Introduction to Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
As a busy mom, I know how precious those morning moments can be. That’s why I adore these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins! They’re a delightful twist on a classic breakfast, combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a convenient muffin form. Perfect for those hectic mornings or a cozy weekend brunch, these muffins are sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a game-changer for busy mornings! They’re quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of your time, and they bake to perfection in under 30 minutes. The delightful aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen, making breakfast feel special. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table with a smile. Who wouldn’t love that?
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brioche bread: This rich, buttery bread is the star of the show. It gives the muffins a soft, fluffy texture. If you can’t find brioche, challah or even a good quality white bread will work.
- Large eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and creating that custardy goodness. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
- Whole milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to the custard mixture. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener enhances the flavor of the muffins. You can use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like taste.
- Pure vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile, making each bite more aromatic and delicious.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice! It brings warmth and sweetness, making these muffins feel like a cozy hug.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg, you can skip it or use allspice as a substitute.
- Kosher salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the muffins brown beautifully. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Cinnamon-sugar topping: A mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top gives these muffins a sweet, crunchy finish. It’s the cherry on top!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your muffins bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grease a 12-cup standard muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and make your muffin experience delightful!
Step 2: Cube the Brioche
Next, take your brioche bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here! Even-sized pieces ensure that every muffin bakes evenly, giving you that perfect fluffy texture. Plus, it makes for a beautiful presentation when they come out of the oven!
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. This custard mixture is the heart of your muffins. Whisk until everything is well combined and frothy, creating a deliciously rich base for your brioche.
Step 4: Combine Brioche and Custard
Now, gently fold the cubed brioche into the custard mixture. Make sure every piece is coated well. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows the bread to soak up all that creamy goodness, resulting in moist, flavorful muffins that everyone will love!
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
While the mixture is resting, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple mix adds a sweet, crunchy finish to your muffins. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to elevate your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins!
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
After the resting period, drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture and fold gently to combine. Then, divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Brush the tops with more melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping generously over each muffin. This step is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Finally, pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy the heavenly aroma!
Tips for Success
- Use slightly stale brioche for better absorption of the custard.
- Don’t rush the resting time; it’s crucial for flavor and texture.
- For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the mixture.
- Keep an eye on the muffins while baking to avoid over-browning.
- Serve warm for the best taste experience!
Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is essential. If you don’t have one, silicone muffin molds work great too!
- Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for the custard and a smaller one for the topping. Any size will do!
- Whisk: A whisk is perfect for blending the custard. A fork can work in a pinch!
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key. If you’re in a hurry, eyeballing can work for dry ingredients.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute brioche with gluten-free bread to make these muffins suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and almond or oat milk in place of whole milk for a delicious vegan version.
- Fruit-Infused: Add fresh blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples to the mixture for a fruity twist that adds flavor and nutrition.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile that adds warmth and depth.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these muffins with a side of fresh fruit for a colorful breakfast plate.
- Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the sweet flavors beautifully.
- For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs about Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just fill the muffin cups in the morning and bake them fresh for breakfast. It’s a great way to save time on busy mornings!
What can I substitute for brioche bread?
If brioche isn’t available, challah or a good quality white bread works well too. Just make sure it’s soft and slightly stale for the best texture. You want that perfect custardy goodness!
How do I store leftover muffins?
Store any leftover Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for an extra flavor boost. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you add a lot of extra ingredients.
Are these muffins suitable for a brunch gathering?
Yes! These muffins are perfect for brunch. Their delightful aroma and sweet flavor will impress your guests. Serve them warm with a side of fresh fruit and coffee for a lovely spread!
Final Thoughts
Making Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins is more than just baking; it’s about creating joyful moments in the kitchen. The delightful aroma wafting through your home will bring smiles to your family’s faces, making breakfast feel like a special occasion. These muffins are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize them to your family’s taste. Whether enjoyed warm with a drizzle of syrup or at room temperature, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your home. So, roll up your sleeves and let the sweet adventure begin!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: A Sweet Delight!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional French toast, combining the flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a muffin form, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup standard muffin tin.
- Cut the brioche into uniform 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cubed brioche to the custard mixture and gently fold until all pieces are coated. Let it stand for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- After 15 minutes, drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture and fold gently to combine.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups and brush the tops with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top of each muffin.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale brioche bread.
- These muffins can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, breakfast muffins, sweet muffins, French toast recipe