Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the cozy, satisfying taste of French toast but without the fuss of standing over a pan, you’re in for a treat with this Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe. These little bites pack all the cinnamon-sweet goodness and custardy texture of classic French toast, but come together in a playful, portable muffin form. They’re fantastic for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or even a sweet snack that feels a little indulgent without being a hassle.
Personally, I love how these muffins can be made ahead of time and still taste delightfully fresh, which means you can prep the night before and wake up to a warming, homemade breakfast that feels effortless. Plus, the recipe is flexible enough to make your own with different breads and add-ins, so it’s simple to tailor to what you have or what you’re craving. You’ll find yourself coming back to this Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe whenever you want a fuss-free morning win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Easy French Toast Muffins comes from simple ingredients that work really well together to create that iconic sweet and cinnamon-spiced custard flavor. From rich eggs to the perfect texture of brioche or challah, each component plays a role in making your muffins tender and flavorful. Here are the essentials with a few tips for picking the best:
- Brioche, challah, or fresh sourdough loaf: These breads bring a sturdy yet soft crumb that soaks up the custard beautifully. I prefer brioche for its buttery richness but challah works just as wonderfully.
- Large eggs: Eggs give that silky custard base and help bind everything together.
- Whole or 2% milk: I stick with whole milk for creaminess, but 2% works fine too if you want a lighter option.
- Brown sugar: Adds that deep caramel flavor that’s better than plain white sugar in my opinion.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm, comforting spice. Freshly ground if you can.
- Kosher salt: Salt always brightens flavors; don’t skip this even though it’s a sweet dish.
- Walnut pieces (optional): They add a lovely crunch and nuttiness, but feel free to leave them out or swap in pecans if that’s what you have on hand.
Variations
One of the best things about this Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak the add-ins or the bread based on what’s in my pantry, which keeps it exciting and personal.
- Berry Blast: Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries before baking — I love how the tartness cuts through the sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun weekend brunch. I tried it once with my kids, and they declared it a winner.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free bread if needed—still delicious and inclusive.
- Spices Upgrade: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for an autumnal vibe that’s perfect around the holidays.
How to Make Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Cube the Bread
Start by slicing your chosen loaf into 1-inch cubes—this size is key for even baking and soaking up the custard without turning soggy. If your bread is very fresh and soft, let the cubes sit out for an hour to dry slightly, or toast them lightly in the oven for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Whisk Your Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt until well combined. I like to really whisk vigorously to get a little froth — it helps make the muffins extra fluffy.
Step 3: Combine and Add Walnuts
Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, making sure every cube is coated. Then, stir in the walnut pieces if you’re using them. I sometimes toast the walnuts first to boost their nutty flavor, which adds a nice depth.
Step 4: Portion and Bake
Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray and spoon the mixture evenly into each cup. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean. Don’t open the oven too early or the muffins might sink—patience is your friend here!
How to Serve Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
I love to dust my French toast muffins with powdered sugar and drizzle a little maple syrup on top just before serving. Fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream also make for a lovely touch, especially if you’re serving them to guests.
Side Dishes
To round out breakfast or brunch, I often serve these with crispy bacon or sausage links and a simple fruit salad. The salty meat paired with sweet, spiced muffins creates that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try layering the muffins on a decorative platter with small bowls of different toppings—like nuts, maple syrup, fruit compote, and whipped cream—for a build-your-own French toast bar. It’s always a hit at holiday brunches and makes the meal feel festive and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover French toast muffins in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for about 3–4 days. The texture remains surprisingly good, and they’re an easy snack or breakfast on busy mornings.
Freezing
Freezing is a total game-changer with this recipe. Let the muffins cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When I’ve been short on time, freezing a batch means I always have a quick, homemade breakfast waiting for me.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the muffins in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for 7–10 minutes until they’re warm and a little crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make them soggy, and that crunch on the edges is where the magic is!
FAQs
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Can I use any type of bread for Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe?
You can! Brioche, challah, and sourdough are ideal because they soak up the custard well without getting too mushy. However, feel free to experiment with other sturdy breads like whole wheat or even gluten-free options—just adjust soaking time as needed.
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Can I prepare these muffins the night before?
Absolutely. You can cube the bread and whisk together the custard the night before, then combine and bake in the morning. Alternatively, you can bake the muffins in advance and reheat them when ready to serve.
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Are Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the bread, but you can easily make a gluten-free version by using your favorite gluten-free bread loaf. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the custard mixture.
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Can I add other flavors or toppings?
Definitely! Cinnamon is classic, but nutmeg, vanilla extract, or pumpkin spice blend all work wonderfully. Toppings like nuts, berries, or even chocolate chips can add extra flair and flavor.
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How do I make the muffins less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly or omit it altogether. You can always add syrup or powdered sugar when you serve to adjust sweetness to taste.
Final Thoughts
After making these Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe a few times, they’ve quickly become one of my go-to breakfasts for anything from a relaxed weekend brunch to weekday meal prep. They bring that comforting French toast vibe in a new, delightful form that’s just as nostalgic but way easier to manage. I hope you try them out and find your own favorite variations—you might even discover they become your breakfast lifesaver like they did for me!
Print
Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring tender bread cubes soaked in a spiced egg mixture and baked into convenient, single-serving muffins. Perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or as a make-ahead treat, they combine the richness of brioche or challah with the warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar. Optional walnuts add a satisfying crunch, making these muffins both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16–18 ounce loaf of brioche, challah, or fresh sourdough, sliced into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole or 2% milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup walnut pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut your brioche, challah, or sourdough loaf into 1-inch cubes ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent baking.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1 ½ cups of whole or 2% milk, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Gently fold the bread cubes into the egg mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. If using walnuts, fold them in at this point for added texture.
- Spoon into Muffin Pan: Grease a standard muffin tin and evenly distribute the soaked bread cubes and custard mixture into each muffin cup. Press down lightly to pack the mixture slightly.
- Bake the Muffins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the muffins for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the custard is set when tested with a toothpick.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove them and serve warm. They pair wonderfully with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Using day-old bread can help absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Substitute milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, noting that texture may vary.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the custard.
- French Toast Muffins can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen, then warmed in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Optional walnuts add texture but can be omitted for a nut-free option.
Keywords: French Toast Muffins, Breakfast Muffins, Brioche Muffins, Challah French Toast, Baked French Toast, Easy Breakfast Recipe
