If you love the comforting flavor of traditional French toast but crave something easy and portable, these French Toast Muffins are your new favorite breakfast treat. Soft on the inside, golden and slightly crisp on top, they deliver all the warmth of Sunday morning French toast — in convenient muffin form.
Perfect for brunch, grab-and-go mornings, or even a sweet snack, these muffins combine rich custard flavor with cinnamon and vanilla goodness. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy a quick homemade breakfast any day of the week.
Ingredients
Makes 12 muffins
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing)
- Maple syrup or powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Cut your bread into small cubes and let them dry slightly if they’re too soft. This helps absorb the custard mixture better.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
- Add the bread cubes to the mixture and gently fold until all pieces are coated.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the custard to soak into the bread.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the muffin cups, pressing down lightly to compact.
- Drizzle melted butter over the tops of each muffin.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a lighter breakfast.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for extra crunch.
- Make it festive by mixing in chocolate chips or raisins.
- Serve with a side of bacon or sausage for a full brunch experience.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 muffin) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
Nutritional Notes:
- Made with simple pantry ingredients and can be customized for dairy-free or low-sugar diets.
- Using whole grain bread increases fiber content and adds heartiness.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk for a lighter version.
Tips for Perfect French Toast Muffins
- Use stale bread: It absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Don’t overmix: Fold gently to keep the muffins fluffy.
- Freeze for later: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Flavor variations: Try adding orange zest, nutmeg, or vanilla bean for a gourmet twist.
These French Toast Muffins transform a breakfast classic into an easy, handheld delight. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving brunch guests, their comforting flavor and simple preparation make them an instant favorite.
Warm, soft, and lightly spiced — they taste like the perfect Sunday morning in every bite.