Start your day on a sweet note with these French Toast Muffins! These fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-spiced treats deliver all the comforting flavors of classic French toast in a portable muffin form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they pair beautifully with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the flavors of French toast in a convenient muffin form.
- Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy flavor.
- Topped with a cinnamon-sugar crunch for added texture.
- Easy to make and ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snacking.
- Pairs well with fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Muffin Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Topping:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Add-Ons:
- Fresh berries (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Chopped nuts (for crunch)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with cooking spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins fluffy.
Step 2: Bake the Muffins
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Prepare the Topping: While the muffins are baking, mix the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate bowl.
- Coat the Muffins: Once the muffins are done, let them cool slightly. Brush the tops with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Warm: Serve the muffins warm with optional toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped nuts.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Stuffed Muffins: Add a cream cheese or jam filling for a surprise center.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Option: Replace the butter with plant-based butter, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond or oat milk.
- Chocolate Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Caramel Topping: Drizzle caramel sauce over the muffins for a decadent treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm muffins in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture.
2. How can I ensure my muffins stay moist?
Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake the muffins.
3. Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar topping?
Yes, but the topping adds a delicious crunch and flavor. You can also top with powdered sugar instead.
4. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Yes, use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 12–15 minutes.
5. Can I add fruit to the batter?
Absolutely! Fold in diced apples, blueberries, or raspberries for added flavor.
6. Can I substitute the nutmeg with something else?
Yes, you can use more cinnamon or a pinch of allspice for a similar warmth.
7. How do I make them more decadent?
Drizzle the muffins with icing or top with whipped cream and caramel.
8. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the batter immediately, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.
9. What pairs well with these muffins?
Serve with coffee, tea, or a side of yogurt and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
Conclusion
French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch are a delightful way to elevate your breakfast or snack game. With their fluffy texture, warm spices, and sweet topping, these muffins capture the essence of French toast in every bite. Whether served plain or dressed up with syrup and berries, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Print
French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day with these irresistible French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch! Soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these muffins are the perfect breakfast treat. Pair them with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful start to your morning.
Ingredients
Produce:
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
Refrigerated:
- 2 large eggs
Condiments:
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Baking & Spices:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Nuts & Seeds:
- Chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
Dairy:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
Prepare the Muffin Batter:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the Muffins:
- Fill the Muffin Cups:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the tops of the muffins. Optionally, add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For extra moisture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Leftover muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Add 1/4 cup of raisins or chocolate chips for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American