French Toast Muffins are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of classic French toast in a fun, portable form. These delightful breakfast treats offer a tender, custardy center thanks to the combination of eggs and cream, while a sugary, cinnamon topping adds an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re indulging on a lazy weekend or preparing a quick breakfast for guests, these muffins strike that perfect balance between cozy comfort food and elegant bakery-style goodness.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make French Toast Muffins
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
French Toast Muffins

My first encounter with these French Toast Muffins was during a cozy brunch gathering with friends. The fragrance of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen was enough to draw us in, but the delightful presentation kept us coming back for seconds. Each muffin is bursting with flavor and, best of all, they’re fantastically easy to make ahead of time. You won’t be reaching for store-bought any longer once you’ve tried this simple and delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 10 minutes of prep time, ready to bake while you sip your morning coffee.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brioche and the rich custard creates melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These muffins look adorable and are perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them warm, drizzle with maple syrup, or serve with fruit for a delightful snack or dessert.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt by using gluten-free bread or dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 loaf brioche bread (14 ounces): The star of the show! Brioche adds a soft, buttery flavor that’s essential for that classic French toast taste. You can substitute with challah or other enriched breads if needed.
6 large eggs: These provide structure and rich flavor. Use room temperature eggs for the best emulsification.
¼ cup light brown sugar: This adds a subtle molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. You might try coconut sugar as a substitute.
¼ cup granulated sugar: A little sweetness for those golden-baked muffins.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm, inviting spice that enhances the overall flavor. Feel free to add a touch more if you’re a cinnamon lover!
Pinch fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 cup whole milk: Creates a creamy custard. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use two percent milk or a dairy-free alternative.
1 cup heavy cream: Richness at its finest! This brings an indulgent texture; use half-and-half for a lighter alternative.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and a welcoming aroma. Avoid imitation vanilla for the best quality.
½ cup salted butter (softened): This will be used in both the muffin base and the crumble topping, contributing to a rich flavor and moist texture.
½ cup light brown sugar: A key ingredient in the streusel topping too, it offers a delightful crunch.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Holds the crumb topping together. Gluten-free flour can work as a substitute, but the texture may vary.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: For the streusel mixture, because more cinnamon is always a good idea!
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Complements the sweetness in the topping.

How to Make French Toast Muffins

Prepare the Muffin Pans: Butter or grease two standard 12-cup muffin pans. Alternatively, you can use paper liners for easier cleanup.
Cube the Bread: Cut the brioche bread into ½-inch cubes and transfer the pieces to a large bowl that can handle all the ingredients comfortably.
Mix the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, ¼ cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of fine sea salt until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
Combine with Dairy: Whisk in the 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until well combined.
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently stir to allow all the bread pieces to absorb the liquid. Let this sit for 5 minutes to soak in.
Fill the Muffin Tins: Using a measuring cup, fill each muffin well with about ¼ cup of the bread mixture. You should get roughly 20 muffins from this batch.
Refrigerate: Cover the muffin pans tightly with plastic wrap and allow them to rest in the refrigerator for several hours or, for the best flavor, overnight.
Prepare the Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup softened salted butter with ½ cup light brown sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until coarse crumbs form.
Preheat the Oven: Get your oven nice and hot by preheating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
Top the Muffins: Remove the muffin pans from the refrigerator and evenly sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon of the streusel topping over each muffin.
Bake: Place the muffin pans in the oven and bake for 24-28 minutes. They are done when the tops are lightly golden brown and the muffins feel set in the center.
Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before gently removing them to a cooling rack. They’ll puff up in the oven, so don’t be alarmed when they settle a little as they cool.
Serve: Enjoy warm, drizzled with butter and maple syrup for that extra touch.

Storing & Reheating

To store your French Toast Muffins, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate them in a covered container for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until warmed through. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but a quick warm-up revives that delightful softness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your brioche is a day or two old; stale bread holds up much better in the custard.
Use only room temperature eggs for your custard; they blend more easily and create a smoother mixture.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the overnight soak, but letting them rest improves the flavor and texture.
If your muffins aren’t rising as expected, it could be due to stale baking powder. Always check that your leavening agents are fresh!
Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or fresh berries for added flavor and texture.

French Toast Muffins offer a delightful twist on breakfast that is sure to please your family and friends. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also pack in all the delicious flavors we adore about French toast. I encourage you to get creative with your mix-ins and toppings—there’s so much potential to explore! Enjoy these treats fresh out of the oven or make them in advance for a busy morning. You’ll love every soft, buttery bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche is traditional for its rich flavor, you can substitute with challah, French bread, or any enriched bread you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly with different breads.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

The muffins are perfectly baked when the tops are golden brown and they feel firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to be taken out.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free or gluten-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and cream, and choose vegan butter or coconut oil for the streusel. To make them gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread and use a gluten-free flour blend for the topping.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the batter and fill the muffin pans the night before, then just add the crumble topping and bake in the morning. This is a great way to save time during busy mornings!

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French Toast Muffins

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 395 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 22 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These French Toast Muffins are a delightful blend of flavors, featuring rich brioche bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, these muffins combine the sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla with a touch of cinnamon, making them irresistible. Enjoy a warm and comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf brioche bread (14 ounces)
6 large eggs
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch fine sea salt
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup salted butter (softened)
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

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Instructions

Butter or grease two standard 12 cup muffin pans, or use liners.
Cut the brioche bread into ½ inch cubes and transfer it to a large bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.
Whisk in the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes in the large bowl and stir until the bread absorbs the liquid.
Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes.
Use a measuring cup to fill each well of the muffin tins with ¼ cup portions of the bread mixture (about 20 portions total).
Cover the muffin pans tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Notes

These muffins can be prepared a day in advance for convenience and flavor enhancement.
Feel free to add chocolate chips or fruits for extra flavor!
These muffins can be served warm or at room temperature.