Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: Your New Favorite Handheld Brunch Treat

Nothing says cozy weekend like a warm plate of French toast—but what if you could hold that cinnamon-sweet goodness in one hand while sipping your coffee with the other? Enter Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, the perfect hybrid of classic French toast and easy breakfast muffins. These baked French toast cups are crisp on the outside, custardy on the inside, and topped with the kind of cinnamon sugar topping dreams are made of.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Muffin Recipe

Easy to Prepare

• No flipping required. Mix, soak, bake.
  
• All baked in one muffin tin—minimal mess.
  

Versatile Flavor

• Works with brioche, challah, or even leftover sandwich bread.
  
• Add-ins like berries or chocolate chips make them your own.
  

Perfect for Any Meal

• A sweet brunch idea? Check.
  
• Great as dessert? Absolutely.
  
• Breakfast on the go? Done.
  

Great for Leftover Bread

• That stale bread on your counter? This is your day-old bread recipe.
  
• Better texture and custard absorption from bread that’s a little dry.
  

Make-Ahead Option

• Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
  
• Or freeze and reheat for fast make-ahead breakfast muffins.
  

Tools and Prep: Everything You Need for Muffin Tin French Toast

Essential Tools

• Muffin tin (12-cup)
  
• Mixing bowls (2)
  
• Whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Rubber spatula
  
• Pastry brush (for butter topping)
  

Why Each Tool Matters

• Muffin tin gives these handheld French toast muffins their shape.
  
• Mixing bowls keep your custard and toppings organized.
  
• A whisk ensures smooth, well-combined custard (clumps are the enemy).
  
• Rubber spatula folds bread gently so it doesn’t turn to mush.
  
• Pastry brush helps butter stick for that crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
  

Ingredients for Custard-Soaked Bread Muffins

For the Muffins:

• 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
  
• 4 large eggs
  
• 1 cup whole milk
  
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
  
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• 2 tbsp melted butter
  

Step-by-Step: How to Make French Toast Muffin Recipe

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C)

Hot oven = golden crust. Grease that muffin tin well.

2. Make Custard Mixture

Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl. That’s your flavor base.

3. Soak the Bread

Toss bread cubes into the custard. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb all that goodness.

4. Fill Muffin Tin

Scoop mixture into muffin cups and gently press it in. You want it compact but not smashed.

5. Bake for 25–30 Minutes

Look for golden tops and set centers. Let them cool slightly in the pan.

6. Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While muffins are still warm, brush tops with melted butter. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle generously.

7. Serve Warm (Optional: Maple Syrup Topping)

These shine on their own, but a little drizzle of syrup never hurts.

Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Cinnamon Muffins

• With maple syrup topping
  
• Fresh berries or banana slices
  
• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
  
• As a sweet side to bacon or eggs
  
• With hot coffee or chai tea
  

Tips for Perfect Homemade Breakfast Treats

• Use day-old bread for better texture
  
• Soak long enough—don’t rush it
  
• Whisk custard thoroughly
  
• Check doneness with a toothpick
  
• Experiment with toppings (streusel? yes.)
  
• Serve warm for best texture
  

Best Side Dishes for Your Brunch Muffin Ideas

• Bacon or sausage links
  
• Scrambled or fried eggs
  
• Fruit salad or smoothie bowl
  
• Roasted breakfast potatoes
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Breakfast Muffin Recipes

• Using fresh bread = soggy results
  
• Not soaking long enough = dry interior
  
• Overfilling muffin cups = uneven baking
  
• Skipping topping = missed flavor opportunity
  
• Underbaking = mushy centers
  

Storage & Reheating Baked French Toast Cups

Refrigerator:

• Store in airtight container up to 3 days
  

Freezer:

• Freeze up to 3 months
  
• Wrap individually for grab-and-go
  

Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
  
• Microwave: 30 seconds
  
• Stovetop: Low heat, covered for 5 minutes
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Cinnamon & French Toast-Inspired Recipes

Love these muffins? You’ll love these too:

• Try this tropical twist on French toast using Hawaiian rolls
  
• Looking for a savory version? These sausage-stuffed French toast roll-ups are perfect
  
• For another cinnamon-packed breakfast bake, check out this cinnamon roll casserole
  
• If you love cinnamon, this Amish-style cinnamon bread is a must-try
  
• This donut-inspired cinnamon bread pairs perfectly with morning coffee
  

Final Thoughts + Pinterest Call to Action

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are everything you want in a breakfast treat — cozy, sweet, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping or entertaining brunch guests, they deliver big flavor in a small package.

Looking for more sweet brunch ideas? Follow my Pinterest for more inspiration

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