If you love French toast, but want a fun, portable twist on the classic breakfast dish, then Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are just what you need! These muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, making them a perfect treat for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or even a sweet snack.
Each bite delivers the delicious taste of traditional French toast, but in an easy-to-eat muffin form. The best part? They’re coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that gives them an irresistible crunch!
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, from selecting the best ingredients to step-by-step instructions, variations, storage tips, and FAQs. Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting out, this guide will help you create perfectly soft, flavorful muffins every time.
What Are Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a fun and delicious twist on traditional French toast. Instead of cooking slices of bread on a griddle, the ingredients are baked in a muffin tin, creating soft, fluffy, and bite-sized treats that are easy to grab and enjoy.
Each muffin is made with a rich, custard-like batter, similar to classic French toast, and is infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Once baked, they are coated in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, giving them a deliciously sweet and crispy finish—just like the best part of French toast!
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
✔ Easy to Make – No need to stand over a stove flipping French toast! Just mix, bake, and coat in cinnamon sugar.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and reheat them for a quick breakfast or snack.
✔ Kid-Friendly – The soft texture and sweet cinnamon sugar coating make these a favorite for kids.
✔ Great for Brunch or On-the-Go – Serve them as part of a brunch spread or grab one for a quick breakfast.
Key Ingredients in Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
While the ingredients are simple, each one plays an important role in creating the perfect muffin texture and flavor:
✔ Bread – Traditional French toast is made with bread, and these muffins often use cubed bread (like brioche, challah, or white bread) for a soft and fluffy texture. Alternatively, a standard batter with flour can be used.
✔ Eggs – Helps bind the muffins and gives them a rich, custardy texture.
✔ Milk & Heavy Cream – Creates the classic French toast flavor and keeps the muffins soft.
✔ Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract – Essential for adding warm, sweet flavors.
✔ Sugar – Used in the batter and for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
✔ Butter – Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the muffins after baking.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
To create the perfectly soft, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced French Toast Muffins, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. These are pantry staples that come together to make a delicious, bakery-style treat!
Main Ingredients for the Muffins
✔ 4 cups cubed bread (Brioche, Challah, or White Bread – day-old bread works best!)
✔ 3 large eggs – Helps bind the muffins and gives them a custardy texture.
✔ 1 cup milk (Whole milk or a mix of milk and heavy cream for richness)
✔ ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and gives it that classic French toast taste.
✔ 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Essential for warm spice and aroma.
✔ ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
✔ 2 tablespoons melted butter – Adds moisture and richness.
✔ ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the muffins rise slightly and keeps them fluffy.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating (for the Best Crunchy Finish!)
✔ ½ cup granulated sugar
✔ 1 teaspoon cinnamon
✔ 4 tablespoons butter (melted) – Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the muffins.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to take your muffins to the next level? Try these fun mix-ins:
✔ Chocolate Chips – A sweet surprise inside each muffin!
✔ Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch.
✔ Maple Syrup Drizzle – Drizzle over the top before serving for extra sweetness.
✔ Raisins or Dried Cranberries – Adds a chewy texture and fruity flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins – Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process to create these delicious, cinnamon-sugar-coated French Toast Muffins. This recipe is super easy and requires minimal prep time!
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- If you haven’t already, cut your bread into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
- Using day-old bread is best because it soaks up the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for 30 minutes or toast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to dry it out slightly.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
✔ Eggs
✔ Milk (or heavy cream and milk mixture)
✔ Sugar
✔ Vanilla extract
✔ Cinnamon
✔ Salt
✔ Melted butter -
Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
- Add the cubed bread into the bowl with the custard mixture.
- Gently stir to coat every piece of bread, ensuring it soaks up the custard. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so the flavors fully absorb.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Evenly distribute the soaked bread mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
- Lightly press the mixture down with a spoon to help everything stick together.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in another bowl.
Step 8: Coat the Muffins in Cinnamon Sugar
- Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes in the tin.
- Carefully remove each muffin and dip the top (or the whole muffin) into the melted butter.
- Immediately roll or sprinkle them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that crispy, sweet coating.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
- Enjoy the muffins warm as they are, or serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent treat!
- They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Variations and Storage Tips for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Now that you’ve mastered the classic recipe, let’s explore some fun variations to customize these muffins and the best ways to store them so you can enjoy them later!
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Maple Glazed French Toast Muffins
Instead of rolling the muffins in cinnamon sugar, drizzle them with a simple maple glaze:
✔ ½ cup powdered sugar
✔ 2 tablespoons maple syrup
✔ 1-2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Mix together and drizzle over warm muffins!
2. Chocolate Chip French Toast Muffins
Love chocolate? Stir ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the bread mixture before baking. The chocolate will melt into the muffins, making them extra decadent!
3. Nutty Cinnamon Crunch Muffins
For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of each muffin before baking.
4. Stuffed French Toast Muffins
Add a surprise inside each muffin by pressing a small dollop of cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter into the center before baking.
5. Pumpkin Spice French Toast Muffins
For a fall-inspired version, add ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice to the custard mixture and use pumpkin puree (¼ cup) instead of some of the milk.
How to Store and Reheat French Toast Muffins
Storing in the Refrigerator
✔ Allow muffins to cool completely before storing.
✔ Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
✔ Once cooled, place muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
✔ Transfer them to a ziplock freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Ways to Reheat
✔ Oven (Best Method): Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
✔ Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds for a quick breakfast.
✔ Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs – Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins every time!
1. Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
Yes, but day-old or slightly dry bread absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a better texture. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes before mixing them with the custard.
2. Can I Make These Muffins Without Eggs?
Yes! If you need an egg-free version, try these substitutes:
✔ ¼ cup mashed banana per egg (adds a slight banana flavor)
✔ ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg (for a milder flavor)
✔ 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 minutes before using)
3. Can I Make These Muffins Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Replace the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Instead of butter, use melted coconut oil or vegan butter for the cinnamon sugar coating.
4. Why Are My Muffins Too Soggy?
If your muffins turned out too wet, here are some possible reasons:
✔ Too much liquid – Reduce the milk by ¼ cup next time.
✔ Not enough baking time – Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check with a toothpick.
✔ Over-soaking the bread – Let the bread absorb the custard for just 5-10 minutes, not too long.
5. How Do I Make the Muffins Extra Crispy?
For a crispier texture:
✔ Bake them for an extra 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
✔ Use a crumb topping made of butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon before baking.
✔ Reheat them in an air fryer instead of the microwave.
6. Can I Prepare These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the muffin mixture the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, bake as directed—no extra steps needed!
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the perfect combination of classic French toast flavors and the convenience of a muffin. They’re soft, fluffy, coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, and make for an irresistible breakfast or snack. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven, prepping them ahead for busy mornings, or adding fun variations like chocolate chips or maple glaze, these muffins are sure to become a household favorite!
Plus, they’re easy to make, customizable, and can be stored or frozen for later—making them perfect for meal prep, brunch gatherings, or a quick grab-and-go treat.
Now that you have everything you need to make these delicious Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, it’s time to get baking! 🍽️✨ Enjoy, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family. 😊