French toast muffins take everything you love about traditional French toast—custardy bread, warm spices, and rich flavor—and package it in a convenient muffin form. Perfect for breakfast on the go, brunch spreads, or meal prepping, these mini delights are crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and loaded with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
If you’re looking to shake up your breakfast routine, French toast muffins are an easy and fun option to try. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to make them, customize them, store them, and even serve them like a pro.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Bite-Sized and Portable – Perfect for breakfast on the run or packed in lunchboxes.
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Crispy and Custardy Texture – Golden edges with soft, rich centers.
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Customizable Flavors – Add fruit, nuts, chocolate, or syrup—your way!
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Great for Using Up Bread – A creative way to use stale bread.
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Perfect for Brunch or Meal Prep – Easy to reheat and freezer-friendly.
What Are French Toast Muffins?
French toast muffins are a creative take on classic French toast, where cubed bread is soaked in a spiced egg custard, then baked in muffin tins. The result? A muffin-shaped breakfast treat that combines the cozy taste of French toast with the portability of a muffin.
Each bite is filled with flavor, and they’re endlessly customizable—from the type of bread to the mix-ins like berries or nuts.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of French toast muffins:
Basic Ingredients:
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6 cups cubed bread (day-old or slightly stale)
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4 large eggs
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1¼ cups milk (whole or 2%)
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1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
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2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Mix-Ins:
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1/2 cup blueberries, chopped apples, or raisins
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1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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Chocolate chips or cream cheese chunks
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 40–45 minutes
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Servings: 12 muffins
Step-by-Step Instructions for French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Prep the Bread
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Use bread that’s at least a day old—brioche, challah, French bread, or even sandwich bread.
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Cube into 1-inch pieces.
Step 2: Make the Custard
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
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Add the bread cubes to the custard.
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Toss gently until all cubes are well-coated.
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Let sit for 10 minutes to soak in the mixture.
Step 4: Grease and Fill Muffin Tin
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or use liners.
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Scoop soaked bread into each cup, gently pressing down.
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Drizzle melted butter over the tops for a crispy finish.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy, and centers are set.
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Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing.
Best Bread for French Toast Muffins
The choice of bread is key. Look for bread that holds up well when soaked in custard:
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Brioche – Soft, rich, and perfect for sweet flavors.
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Challah – Eggy and tender.
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French Bread – Crusty and chewy for texture.
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Texas Toast or Sandwich Bread – Readily available and works well.
Avoid very soft, fresh bread—it can become mushy.
Flavor Variations
Fruit-Filled
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Add chopped apples, sliced bananas, or fresh blueberries before baking.
Nutty Crunch
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Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy bite.
Chocolate Lovers
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Sprinkle chocolate chips or Nutella in the mix.
Maple Glazed
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Brush with maple syrup after baking for added sweetness.
Savory Spin
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Omit the sugar and add shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and chopped chives.
Topping Ideas for Extra Flavor
French toast muffins are delicious on their own but even better with toppings like:
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Powdered sugar dusting
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Drizzle of maple syrup
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Whipped cream
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Cream cheese glaze
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Fresh fruit slices
Serve warm with your favorite toppings for the ultimate treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers
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Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
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Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
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Reheat directly from frozen in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Reheating
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Microwave for 30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes for best texture.
How to Serve French Toast Muffins
These muffins are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas:
For Breakfast
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Serve with scrambled eggs and bacon.
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Add a fruit salad and yogurt for a balanced plate.
For Brunch
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Place them on a brunch board with mini quiches, sausage links, and muffins.
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Offer syrup and topping bar for guests.
As a Snack
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Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Nutritional Overview (Per Muffin, Approximate)
Nutrient Amount Calories 180–220 Carbohydrates 18–22g Protein 5–6g Fat 8–10g Sugar 6–8g
These values will vary based on ingredients and mix-ins.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
Gluten-Free:
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Use gluten-free bread (preferably day-old).
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Check all other ingredients for gluten content.
Dairy-Free:
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Substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk.
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Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
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Replace butter with a plant-based alternative.
Tips for Success
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Dry your bread – If your bread isn’t stale, toast it in the oven for 5–10 minutes.
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Avoid overmixing – Gently fold ingredients to preserve muffin structure.
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Don’t overbake – Bake just until golden and set to avoid dry muffins.
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Cool before removing – Letting muffins rest helps them firm up and release easily.
French Toast Muffins for Special Occasions
These muffins are perfect for:
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Mother’s Day or Father’s Day brunch
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Holiday breakfasts
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Potlucks or church gatherings
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Meal prep for school mornings
Decorate them seasonally with cinnamon glaze in fall or berry compote in summer.
FAQs
Can I make this in a casserole dish instead of muffin tins?
Yes! Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 or 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes.
What if my muffins stick to the pan?
Use plenty of non-stick spray or muffin liners. Let them cool slightly before removing.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Soak the bread and assemble the muffins the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
Do these freeze well?
Absolutely. Wrap individually or in a freezer-safe container and reheat as needed.
Conclusion
French toast muffins offer the best of both worlds: the beloved taste of French toast with the easy, no-fuss convenience of a muffin. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday brunch, looking for grab-and-go breakfasts, or just craving something cozy and sweet, these muffins check all the boxes.