French Toast Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the deliciousness of French toast but want a quicker, more portable option, these French Toast Muffins are for you. They combine all the cozy, comforting flavors of the classic dish—cinnamon, vanilla, and eggs—into easy-to-make muffins. They are perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. With the ability to prep them in advance and bake when you’re ready, these muffins make mornings just a little bit sweeter. Plus, they’re customizable with add-ins like fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips, allowing you to tailor them to your preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or almond milk)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/2 cup cubed bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Gently fold in the cubed bread, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

7. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of each muffin for a sweet, crunchy topping.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

9. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20-25 minutes

• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can stir in fruit like blueberries, sliced bananas, or chopped apples for added sweetness and texture. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also work well.

• Chocolate chips: For a decadent treat, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a gooey surprise in each bite.

• Pumpkin Spice: For a fall twist, replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add some canned pumpkin to the batter for a rich, spiced flavor.

• Vegan: Use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

• Cinnamon Roll: Swirl some cinnamon sugar through the batter for a cinnamon roll-inspired muffin.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: These muffins freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

Yes, you can use fresh bread, but day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the batter better, giving the muffins a more French toast-like texture. If using fresh bread, you can cube it and toast it lightly before adding it to the batter.

Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan option.

Can I add fruit to the muffins?

Absolutely! You can mix in berries, chopped apples, or bananas to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.

How can I make these muffins healthier?

To make them healthier, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, use less sugar, or replace the butter with unsweetened applesauce. You can also add seeds like chia or flaxseeds for extra nutrients.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean, the muffins are done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes and test again.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk. The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just spoon the batter into the muffin tin, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Can I use a mini muffin tin for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin. Just reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes and keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Can I skip the bread topping?

Yes, the bread topping is optional. You can omit it if you prefer a lighter muffin or choose a different topping like granola or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these muffins gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!

Conclusion

French Toast Muffins are an easy, delicious way to enjoy the flavors of French toast in muffin form. Perfect for busy mornings or a special brunch treat, these muffins are quick to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins. Whether you enjoy them plain, with fresh fruit, or with a drizzle of syrup, they’ll bring the warmth and comfort of French toast into every bite. These muffins are a crowd-pleasing breakfast that will have everyone coming back for seconds!