How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Like a Pro

Have you ever craved the warm, comforting flavors of French toast but dreaded the process of standing at the stove flipping slice after slice? I’ve been there too! That’s why these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins have become my absolute go-to breakfast solution. They deliver all the delicious taste of traditional French toast but in convenient, perfectly-portioned muffin form that’s ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or make-ahead meal prep.

These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins transform the classic breakfast into something even more special—with a perfectly caramelized exterior, soft custardy center, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating that makes every bite pure bliss. Best of all, they solve the common frustrations of traditional French toast: no more soggy slices, uneven cooking, or being stuck at the stove while everyone else enjoys their breakfast!

Why This Recipe Works (A Deep Dive)

Traditional French toast can be temperamental—sometimes too soggy, sometimes too dry, and always requiring constant attention. These French toast muffins solve all these common problems:

Perfect Texture Balance: By baking the bread cubes in a muffin tin, you get the best of both worlds—crispy tops with custardy, tender centers. The elevation of the muffin tin allows hot air to circulate evenly around each muffin, creating that perfect texture without flipping.

Even Custard Distribution: One common issue with regular French toast is uneven soaking, where some parts get saturated while others remain dry. With this muffin method, each bread cube gets evenly coated in the egg mixture, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Unlike traditional French toast that’s best eaten immediately, these muffins actually benefit from a resting period, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

The Science Behind the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these cinnamon sugar French toast muffins plays an essential role:

• Brioche or Challah Bread: The higher egg and butter content in these breads creates a richer flavor profile and sturdier structure that holds up to the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs more custard without becoming mushy.
• Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: This combination provides the perfect fat content for a silky custard that creates that classic French toast mouthfeel. The fat also helps carry the vanilla and cinnamon flavors throughout each bite.
• Brown Sugar: Unlike regular granulated sugar, brown sugar contains molasses which adds depth and a subtle caramel note that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
• Cinnamon: Beyond its signature flavor, cinnamon actually helps regulate blood sugar levels, making these muffins a smarter indulgence!
• Vanilla Extract: This acts as a flavor enhancer, elevating all the other ingredients and creating that warm, aromatic quality we associate with the best French toast.

The Ultimate Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 16oz), cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old works best)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the bread: Cut your brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or place in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes.
2. Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.
3. Soak the bread: Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently fold until all pieces are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator, covered) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
4. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
5. Fill the muffin cups: Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one to the top. Press down gently to ensure the bread cubes stick together.
6. Drizzle with butter: Brush the tops of each muffin with melted butter for extra flavor and a golden finish.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set (a toothpick inserted should come out clean).
8. Make cinnamon sugar coating: While the muffins are baking, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
9. Finish the muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove each muffin, brush the tops and sides with melted butter, and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
10. Serve: Enjoy warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect French Toast Muffins

Bread Selection:

• Brioche: Creates the richest, most decadent muffins with a buttery flavor.
• Challah: Slightly less rich than brioche but with excellent structure and a hint of sweetness.
• Texas Toast: More readily available and budget-friendly while still providing good thickness.
• Day-old bread: Always preferred as it absorbs custard better without falling apart.

Pro Tip: If you only have fresh bread, cut it into cubes and let it dry out for 30 minutes at room temperature or 10 minutes in a low oven (250°F).

Perfecting the Soak:

For standard French toast muffins, a 15-minute soak at room temperature yields excellent results. However, for an even more custardy center, refrigerate the soaked bread overnight in a covered bowl. This extended soak allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors while maintaining its structure.

Preventing Sticky Situations:

Even with non-stick muffin tins, these custard-soaked creations can cling tenaciously. For foolproof removal:

• Grease your muffin tin generously with butter or high-quality cooking spray
• Consider using parchment paper muffin liners for truly effortless release
• Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes before attempting to remove them

Achieving the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

The cinnamon sugar coating is what transforms these from good to absolutely irresistible! For best results:

1. Work quickly while the muffins are still warm (but not hot)
2. Brush butter on all surfaces, not just the tops
3. Use a shallow bowl for the cinnamon sugar mixture to ensure even coating
4. Gently press the muffins into the mixture for maximum adherence

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Emily Wilson

Make these easy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins crispy outside, soft inside, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or make-ahead meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 muffins

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Muffins:

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread about 16oz, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old works best)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions

 

Prepare the bread:

• Cut your brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or place in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes.
  

Make the custard mixture:

• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.
  

Soak the bread:

• Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently fold until all pieces are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator, covered) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
  

Preheat and prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
  

Fill the muffin cups:

• Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one to the top. Press down gently to ensure the bread cubes stick together.
  

Drizzle with butter:

• Brush the tops of each muffin with melted butter for extra flavor and a golden finish.
  

Bake:

• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set (a toothpick inserted should come out clean).
  

Make cinnamon sugar coating:

• While the muffins are baking, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
  

Finish the muffins:

• Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove each muffin, brush the tops and sides with melted butter, and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
  

Serve:

• Enjoy warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream!
  

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 5g

Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

Keyword Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Delicious Variations and Add-Ins

Transform the basic French toast muffin recipe with these creative variations:

Fruit Additions:

• Berry Bliss: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or quartered strawberries
• Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup of diced apples sautéed with a bit of butter and cinnamon
• Banana Bread: Fold in 1 mashed ripe banana and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Sweet Add-Ins:

• Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate chips
• Cream Cheese Stuffed: Press a small cube of cream cheese into the center of each muffin before baking
• Nutella Swirl: Drop small dollops of Nutella into the bread mixture and swirl gently

Savory Twists:

• Maple Bacon: Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the mixture and drizzle with maple syrup after baking
• Sausage & Sage: Include 1/2 cup cooked breakfast sausage crumbles and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage

Spice Variations:

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are perfect for meal prep and actually benefit from planning ahead!

Make-Ahead Options:

• Night Before Prep: Prepare the bread and custard mixture, combine them, and refrigerate overnight in a covered bowl. In the morning, simply fill your muffin tin and bake.
• Ready-to-Bake: Fill the muffin tin with the soaked bread mixture, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let the tin come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.

Storage Solutions:

• Refrigerator: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cinnamon sugar coating may soften slightly but will still be delicious.
• Freezer: These French toast muffins freeze beautifully! Place cooled muffins on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• From refrigerated: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• From frozen: Microwave for 45-60 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

Pro Tip: For the freshest taste when reheating, save some of the cinnamon sugar mixture to sprinkle on top after warming!

Serving Suggestions

Transform your easy French toast muffins into a complete breakfast experience with these perfect pairings:

Sweet Toppings:

• Warm maple syrup (the classic choice!)
• Fresh fruit compote or berries
• Whipped cream or crème fraîche
• Caramel or chocolate sauce
• Vanilla yogurt with a drizzle of honey

Savory Sides:

• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
• Scrambled eggs with fresh herbs
• Yogurt parfait with granola and fresh fruit
• Fresh fruit salad with mint

Beverage Pairings:

• Hot coffee or cold brew
• Frothy cappuccino or latte
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice
• Mimosas for a celebratory brunch
• Hot chocolate for a cozy morning treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. They deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional French toast with the added benefits of being make-ahead friendly, perfectly portioned, and incredibly versatile.

Whether you’re serving them at a special brunch, preparing a week’s worth of breakfast in advance, or treating your family to a cozy weekend breakfast, these French toast muffins are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

I’d love to hear how your cinnamon sugar French toast muffins turn out! Did you try any of the variations? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for your next breakfast or brunch gathering!

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