and personal touches.
  • Prepare components in advance, giving you extra relaxation time. The recipe allows for overnight preparation, ensuring a stress-free morning with minimal cooking effort when you're ready to serve.

What’s in French Toast Muffins

Bread Base:
  • Bread Cubes: Soft bread that absorbs the rich custard mixture and creates the foundation of the muffins.
Custard Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the muffin base.
  • Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth texture for the custard.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the mixture.
  • Cinnamon: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the French toast muffins.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Walnuts, Powdered Sugar: Add extra crunch and sweet decoration to the muffins.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides a classic sweet finish and complementary flavor.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray, Melted Butter: Prevents the muffins from sticking to the pan.

Making French Toast Muffins with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and give it a quick coat of melted butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Custard

Grab a large mixing bowl and crack those eggs.

Whisk them until they’re smooth and fluffy.

Pour in milk, then sprinkle in:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt

Whisk everything into a dreamy, silky custard that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 3: Embrace the Bread Soak

Toss bread cubes into the custard.

Gently fold and mix until every single bread cube is completely drenched in the creamy mixture.

Let the bread absorb all those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Muffin Tin Magic

Scoop the soaked bread mixture into muffin cups, filling each about halfway.

Any leftover custard?

Pour it right over the top for an extra boost of deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven.

Bake for about 20 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

The center should be set but still soft and tender.

Step 6: Create the Final Flourish

Fresh out of the oven, sprinkle with:
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Powdered sugar

Drizzle with maple syrup for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.

Step 7: Prepare in Advance

Want to make morning easier?

Prep the custard and soak bread the night before.

Cover and refrigerate.

This gives you extra time to enjoy your morning coffee.

Step 8: Morning Baking Secrets

Remove the prepared muffins from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.

This helps them cook evenly.

If coming straight from the refrigerator, add a few extra minutes to baking time.

Step 9: Bread Selection Tips

Brioche or challah work wonderfully.

For maximum flavor, let the custard rest in the refrigerator overnight.

Combine with bread just before baking for a luxurious breakfast treat.

Tips for Better French Toast Muffins

  • Ensure bread cubes are not too wet by gently pressing excess custard before filling muffin cups, keeping the texture perfectly moist without becoming mushy.
  • Experiment with vanilla extract, nutmeg, or a splash of orange zest in the custard to elevate the traditional French toast taste profile.
  • Rotate the muffin tin halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and consistent texture across all muffins.
  • Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free bread to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
  • Refrigerate leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating briefly in the oven to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior.

Reheating and Saving French Toast Muffins

  • Store leftover French Toast Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal them carefully to prevent moisture loss and maintain their soft texture.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they're protected from freezer burn.
  • Warm refrigerated muffins for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Check midway to prevent overheating and maintain their delicate custard-like consistency.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, place muffins on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out and restore their original moistness.

Pairings for French Toast Muffins

  • Pair Maple Bourbon Cocktail: Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters for a sophisticated morning drink that complements the french toast muffins' sweet cinnamon profile.
  • Create Berry Smoothie Companion: Blend fresh strawberries, blueberries, and yogurt for a refreshing, tart counterpoint that cuts through the rich, custardy muffin texture.
  • Serve Vanilla Latte Sidekick: Craft a creamy espresso drink with steamed milk and vanilla syrup to enhance the breakfast's warm, comforting cinnamon notes.
  • Offer Fresh Fruit Salad: Toss seasonal fruits like peaches, raspberries, and orange segments for a light, zesty accompaniment that balances the muffins' decadence.

Tasty Twists on French Toast Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes or almond flour bread, ensuring the same texture and absorbing capabilities.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap cow's milk with coconut milk or almond milk, maintaining the creamy custard consistency while accommodating lactose-intolerant needs.
  • Vegan Version: Use silken tofu or plant-based egg replacer instead of eggs, combined with coconut milk and maple syrup for binding and sweetness.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the classic french toast flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use brioche, challah, or day-old white bread. Avoid very soft or fresh bread as it might become too mushy. Slightly stale bread works best for soaking up the custard.

  • Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead breakfast?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning. Just remember to take the muffin tin out 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.

  • How do I know when the French Toast Muffins are fully baked?

Look for a lightly browned top and a custard that’s set but still soft in the center. If the mixture was refrigerated overnight, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

  • Can I freeze these French Toast Muffins?

Yes, you can freeze them. Allow the muffins to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 weeks. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
French Toast Muffins Recipe

French Toast Muffins Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet breakfast magic emerges with French Toast Muffins, blending classic brunch comfort and portable convenience. Cinnamon-kissed bites deliver warm nostalgia and morning delight you’ll savor with each delectable morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (1 pound) brioche, challah, or fresh sourdough bread, sliced into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole or 2% milk

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Seasoning and Optional Add-in:

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup walnut pieces (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with melted butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a creamy custard by whisking eggs until well-beaten, then incorporating milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and thoroughly combined.
  3. Gently fold bread cubes into the custard mixture, ensuring each piece is completely saturated and evenly coated.
  4. Distribute the soaked bread mixture into muffin cups, filling each about halfway. Pour any remaining custard over the top for extra moisture.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F, watching for lightly browned tops and a set but soft center. Refrigerated mixtures may require slightly longer baking time.
  6. After removing from the oven, garnish with chopped walnuts and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm with a maple syrup drizzle.
  7. For advance preparation, mix custard and soak bread the night before. Cover and refrigerate in the muffin tin, allowing for easy morning baking.
  8. When ready to bake refrigerated muffins, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking to reach room temperature. Adjust baking time accordingly.
  9. For brioche or challah breads, consider preparing custard a day ahead and combining with bread just before baking for enhanced flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Swap bread types easily by using stale challah, brioche, or sourdough for varied textures and flavors.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist.
  • Create dairy-free versions by substituting milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by ensuring bread cubes are evenly distributed and not overly compressed in muffin cups.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star