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
Scale
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.
