These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are like little bites of heaven! They’re soft, warm, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon in the morning? I love popping one of these in the toaster for that fresh toast vibe. They’re super easy to make and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your muffins, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in most cases.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness not just to the muffins, but also to the cinnamon sugar topping. You could swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Cubed Bread: Sturdy white bread or brioche will give the best texture. You can use whole wheat bread for a healthier variant or even croissants for a richer taste.
Milk: Whole milk offers creaminess, but you can use almond, soy, or oat milk if you’re dairy-free. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to maintain the flavor balance.
What’s the Best Method for Mixing the Batter Without Overdoing It?
Mixing the batter correctly is key to fluffy muffins! Here’s how to do it:
- In your dry ingredients, make sure they are well combined before adding wet ingredients. This prevents clumps.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Some lumps are okay! Over-mixing can lead to tough muffins.
- Fold in the bread cubes gently. This ensures even distribution without breaking the bread apart too much.
Take your time during this step, and you’ll have tasty muffins with a perfect texture!
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 3 cups cubed bread (preferably a sturdy white bread or brioche)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling in the pan before enjoying these warm muffins. Altogether, you’re looking at about 45 minutes until you’re biting into these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 12-cup muffin pan with some butter or non-stick spray, so your muffins won’t stick!
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This will be the yummy coating for the tops of your muffins. Set it aside for later!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This mixture forms the base of your muffins.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is nicely combined.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t over mix! It’s okay to have a few lumps.
6. Fold in the Bread:
Gently fold in the cubed bread pieces, making sure they’re all coated with the batter. This creates that classic French toast texture.
7. Fill the Muffin Pan:
Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This allows room for them to rise while baking!
8. Add the Topping:
Brush the tops of each muffin generously with melted butter. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the tops for a deliciously crunchy finish.
9. Bake the Muffins:
Pop the muffin pan into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. They’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After cooling, transfer them to a wire rack to cool a little more. Serve warm—these muffins are delightful as is, or you can drizzle them with maple syrup and enjoy them with fresh berries!
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast treat or brunch gathering. They bring all the comforting flavors of French toast in an easy-to-eat muffin. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sturdy white bread or brioche works best for texture, you can use whole wheat bread, challah, or even croissants for a richer flavor. Just make sure the bread is not overly soft to hold up in the batter.
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and combine them right before baking. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly if the batter is cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs in This Recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. You could also use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a great vegan alternative!
