If you're anything like me, mornings can feel a little chaotic—and that's exactly why I keep a batch of these French toast muffins on hand. They take all the cozy, comforting goodness of classic French toast and bake it into perfectly portioned muffins you can enjoy on the go. Whether you're rushing out the door, planning a relaxed weekend brunch, or welcoming overnight guests, these French toast muffins are a total lifesaver.
Made with simple pantry staples and warm cinnamon spice, they’re soft in the center with just the right golden edges—like mini bites of your favorite brunch dish. And the best part? You can prep them ahead of time! These French toast muffins have quickly become a family favorite in my kitchen, and I have a feeling they’ll be a go-to in yours too.
Trust me—once you try them, your mornings (and taste buds) will thank you.
Why You'll Love These French Toast Muffins
These French toast muffins are one of those magical recipes that bring comfort and convenience together in the most delicious way. I started making them on hectic weekday mornings when there just wasn’t time to stand at the stove flipping slice after slice of French toast—and honestly, I haven’t looked back since.
Baked until golden and packed with cinnamon-sugar warmth, these adorable French toast muffins turn the classic breakfast into easy, portable treats you can enjoy anytime. I love how perfectly portioned they are, whether I’m serving them for a holiday breakfast, packing them in lunchboxes, or freezing a batch for later (yes, they freeze beautifully!).
They're incredibly beginner-friendly, too—no fancy equipment or complicated steps required. Just simple ingredients, cozy flavors, and a recipe that anyone can master with confidence. Whether you're hosting brunch or meal prepping for the week, these French toast muffins are always a win in my kitchen—and I have a feeling they’ll become a staple in yours too.
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Ingredients
- Cubed bread (brioche, challah, or day-old French bread work best)
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream (half-and-half works too)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
For the cinnamon sugar topping:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
Optional toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Note: For gluten-free French toast muffins, simply swap the regular bread with your favorite gluten-free variety. The custard mixture works just as well!
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut your bread into ½-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, you can dry the cubes in the oven for about 10 minutes at 250°F first to help them absorb more of the custard mixture.
Make the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add the bread cubes to the bowl and gently fold everything together, making sure all bread pieces are coated in the custard mixture.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the bread can fully absorb the liquid.
Fill the Muffin Cups
- Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one completely and pressing down gently.
- For the cinnamon sugar topping, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Brush the tops of each muffin with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Bake the Muffins
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack.
Serve and Enjoy
- For an extra-special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
- Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Grease your muffin tin and get everything prepped while the oven heats.
- Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
Form into ball shape with your hands
- Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups
Fill muffin cups, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Step 4: Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins at 350°F until golden brown and set.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy every cozy bite.
Helpful Hints for Perfect French Toast Muffins
The bread matters: Choose a sturdy bread that won't fall apart when soaked. Brioche and challah create a rich, buttery base, while French bread offers a more neutral flavor that's perfect for adding mix-ins.
Don't rush the soaking process: Allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture is key to achieving that signature French toast flavor and texture throughout each muffin.
Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin - it should come out clean but still moist. If it's too wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
These French toast muffins offer a good balance of carbs and protein to start your day. The eggs provide quality protein, while the milk adds calcium and vitamin D.
For a complete breakfast, serve these muffins with:
- Fresh fruit for added vitamins and fiber
- A side of Greek yogurt for extra protein
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast
Variations
Fruit-filled French toast muffins: Fold in ½ cup of fresh blueberries, diced apples, or sliced strawberries before baking.
Chocolate chip French toast muffins: Add ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips to the soaked bread mixture.
Pecan French toast muffins: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
Healthier French toast muffins: Use whole grain bread and reduce the sugar by half, replacing it with mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness.
Savory French toast muffins: Reduce the sugar and cinnamon, then add chopped herbs, grated cheese, and diced ham for a savory breakfast or appetizer option.
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small pastry brush for the butter topping
A silicone muffin tin works really well for this recipe as it makes removing the baked muffins much easier.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooled French toast muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Freezer: These muffins freeze beautifully! Place cooled muffins on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They'll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or oven.
Make-ahead option: Prepare the recipe up to the point of baking, cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the tin sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5 minutes to the baking time).nts do/don't stand up well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
The Secret My Grandma Taught Me About the Best French Toast Muffins
I’ll let you in on a little secret I learned from my grandma, who always had a knack for turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable. When I first started making French toast muffins, they were good—but something was missing. That’s when she told me: “Use the bread that's just past its prime. Not soggy, not stiff—just yesterday's bread.” It felt like such a small detail, but wow, what a difference it made.
Day-old bread soaks up all that rich cinnamon custard without falling apart, giving the muffins that soft, custardy center and golden edges I love. Now, I never make French toast muffins without letting the bread dry out just a bit first. And if I’m short on time? I toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes. It’s a simple tip, but one that makes these muffins taste like home.
FAQ
What is the most common mistake when making French toast?
The most common mistake is using bread that’s too fresh and thin, which turns soggy and falls apart. Opt for thicker slices of slightly stale bread—it soaks up the custard without getting mushy. Another frequent slip-up is rushing the soak. Give the bread time to absorb all that cinnamon-vanilla goodness for flavorful, evenly cooked French toast.
Why are they called morning glory muffins?
Morning glory muffins get their sunny name from being packed with wholesome ingredients like grated carrots, apples, nuts, raisins, and coconut—making them a nourishing way to start the day. Created in the 1970s by a Nantucket baker, they were meant to energize mornings and have since become a feel-good favorite for breakfast or brunch.
What is the most common mistake when making muffins?
Overmixing the batter is the most common muffin mistake. When you stir too much, it develops the gluten and leads to tough, dense muffins instead of light, fluffy ones. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened—it's okay if the batter looks a little lumpy. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in texture.
What's the secret to good French toast?
The secret to truly great French toast is all about the bread and the soak. Use thick, slightly stale slices like brioche or challah, and let them sit in the custard long enough to absorb flavor without becoming mushy. A pinch of cinnamon, real vanilla, and a little patience while cooking low and slow seals the deal.
Bring the Brunch Magic Home with Every Bite
These cinnamon-sugar French toast muffins are more than just a clever twist on a breakfast favorite—they're a cozy little reminder that great mornings start with something warm, homemade, and shared. Whether you're baking for a brunch gathering or meal prepping for the week ahead, these muffins offer that perfect balance of comfort and convenience.
If you're loving these, be sure to check out our soft, buttery English Muffin recipe for another make-ahead breakfast idea, or try something fruity and fresh with our Blueberry Muffins with Lemon—they’re bursting with bright citrusy flavor!
And if you made these French toast muffins, we’d truly love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and tell us how they turned out. Did you try a fun variation or a new topping? Your breakfast adventures inspire more than just recipes—they help build this delicious community we’re so proud of.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this French Toast Muffins recipe:
French Toast Muffins Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Muffin tin
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- Measuring cups
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread cubes preferably day-old brioche or challah
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk whole milk or your preferred milk
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- butter for greasing the muffin tin
- powdered sugar optional, for garnish
- maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease muffin tin with butter.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Add bread cubes and let soak 15–20 min.
- Spoon mixture evenly into muffin cups.
- Bake 25–28 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle maple syrup.
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