French Toast Muffins: The Cozy Breakfast Upgrade You Never Knew You Needed
Picture this: It’s a chilly Sunday morning. The smell of cinnamon and butter wafts through the air. Your kids (or roommates, or that one friend who always crashes on your couch) stumble into the kitchen, half-asleep, and their eyes light up when they see what’s on the table—golden, pillowy muffins that taste exactly like their favorite French toast, but better. No syrup-sticky plates, no flipping slices at the stove. Just grab-and-go perfection. That’s the magic of these French Toast Muffins. And today, I’m sharing every secret to making them. Let’s bake joy into your mornings!
Table of Contents
Perfect For
- Sleepyheads: For those who hit snooze three times (no judgment!).
- Brunch parties: Impress guests without the stress.
- Lunchbox heroes: Kids and adults will beg for seconds.
- Comfort seekers: Because carbs + cinnamon = therapy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Portable perfection: French toast you can eat with one hand.
- 10-minute prep: Mix, bake, devour.
- Freezer-friendly: Stock up for emergency breakfasts.
- Endlessly customizable: Add chocolate, berries, nuts… swoon.
Ingredients You Need (for 12 muffins)
- 6 cups (300g) stale bread, cubed (brioche, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups (360ml) milk (whole or almond)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (75g) raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- For topping: 2 tbsp melted butter + 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar
Ingredient Highlights
- Stale bread: The secret to custardy centers without sogginess!
- Cinnamon + nutmeg: Warm, cozy spices that scream French toast.
- Vanilla: Pure extract adds depth (imitation just won’t do!).
Preparation Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Baking: 20–25 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with parchment liners.
2. Cube the Bread
- Cut stale bread into ½-inch cubes. No stale bread? Toast fresh bread at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry it out.
3. Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
4. Soak the Bread
- Add bread cubes (and raisins/chocolate chips, if using) to the custard. Gently toss until every piece is soaked. Let sit 5 minutes.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin
- Scoop mixture into muffin cups, pressing down lightly. Top with leftover custard from the bowl.
6. Bake & Glaze
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and set. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Calories per Serving
| Serving Size (1 muffin) | Calories |
|---|---|
| 80g | 180 kcal |
How to Serve
- Classic: Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar.
- Fancy brunch: Add whipped cream and fresh berries.
- On-the-go: Wrap in parchment paper—breakfast handled!
How to Store
- Room temp: Keep in an airtight container for 1 day.
- Fridge: Store for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds.
- Freezer: Freeze muffins on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster oven.
Additional Tips
- Bread matters: Stale, dense bread (like brioche) works best. Avoid ultra-soft sandwich loaves.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold to keep bread cubes intact.
- Soak longer: For extra custardy muffins, let the bread soak 10–15 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Apple pie muffins: Mix in diced apples and a dash of cardamom.
- Savory twist: Skip sugar, add grated cheese and cooked bacon.
- Vegan-friendly: Use flax eggs and almond milk.
Special Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Parchment liners (optional but helpful!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these the night before?
A: Yes! Assemble the muffins, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Q: Can I use gluten-free bread?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure it’s stale or toasted for texture.
Q: Why did my muffins turn out soggy?
A: Likely due to overly fresh bread. Always use stale or lightly toasted bread.
Conclusion
Food has a funny way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. These French Toast Muffins aren’t just a recipe—they’re tiny pockets of joy, a reminder that the simplest ingredients can create moments worth savoring. Whether you’re rushing out the door or lingering over coffee, I hope these muffins make your mornings a little sweeter.
Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
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good for a nice dinner
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