Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins bring all the nostalgia of a weekend breakfast to your fingertips, in muffin form.
Golden and crunchy on the outside with a soft, custardy interior, each bite is infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla.

They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for brunch, holidays, or even meal prep. Kids love them, adults devour them, and they reheat beautifully for a quick breakfast or sweet afternoon snack. Whether you’re looking to switch up your classic French toast routine or searching for the next big brunch treat, these muffins are a surefire hit.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of thick white bread, cubed

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.

3. Add the cubed bread into the mixture, stirring gently to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard.

4. Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin, pressing lightly to compact.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and set.

6. While muffins bake, mix the topping: combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl.

7. Once muffins are out of the oven and still warm, brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar topping.

8. Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins

The Ultimate Comfort Bake: Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

When you think of breakfast comfort food, what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s the warm, cozy smell of cinnamon, the nostalgic flavor of French toast, or the crisp edge of a muffin that feels like a hug in food form. This recipe for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins is the perfect fusion of all three  it’s classic, crave-worthy, and absolutely delightful in every bite.

These muffins take the timeless appeal of French toast  that sweet custard-soaked bread, fried to golden perfection  and give it a modern makeover. Baked in muffin tins, each portion is crispy on the outside, soft and custardy inside, and topped with that unmistakable cinnamon-sugar crunch. It’s the kind of breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and homey, impressive yet effortless.

A Breakfast That Bridges Generations

French toast has a long and beloved history, dating back to ancient Rome, where it was first recorded as “pan dulcis,” bread soaked in milk and eggs and then fried. It has since evolved through centuries and across cultures, becoming “pain perdu” in France  literally “lost bread”  a clever way to use up stale bread in an elegant and delicious way.

In the United States, French toast became a brunch staple, loved for its simple ingredients, versatility, and how well it pairs with a variety of toppings  from syrup and berries to whipped cream or powdered sugar. Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins preserve all of this rich tradition, but in a form that’s perfectly portable, pre-portioned, and absolutely adorable.

These muffins are ideal for families, busy individuals, or anyone who loves the flavor of French toast but wants a less messy, more hands-off way to enjoy it. There’s no standing over a stove flipping slices of bread  just a quick soak, a muffin tin, and your oven. In about half an hour, you’ve got a dozen warm, golden muffin-style French toasts that will fill your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar aroma.

Why This Recipe Works

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its simplicity and smart design. Using day-old bread is both practical and purposeful: stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better without turning to mush. The rich egg and cream mixture creates that signature soft interior, while the baking method gives every edge a delicious crunch that’s often hard to achieve with pan-fried French toast.

The muffin format also makes portioning easy. Instead of guessing how many slices of French toast each person might want, everyone gets a warm, golden muffin or two, served hot and fresh. Plus, they look great  rustic yet polished, especially when dusted with extra cinnamon sugar or paired with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.

The cinnamon sugar topping is the crown jewel  it gives that caramelized crunch that makes every bite special. When brushed with melted butter and topped with cinnamon sugar right out of the oven, the muffins glisten and smell like a dream. It’s a small step with huge payoff in flavor and texture.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These muffins shine in so many different settings:

• Weekend Brunch: Make them the night before, reheat in the oven, and serve with mimosas and fruit.

• Holidays & Gatherings: Great for Easter, Christmas morning, or any time you’re serving a crowd.

• Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container and enjoy throughout the week. A quick zap in the microwave brings them back to life.

• Kids’ Breakfast or Lunchbox: Easy to pack and loved by kids. Add a little fruit and yogurt for a balanced morning meal.

• Afternoon Snack or Dessert: Surprisingly great as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, paired with coffee or tea.

What makes these muffins so universal is their adaptability. Add-ins like chopped apples, raisins, or chocolate chips can give them a seasonal twist. Swap the topping for a streusel crumble or a maple glaze to take them even further. Or go savory with herbs and cheese if you’re feeling adventurous  the base custard can be easily transformed.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These muffins store beautifully. After cooling completely, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days in a sealed container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months  simply wrap each muffin individually and place in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

For make-ahead ease, you can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate. Let the bread soak overnight, then simply fill your muffin tin and bake fresh in the morning.

Nutritional Considerations

At roughly 180 calories per muffin, they strike a nice balance between indulgent and reasonable. They’re satisfying thanks to the protein from eggs and the slow-digesting carbs in the bread, making them a great breakfast option that won’t lead to a mid-morning crash. You can adjust the fat content by swapping in low-fat milk, or even make a dairy-free version with almond milk and coconut cream.

For those watching their sugar intake, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the custard mixture or use a sugar substitute. Cinnamon adds a naturally sweet and warming flavor that makes it easy to cut back without sacrificing taste.

Reader Tips & Variations

Many readers have shared their own takes on this recipe  here are a few favorite twists:

• Maple Bacon Version: Add chopped cooked bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup before baking for a sweet-savory kick.

• Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Add a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice in the fall.

• Berry Surprise: Drop a couple of fresh blueberries or raspberries into each muffin cup before baking for a fruity burst.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread  just be sure it’s slightly stale to mimic the texture of traditional bread.

Conclusion:

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the kind of recipe that wins over everyone   from toddlers to grandparents, from novice cooks to seasoned bakers. It’s nostalgic and new at the same time, combining the best parts of French toast and muffins into one crave-worthy creation.

Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend brunch or prepping for a busy week ahead, these muffins offer a deliciously simple solution to breakfast boredom. With their crispy edges, soft custardy centers, and cinnamon-sugar sparkle, they deliver all the warmth and comfort of a homemade breakfast   without the fuss.

If you’re looking to add something sweet, satisfying, and just a little bit magical to your morning routine, give these muffins a try. They’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, just as they have in ours.