Best French Toast Muffin Cups for a Quick and Easy Breakfast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Toast Muffin Cups are the perfect blend of classic French toast and a convenient, handheld muffin. These are ideal for busy mornings, meal prep, or a fun twist on brunch. With a soft, custardy center and golden, slightly crispy edges, they capture all the flavors of traditional French toast in a portable form. Kid-friendly and customizable, they’re a cozy and satisfying start to any day.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bread (preferably day-old or slightly dry)
eggs
milk
heavy cream
brown sugar
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract
salt
butter (for greasing the muffin tin)
maple syrup or powdered sugar (for topping)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin generously with butter.

Cut the bread into small cubes and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Add the bread cubes into the egg mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Spoon the soaked bread into the muffin cups, gently pressing down to fill them tightly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the custard is set.

Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin.

Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit as desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 muffin cups.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Soaking time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the bread mixture for extra texture.
Mix in diced apples, berries, or raisins for a fruity twist.
Use brioche, challah, or cinnamon swirl bread for a richer flavor.
Top with a cream cheese glaze for a decadent finish.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftover muffin cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze them individually and reheat straight from the freezer.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them the night before and bake in the morning or fully bake and reheat when needed.

What kind of bread works best?
Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread work best as they soak up the custard without falling apart.

Do I need cupcake liners?
No, just greasing the muffin tin well is enough. Liners may make the texture soggy.

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be substituted for dairy milk.

Can I skip the heavy cream?
Yes, just replace it with more milk, but the texture will be slightly less rich.

How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden on top and feel firm when lightly pressed.

Are these good for kids?
Absolutely, they’re perfectly portioned and easy to eat with little hands.

Can I make a savory version?
Yes, omit the sugar and cinnamon, and add cheese, herbs, and cooked sausage or veggies.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two muffin tins or bake in batches.

Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to soaking.

Conclusion

French Toast Muffin Cups are a clever, delicious twist on a breakfast classic. Easy to make, easy to store, and endlessly customizable, they make mornings simpler and tastier. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, these little bites of joy are sure to be a favorite.

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