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Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe with you — it’s one of those game-changers for breakfast that feels fancy but is actually super simple. Imagine bite-sized, custardy muffins packed with that warm cinnamon and brown sugar flavor we all love in French toast. Plus, they’re portable, perfect for busy mornings, or even a weekend brunch spread.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it turns classic French toast into a fun, kid-friendly snack or a quick grab-and-go treat without losing any of the coziness. I’ve made these a bunch of times and swear by the texture you get using brioche or challah – it soaks up the custard beautifully without getting soggy. Trust me, once you try this Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here — the mix of eggs, milk, and cinnamon creates that quintessential French toast flavor, while the walnuts add a lovely crunch if you’re into a little texture contrast. Here’s what you’ll gather for your Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe.

  • Brioche, challah, or fresh sourdough: These breads soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart. I recommend day-old bread for the best texture.
  • Eggs: The custard base needs eggs for richness — six large eggs do the trick here.
  • Whole or 2% milk: Adds creaminess. Whole milk makes it richer, but 2% works well too.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
  • Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, comforting spice essential in French toast.
  • Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
  • Walnut pieces (optional): I love tossing these in for some crunch and a nutty flavor, but skip if you’re not a fan or have nut allergies.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in, and you should totally do the same! This Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe is so versatile — feel free to make it your own.

  • Berry Twist: Adding fresh or frozen berries into the batter adds a pop of color and a juicy surprise. I tried raspberries once, and it was a hit at brunch.
  • Maple syrup swap: Instead of brown sugar, a couple of tablespoons of real maple syrup can add earthy sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Dairy-free version: Substitute almond or oat milk for regular milk and use a flax seed egg to make it vegan-friendly. It still tastes fantastic, I promise.
  • Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free bread loaf — just be mindful that it may soak up liquid differently, so keep an eye on the custard time.

How to Make Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Cubes

Start by cutting your brioche, challah, or sourdough into roughly 1-inch cubes. I find that slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. If your bread’s fresh, just toast the cubes lightly to dry them out a bit. This will help your muffins hold their shape beautifully.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined. The cinnamon smell always reminds me of cozy winter mornings, and it’s the backbone of the flavor. Don’t forget to taste the custard—you can adjust the sugar if you like it sweeter.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Add your bread cubes and walnuts (if using) into the custard mixture. Gently fold them together, making sure all the pieces get a good soak. I usually let this rest for about 10 minutes to really let the bread soak up the custard — that’s the secret to custardy muffins that aren’t dry.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin well—this prevents sticking and helps the muffins get crispy edges. Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the muffin cups. Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed up and golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

How to Serve Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe

This image shows a silver muffin tray with five baked bread pudding pieces in it, each piece golden brown and topped with small clusters of chopped pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar. The bread pieces are chunky and soft-looking, soaked slightly with amber syrup that glistens on top, adding a sticky shine. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and in the blurred background, there is a white bowl filled with bright red cherries. The light brightens the cozy, fresh feel of the baked dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love dusting these muffins with powdered sugar right before serving — it makes them look so inviting. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream takes it up a notch, especially if you’re making these for a brunch crowd or a special occasion. Fresh berries on top are also a favorite in my house during spring and summer.

Side Dishes

For a complete breakfast, I usually pair these Easy French Toast Muffins with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad. The contrast of savory and sweet works so well, and it helps round out the meal nicely. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these muffins on a tiered stand at a holiday brunch, adding small bowls of maple syrup, honey, and fresh fruit around them — it made the whole table festive and inviting. You can also serve them with little skewers for an easy finger food idea at a party. These simple ideas can make your Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe feel extra special and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge — they keep well for about 3 days. When packing lunches for the kids, these muffins are perfect cold or at room temperature, but I still prefer reheating them for that freshly baked feel.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully! I individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you want a quick breakfast, they thaw and reheat beautifully without losing their moist texture.

Reheating

To bring your muffins back to life, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm all the way through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 30-second spin in the microwave works too, but the oven method keeps them crispier on the edges, which I really love.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe the night before?

    Absolutely! You can prep the bread cubes and soak them in the custard the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Then in the morning, just pop them in the oven. It’s a perfect make-ahead hack to save time while still enjoying fresh muffins.

  2. What kind of bread is best for these muffins?

    I recommend using brioche or challah because their rich texture soaks up the custard well without getting soggy. Fresh sourdough also works if you prefer a tangier flavor. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread since it can get too mushy and won’t hold up as nicely.

  3. Can I make these gluten-free?

    Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free bread loaf. Keep in mind that gluten-free breads can absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust soak time. Experiment with your brand of choice to find the perfect balance.

  4. Do the muffins keep well after baking?

    They do! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for the best texture and flavor.

  5. Can I add other nuts or fruits to this recipe?

    Definitely! Walnuts are my go-to, but pecans or almonds work great too. Tossing in berries or diced apples adds a fresh burst of flavor. Just fold them in with the bread cubes before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe has become a favorite in my home because it’s so simple yet so satisfying — plus, it feels a little indulgent without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick breakfast that feels like a treat, these muffins deliver every time. I hope you have as much fun making them as I do, and that they bring a little warmth and comfort to your mornings!

Print
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Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Easy French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on classic French toast, made with cubed brioche, challah, or fresh sourdough bread. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with brown sugar, these muffins make a delicious breakfast or brunch option. Optional walnut pieces add a nice crunch. Baked to golden perfection, they are easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1618 ounce loaf of brioche, challah, or fresh sourdough, sliced into 1” cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups whole or 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅓ cup walnut pieces (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bread Cubes: Cut your chosen bread into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Combine Bread and Mixture: Add the bread cubes and optional walnut pieces to the egg mixture, gently stirring to coat all the bread evenly with the custard.
  4. Let Soak: Allow the bread mixture to soak for at least 10 minutes, giving the bread sufficient time to absorb the custard.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
  6. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the soaked bread mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
  7. Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar as desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
  • Using day-old bread helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
  • These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use egg replacer or flax eggs.
  • Adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor.

Keywords: French Toast, Muffins, Breakfast, Brunch, Brioche, Challah, Sourdough, Cinnamon, Walnut, Easy Recipe

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