French Toast Muffin Recipe
Table of Contents
Looking for a delicious twist on your classic breakfast favorite? Well, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’re diving into the cozy, crave-worthy world of the French Toast Muffin Recipe. Imagine everything you love about traditional French toast—but baked into golden, fluffy muffins that are perfect for brunch, on-the-go breakfasts, or even as a sweet afternoon snack.
We’ll explore everything from the best ingredients and step-by-step instructions to clever variations and expert storage tips. Plus, we’ll answer your most-asked questions and help you sidestep common baking blunders. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to impress your brunch crowd, this guide has your back.
Let’s dig in!
Ingredients for the Best French Toast Muffin Recipe

Core Ingredients You’ll Need (Bread, Eggs, Milk, etc.)
To get started with your French Toast Muffin Recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. But don’t let the basics fool you—each one plays a key role in delivering that rich, custardy goodness.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (about 4 cups cubed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or your choice of dairy-free milk)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (adds richness!)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
While these may seem like pantry staples, together they create a soft, spongy interior with a lightly crisped edge that mimics the best parts of both muffins and French toast.
Best Types of Bread: Brioche, French Bread, Challah
Now, not all bread is created equal—especially when it comes to soaking up that luscious egg mixture. For a truly indulgent French Toast Muffin Recipe, you’ll want to use bread that’s dense yet soft, with a slightly sweet note.
Top choices include:
- Brioche: Rich and buttery; it holds its shape well.
- Challah: Slightly sweet and fluffy—perfect for soaking.
- French bread: Crusty and firm; adds texture to the muffins.
If your bread is too fresh, it won’t soak up the custard properly. Day-old or lightly toasted bread cubes absorb the mixture better, giving your muffins that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making French Toast Muffins

Preparing the Bread Cubes and Custard Base
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s break down this French Toast Muffin Recipe step by step.
Start by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes. If it’s still fresh, you can spread the cubes out on a baking sheet and pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This dries them out just enough to soak in all that creamy custard without falling apart.
Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This is your custard base—a silky blend that gives each muffin its deliciously soft interior and golden crust.
Soaking and Chilling for Maximum Flavor
Once your custard’s ready, gently fold in the dried bread cubes until every piece is coated. Be patient here—don’t rush. Let the bread soak for at least 10–15 minutes. This extra step ensures each bite is packed with flavor and moisture.
If you’ve got time, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. That longer soak deepens the flavor, much like traditional overnight French toast in muffin tin recipes.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Golden Top
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Scoop the soaked bread mixture into each cup, gently pressing down to pack them a bit. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon sugar or a crumble topping if you like extra texture.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. They should spring back when touched and smell like sweet heaven. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing.
Voilà! You’ve just nailed a homemade French Toast Muffin Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and brunch-ready charm.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair With: Coffee, Fruit Salad, Yogurt, or Brunch Board
Once your muffins are golden and ready, the next big question is: what do you serve them with? Thankfully, the French Toast Muffin Recipe pairs effortlessly with a variety of classic breakfast sides.
Try serving them with:
- A fresh fruit salad for a light, juicy contrast.
- A dollop of vanilla yogurt for added creaminess.
- Crispy bacon or turkey sausage (if you’re avoiding pork, skip this).
- A bold cup of coffee or spiced chai.
Better yet, make them part of a full brunch board with fresh berries, boiled eggs, and cheese cubes. These muffins are super versatile—they can go sweet or savory depending on what’s on the table.
How to Serve for Holidays or Special Occasions
Planning a festive brunch or cozy holiday morning? These muffins fit the vibe perfectly. Arrange them on a tiered platter with decorative liners and a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re ideal for Mother’s Day, Easter, or any weekend gathering when you want to impress without the stress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Soaking or Under-Soaking the Bread
One of the biggest slip-ups in a French Toast Muffin Recipe is messing up the soak. If the bread cubes are under-soaked, you’ll end up with dry, crumbly muffins. Too much soaking? You risk soggy bottoms and uneven baking.
So, what’s the sweet spot? Let the bread sit in the custard for 10–15 minutes—just enough to soak but not fall apart.
Muffins That Deflate or Turn Out Soggy
Ever pulled your muffins out of the oven, only to see them sink like tiny soufflés? That usually means the custard ratio was off or they were underbaked.
Be sure your muffins are firm to the touch and lightly golden on top before removing them. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early—drastic temperature shifts can deflate them fast.
Follow these tips, and your French Toast Muffin Recipe will come out perfectly every single time.
Print
French Toast Muffin Recipe
- Total Time: PT45M
- Yield: Serves 6 (12 muffins) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Toast Muffin Recipe transforms classic French toast into soft, golden muffins with crisp edges. Perfect for brunch, busy mornings, or make-ahead meal prep, they’re filled with cinnamon-spiced custard, can be customized with fruit or toppings, and are freezer-friendly too.
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup blueberries or diced apples
- Optional: streusel topping or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes if it’s fresh.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
- Add bread cubes to the custard mixture and stir gently to coat. Let soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Fold in optional fruit like blueberries or diced apples if using.
- Divide mixture into the muffin tin, pressing down slightly. Add streusel if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and set. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with syrup before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For dairy-free: use almond or oat milk in place of milk and cream.
- Use day-old bread for best texture—fresh bread may become too mushy.
- Customize with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or seasonal fruit.
- Freezer-friendly: wrap individually and store for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: French Toast Muffin Recipe, baked French toast muffins, breakfast muffins, brunch ideas, cinnamon muffins, custard muffins, sweet brunch recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! One of the best things about the French Toast Muffin Recipe is its flexibility. While brioche and challah are ideal for their richness, French bread or even sourdough can work beautifully. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or toasted—fresh bread soaks too quickly and can get mushy.
Are French Toast Muffins Freezer Friendly?
Yes, and that’s what makes them so perfect for meal prep! Let the muffins cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic or foil. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and enjoy—no fuss, no waste.
Can I Prepare These Muffins the Night Before?
Definitely. You can prepare the entire mixture the night before, pour it into the muffin tin, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake as usual. It’s a great way to save time and still enjoy a warm, homemade breakfast.
What’s the Best Glaze or Topping to Use?
Maple glaze is a favorite, but you can also go with powdered sugar, cinnamon crumble, or even a spoonful of whipped cream. Just keep it light—these muffins are flavorful on their own.
Final Thoughts and Bonus Tips for Perfect Muffins
There you have it—a complete, foolproof French Toast Muffin Recipe that brings comfort and convenience together in one tasty bite. Whether you’re making them for a lazy Sunday morning or batch-prepping for the week, these muffins deliver warmth, flavor, and smiles.
Before you go, here’s a bonus tip: let your muffins rest for 5 minutes after baking. It helps them set and makes removal from the tin much easier.
For more delicious recipes and cozy baking ideas, don’t forget to check out our breakfast collection on the site.
Ready to get baking? These muffins won’t make themselves!