If you’re on the hunt for a delightful twist to your breakfast routine, look no further than this French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe. These little pockets of golden, custardy goodness combine the indulgent flavors of classic French toast with the convenience and charm of a muffin. Imagine biting into a soft, cinnamon-spiced muffin with a slightly crisp, buttery topping—a perfect morning treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself, these muffins bring the warmth of breakfast favorites in a handheld form you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, each playing a key role in building texture, flavor, and that irresistible aroma. From the creamy milk to the fragrant cinnamon and soft bread cubes, every component works together harmoniously.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Boosts creaminess for that luxurious custard feel.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Brings subtle sweetness to the batter.
- 4 eggs: The binding agent that creates structure and a fluffy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma.
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Perfectly spices the mix with a comforting, classic French toast flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher sea salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 6 cups dried cubed bread: Choose white, challah, brioche, croissants, or cinnamon raisin for a sturdy yet soft base.
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and caramel notes to the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: More spice to perfectly complement the bread.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Creates that irresistible buttery crunch on top.
How to Make French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready to bake. Grease your muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners to make cleanup effortless and to help the muffins release easily once baked.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the whole milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This custard forms the heart of your muffins, combining to create that classic French toast flavor and custardy texture.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Add your dried cubed bread to the custard mixture, gently folding to coat every piece well. Let this soak for about 10 minutes. This step allows the bread to soak up the rich liquid, softening and infusing it with flavor, which is crucial for that perfect bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
While your bread is soaking, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a sweet, crumbly crust, adding texture contrast to your muffins.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. This ensures your muffins rise just right without spilling over.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the crumbly topping over each muffin, covering them generously. This final touch gives a beautiful golden crunch and that mouthwatering buttery sweetness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your muffins for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and set in the middle. The warm aroma filling your kitchen now is a hint to how heavenly these French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe truly are.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the tin before serving. This resting time lets them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and enhancing their texture.
How to Serve French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe
Garnishes
Top your French toast muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for classic sweetness. Fresh berries add a vibrant, juicy contrast and a pop of color that makes the muffins look irresistible on your breakfast table.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair these muffins with crispy bacon or sausage, which balance the sweetness with savory flavors. A side of fresh fruit or yogurt also complements the muffins perfectly, providing a refreshing, tangy counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these muffins warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts to transform breakfast into a decadent treat. Alternatively, cut them in half and use them as a base for a breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover French toast muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them covered to preserve their moisture and flavor without getting soggy or hard.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these muffins later, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. This way you can pull out a muffin or two whenever a breakfast craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat frozen muffins in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp on top. Avoid overheating to keep that perfect custardy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes! Using sturdy breads like challah, brioche, or even croissants works beautifully, but feel free to experiment with cinnamon raisin or your favorite white bread for different flavors and textures.
Is it necessary to use both milk and heavy cream?
Using both milk and heavy cream gives the custard mixture a rich and creamy texture, but you can substitute with all milk if you prefer a lighter option, just know it might alter the richness slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your preferred plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the topping to keep it vegan-friendly.
How long do these muffins last once baked?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the muffins stay fresh for about two days, though they’re best enjoyed the same day they’re baked for maximum texture and flavor.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter before baking can add delightful texture and extra flavor, making this already amazing French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe even more special.
Final Thoughts
This French Toast Muffins That Will Change Your Breakfast Forever Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for turning ordinary mornings into something extraordinary. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing, I encourage you to give it a try and watch how it transforms your breakfast experience. These muffins will soon be a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and joy with every bite.
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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
Description
These French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on classic French toast, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Made with your choice of dried bread cubes soaked in a rich custard of milk, cream, eggs, and spices, then topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crumble and baked until golden, these muffins offer a convenient, handheld way to enjoy the flavors of French toast anytime.
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 well or line it with paper liners to ensure the muffins don’t stick.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and kosher salt until combined into a smooth custard.
- Soak Bread Cubes: Add the dried cubed bread to the custard mixture. Gently stir until all bread pieces are thoroughly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Prepare Topping: While the bread is soaking, in a small bowl mix the all purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full to allow for rising during baking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over each muffin cup, ensuring a generous layer for a sweet, crispy top.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and set in the center, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing and serving warm. Enjoy your delicious French Toast Muffins fresh.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like challah or brioche for best texture and flavor.
- You can prepare the bread soaking mixture the night before and refrigerate for a make-ahead breakfast.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture and taste.
- Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
- If you prefer, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce fat content.
