French Toast Muffins

If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make, and nutritious breakfast or brunch treat, look no further than these delightful French Toast Muffins. Combining the comforting flavors of classic French toast and the portability of muffins, these bites of goodness are perfect for meal prep, on-the-go mornings, or even a cozy weekend breakfast. And the best part? They’re made using simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen!

Let’s dive into this kid-friendly and adult-approved recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for French Toast Muffins is short and versatile. Packed with whole grains and naturally sweetened (if you opt to use sugar-free syrup), this recipe provides a healthy twist on traditional French toast.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 3 large eggs – Eggs form the base that binds the bread cubes together, much like traditional French toast.
• Scant ½ cup milk – I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but feel free to substitute any milk you prefer: dairy, oat milk, soy, or even coconut milk.
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (packed) – Adds that lovely, deep caramel flavor to balance the cinnamon.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – For a touch of classic sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – For that warm, signature French toast flavor.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Vanilla adds depth and aromatic flavor.
• 6 slices of whole-grain or whole-wheat bread, diced into 1-inch cubes – Whole grain bread will make this recipe heartier and more nutrient-dense.
• Sugar-free syrup for serving – Optional, but recommended for that final touch of sweetness.

This simple, wholesome ingredient list makes French Toast Muffins a delicious yet guilt-free option for breakfast.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand to make your prep work easier:

1. Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for whisking together your wet ingredients and coating the bread cubes.
2. Non-Stick 12-Cup Regular Muffin Pan: You’ll need a muffin tin to hold your French toast muffins while they bake. We’ll use only 8 of the 12 cups.
3. Whisk or Fork: A whisk is perfect for beating the eggs and mixing the other wet ingredients, like the milk and sugars.
4. Cooking Spray: To prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan, opt for a non-stick spray. You can also grease and flour the pan if preferred.
5. Spoon or Spatula: For gently tossing the bread cubes in the batter mixture.

Now that your tools are ready, we can jump into the exciting part, preparing these flavorful muffins.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . This ensures the muffins bake consistently and come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Grease the Muffin Pan

Generously spray 8 cups of a 12-cup regular muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. I don’t recommend using muffin liners here, as the bread will stick to the liners. Make sure you thoroughly grease the cups; this makes removing the muffins easier later on.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract . Whisk everything together until smooth and combined. This is the flavorful “custard” that will soak into the bread cubes and give them that classic French toast taste.

Step 4: Add the Bread

Add the 1-inch bread cubes into the bowl of wet ingredients. Gently toss the bread cubes with a spoon to ensure each piece gets coated evenly. You want the bread to soak up as much of the liquid as possible—this will give the muffins their rich, custardy texture.

Shaping and Baking the French Toast Muffins

Step 5: Let the Bread Soak

After mixing the bread cubes with the wet ingredients, allow them to sit in the bowl for 3 to 5 minutes . This resting time helps the bread absorb most, if not all, of the custard-like mixture. The bread should be soft and coated but not completely mushy.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan

Once your bread has soaked up all that deliciousness, evenly distribute the mixture across the 8 greased muffin cups . Don’t pack the bread in too tightly—just loosely fill each cavity until it’s about ¾ full. You want to leave some room for the muffins to rise while baking.

Make sure the bread pieces lay as flat as possible in each cup. Any bread sticking up too much could cause uneven browning or burning.

Pro Tip: If there’s any leftover liquid in the bowl that wasn’t absorbed, drizzle that extra custard over the muffins . This ensures a moist and flavorful bite!

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin pan on the center rack in your oven and bake the muffins at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 minutes .

You’ll know the muffins are done when:

• The tops are lightly golden brown.
• The bread looks dry and the custard mixture has fully set (no wet, eggy batter should be visible).
• The muffins look puffed up, even though they’ll slightly deflate as they cool.

If you’re unsure, you can start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark , as each oven varies. Use your judgment and aim for that beautiful, tender but golden look.

Step 8: Cool and Remove the Muffins

After baking, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes . This gives them time to firm up, making them easier to remove. After cooling:

1. Run a knife around the edges of each muffin to loosen them from the pan.
2. Gently lift them out and transfer them to a wire rack .

Let them cool for a few extra minutes before serving, or they’ll be a bit too soft when hot.

Serving & Storage Tips for Your French Toast Muffins

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Now that your house smells amazing and your French Toast Muffins are ready, it’s time to serve. These muffins are wonderful when warm and pair perfectly with some classic French toast toppings.

Here’s how I like to serve them:

1. Drizzle with sugar-free syrup – The perfect pairing! However, you can use any syrup you love—maple syrup, caramel syrup, or even a fruit syrup.
2. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) – If you want a sweeter touch, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar can make these muffins feel even more special.
3. Top with fresh fruit – Serve alongside or add toppings like fresh berries, sliced bananas, or diced apples to complement the cozy flavors of cinnamon and vanilla.
4. Add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream – For an extra indulgent treat, you can top the muffins with Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a decadent brunch.

These muffins can be enjoyed as-is, or you can create a brunch spread by serving them alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or smoothies.

How to Store French Toast Muffins

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—French Toast Muffins store incredibly well, making them great for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

Storage in the Fridge

• Place any leftover muffins in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . They hold their texture and flavor well when stored correctly.

Freezing Instructions

• If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the muffins.
• Simply let them cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, and freeze for up to 3 months .

Reheating Instructions

To enjoy your muffins warm again:

• Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Oven: To maintain the slightly crispy tops, reheat the muffins in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes .

Additional Ideas for Customization

You can always modify this recipe based on your preferences. Try adding:

• Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch.
• Chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy bite.
• Nut butters drizzled on top for some extra protein.

Experiment with different toppings and fillings to make each batch unique!

Conclusion

French Toast Muffins are the perfect combination of ease and flavor. With just a few minutes of prep, simple ingredients, and maximum customization, they’re ideal for anyone who loves a hearty, comforting breakfast. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making an indulgent weekend treat, these muffins can be dressed up or down based on your cravings.

Make this recipe a part of your breakfast routine, and feel free to experiment with toppings and syrups to create your own unique twist on classic French toast. You’ll love how versatile and satisfying these little bites of heaven can be.

Go ahead—dig in and enjoy!