If you love breakfast treats that bring both nostalgia and delight to your mornings, then these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are about to become your new favorite. Picture bite-sized morsels of rich, custardy bread infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla, baked to golden perfection and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze. They deliver all the cozy flavors of French toast in a fun, portable muffin form that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack-on-the-go. Trust me, once you try these irresistibly soft and sweet muffins, they’ll keep you coming back for more.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first joyful step towards making your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. Each one plays a unique role in building that classic French toast flavor and creating the perfect texture and color when baked.

Day-old bread (4 cups, cubed): Stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
Large eggs (4): The binding agents that give structure and richness to the muffins.
Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and a creamy base for the custard mixture.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Boosts richness for that luscious, tender crumb you’ll love.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the custard for just the right touch of sugary delight.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses the batter with warm aromatics that complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): The signature spice that makes these muffins unmistakably French toast in flavor.
For the topping – granulated sugar (¼ cup): Used in combination with cinnamon to create a crunchy, flavorful finish.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) for topping: Enhances the sweet topping with warm spice.
Melted butter (2 tbsp): Brush on the muffins post-baking to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add extra richness.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grease your muffin tin generously or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking. This foundational step ensures your muffins will come out beautifully without losing their shape.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Base

Grab a large bowl and whisk your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until everything is combined and smooth. This custard mixture is where the magic begins — it’s the soaking medium that transforms simple bread cubes into tender, flavorful muffins packed with warmth.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes

Gently fold the cubed day-old bread into the custard mixture. The key here is to allow the bread to soak for about 5 minutes, absorbing that delicious custard without becoming soggy. This soaking step guarantees each bite will be moist and tender once baked.

Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups and Press Down Lightly

Divide the custard-soaked bread evenly among the muffin cups. Push the mixture down gently with the back of a spoon to compact the bread cubes just enough to hold their shape while still keeping that wonderfully soft texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a firm center — this means your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are cooked through and have developed that signature crust on the outside.

Step 6: Add the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping

As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, brush each one with melted butter. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping generously over them. This simple final touch adds a delightful crunch and extra cinnamon sweetness, making these muffins absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Allow the muffins to cool just a bit so they hold together when you pick them up, but serve while they’re still warm—the soft custard inside and the crisp cinnamon sugar topping are best enjoyed fresh from the oven or soon after.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Garnishes

Simple garnishes such as a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup elevate these muffins to a delightful breakfast treat. Fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins with crispy bacon or sausage links for a balanced breakfast that hits both sweet and savory notes. Fresh fruit or a smoothie lends a refreshing complement, making the meal complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your muffins on a pretty platter for a brunch table centerpiece surrounded by small bowls of fruit, nuts, and syrups. You can even turn them into a fun French toast muffin parfait by layering crumbled muffins with yogurt and fruit in glasses—a playful and delicious presentation sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, storing them in the refrigerator is a good option, though warming before eating will bring back that freshly baked softness.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, pop the muffins in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. You can also microwave for 20 to 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method helps maintain that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

While fresh bread will work in a pinch, day-old bread is preferred because it soaks up the custard better without falling apart, resulting in a firmer texture for your muffins.

What type of bread works best for these muffins?

A sturdy, slightly dense bread like brioche, challah, or even a classic white sandwich bread yields the best texture and flavor for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk and a non-dairy creamer. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long do these muffins stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature or up to 4 days refrigerated.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward—just bake in batches or use multiple muffin tins. Make sure not to overfill the cups to prevent overflow.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins that feels cozy and special all at once. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a delightful snack, these muffins bring warmth and sweet comfort to the table with minimal effort and maximum joy. I encourage you to try making these treats soon—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed French toast any other way!

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delicious twist on classic French toast, baked into convenient, individual-sized portions. Made with day-old bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, and vanilla, then topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking.
Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
Soak Bread: Gently fold the cubed day-old bread into the custard mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let the mixture soak for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid fully.
Fill Muffin Tin: Evenly distribute the soaked bread mixture into the prepared muffin cups, pressing down lightly to compact the mixture and create neat muffins.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
Add Topping: Immediately after baking, brush each muffin with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over each muffin for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Using day-old bread helps the cubes absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
For a crispier topping, you can broil the muffins for 1-2 minutes after adding the cinnamon sugar.
Feel free to use different types of bread such as brioche or challah for richer flavor.
These muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
To make it dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American