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Baked Cinnamon French Toast Muffins: A Perfect Weekend Treat!
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon French toast but are looking for a fun twist on the classic dish, then these Baked Cinnamon French Toast Muffins are the answer! They combine everything you adore about French toast—soft bread soaked in a sweet, spiced custard—with the convenience of a grab-and-go muffin. These muffins are perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even as a make-ahead treat for busy mornings.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the recipe, share tips to make them extra delicious, and answer common questions about this delightful dish.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- Portable & Easy: These French toast muffins are ideal for on-the-go breakfasts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them the night before and pop them in the oven the next morning.
- Cinnamon Bliss: The warmth of cinnamon makes these muffins feel like a hug in food form.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream for a personal touch.
Tips for Perfect Baked Cinnamon French Toast Muffins
- Bread Matters: Stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal.
- Cut Even Cubes: Uniform bread cubes ensure that each muffin has a consistent texture—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
- Overnight Option: You can assemble the muffins the night before and refrigerate them. This allows the custard to fully soak into the bread, resulting in a richer flavor.
- Toppings: Don’t forget toppings! Consider a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch.
- Don’t Overfill: Muffins can puff up while baking, so don’t overfill the muffin tins. Leave about ¼ inch at the top for expansion.
Baked Cinnamon French Toast Muffins Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 cups bread cubes (day-old or slightly stale, from brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Prepare the bread: Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to coat all the pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the soaked bread mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. Drizzle melted butter over the muffins for added richness.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crisp. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve: Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Common Questions About Baked Cinnamon French Toast Muffins
Q: Can I use any type of bread?
A: Yes, but soft, fluffy bread like brioche or challah works best. Day-old bread is ideal because it holds up better after soaking in the custard. Avoid very fresh, soft sandwich bread as it can become too mushy.
Q: Can I prepare these muffins the night before?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the muffins and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, just bake them as usual. This actually enhances the flavor as the custard fully soaks into the bread.
Q: Can I freeze these muffins?
A: Yes, these muffins freeze well! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: What toppings can I add?
A: You can top these muffins with powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even fresh berries. For a more indulgent version, consider adding a cream cheese glaze.
Q: How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
A: Make sure your bread is slightly stale or toasted to help it absorb the custard without becoming too soft. Also, don’t over-soak the bread cubes before baking. Just a quick toss to coat them is enough.
Q: Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the dairy in the recipe. Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer.
Printable Recipe
Baked Cinnamon French Toast Muffins
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread cubes day-old or slightly stale, from brioche, challah, or French bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Maple syrup for serving
- Powdered sugar for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Prepare the bread: Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to coat all the pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the soaked bread mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. Drizzle melted butter over the muffins for added richness.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crisp. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve: Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Cinnamon French Toast Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the best of French toast and muffins. Whether you make them for a cozy weekend breakfast or as a fun brunch dish, they’re sure to be a hit. They’re simple, customizable, and a great make-ahead option that can be enjoyed all week long!
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