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If you love waking up to warm, comforting breakfasts that feel like a hug in food form, you are going to adore this French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe. Imagine all the cozy, cinnamon-spiced goodness of classic French toast reinvented as perfectly portioned muffins with a golden, crumbly topping that makes each bite pure morning magic. Whether for a weekend brunch or a weekday treat, these delightful muffins effortlessly combine soft, custardy bread soaked with vanilla and cinnamon flavors and a crunchy, buttery topping that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet every item plays an important role in crafting that classic, irresistible French toast taste and texture. Together, they create a harmony between creamy custard, tender bread, and sweet, crunchy topping.
- Whole milk: Adds rich creaminess that moistens the bread without overpowering it.
- Heavy whipping cream: Enhances the custard’s silky texture and adds extra indulgence.
- Sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough, balancing the spices perfectly.
- Eggs: The binding agent that gives structure and that signature French toast custard base.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to every bite.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that cozy, spiced flavor that defines French toast.
- Kosher sea salt: Just a pinch to highlight all the sweet and savory components.
- Dried cubed bread: The star ingredient — any sturdy bread like challah, brioche, croissants, or cinnamon raisin works beautifully.
- All purpose flour: Used in the crumbly topping to add texture and structure.
- Brown sugar: Imparts a caramel-like sweetness and helps caramelize the topping.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, crumbly topping that balances softness with crunch.
How to Make French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for perfectly golden muffins. Lightly grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners to ensure your muffins come out without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Base
In a large bowl, combine the whole milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and every flavor unites, creating the rich custard soak your bread will absorb.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes in Custard
Gently fold in your dried bread cubes, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated but not broken apart. Let it sit for 10 minutes—this crucial step allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in tender, flavorful French toast within every muffin.
Step 4: Make the Topping Crumble
While the bread soaks, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a crunchy, golden crust that perfectly complements the soft muffins.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin and Add Topping
Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among your prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Then sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each one to create a beautiful, sweet crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and a set but tender interior. When the kitchen fills with that wonderful scent of cinnamon and vanilla, you’ll know you’re close to breakfast heaven.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the tin. This rest time helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to remove and enjoy without falling apart. Then, dig in and savor every bite!
How to Serve French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream instantly elevates these muffins from amazing to unforgettable. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add a pop of color and texture that will delight your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a side of crisp bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs for a well-rounded breakfast feast. A fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait also makes a refreshing companion, balancing the richness of the muffins perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider serving your French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe in mini bundt pans for a unique twist or stacking several muffins with layers of fresh cream and berries for a playful, breakfast trifle. Wrap warm muffins individually with a ribbon for delightful grab-and-go treats that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigeration works well for up to a week, just be sure to bring them back to room temperature or gently reheat before eating.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to brighten any morning when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your muffins in the toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the crunchy topping, so use your preference for texture.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just opt for a sturdy gluten-free bread that holds up well when soaked, like a gluten-free challah or brioche, to maintain the muffin’s shape and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and coconut cream. Keep the other ingredients the same for a delicious dairy-free version.
Can I make these muffins ahead for a party or event?
Definitely! Prepare the muffins up to baking, then refrigerate overnight and bake fresh the next morning. Alternatively, bake in advance and reheat just before serving to save time while impressing your guests.
Why does the recipe call for dried bread rather than fresh?
Dried bread soaks up the custard more evenly without becoming mushy, which ensures your muffins hold their shape and have that perfect custardy center with a nice texture throughout.
What kind of bread works best in this recipe?
Challah, brioche, croissants, cinnamon raisin, or any dense yet tender bread are ideal choices. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it can become too soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly special about this French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe that makes mornings brighter and taste buds happier. It’s a lovingly simple mix of familiar flavors crafted into individual bites of joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition.
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French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful French Toast Muffins that combine the comforting taste of classic French toast with the convenience of a muffin. Made with a custard-soaked bread base, a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, and topped with a sweet crumbly mixture, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or brunch and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher sea salt
Base
- 6 cups dried cubed bread (white, challah, brioche, croissants, or cinnamon raisin)
Topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and kosher salt until fully blended and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Add the dried cubed bread to the custard mixture and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the unsalted butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs, forming a streusel topping.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over each muffin cup to add a sweet, crunchy layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown on top and set in the center when gently touched.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old or dried bread cubes for best absorption and texture in the muffins.
- Challah or brioche bread adds a rich flavor but white bread or croissants work equally well.
- Letting the bread soak for a full 10 minutes is key to a moist interior.
- The streusel topping can be customized by adding chopped nuts or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat before serving.


