Best French Toast Muffin Cups

Posted on April 14, 2025

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy French toast without the hassle of standing over the stove, these French Toast Muffin Cups are here to revolutionize your mornings. These bite-sized treats combine all the flavors you love about traditional French toast—crispy edges, soft custardy centers, and a hint of cinnamon-sugar goodness—into perfectly portioned muffin cups. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a quick breakfast upgrade, this recipe is easy, versatile, and utterly irresistible. Plus, with endless customization options, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These French Toast Muffin Cups are more than just a breakfast dish—they’re a game-changer. Here’s why:

Perfectly Portioned: Baked in a muffin tin, they’re ideal for grab-and-go mornings or serving at brunches.
No Flipping Required: Unlike traditional French toast, there’s no need to flip or monitor each slice—just bake and serve.
Kid-Friendly: Their small size makes them fun to eat, and you can customize them to suit even the pickiest eaters.
Customizable: Add fruit, nuts, cream cheese, or even savory ingredients for endless flavor combinations.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

Ingredients

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

To create these delightful French Toast Muffin Cups, gather the following key components:

For the Muffin Cups:

Day-Old Bread: Brioche, challah, or French bread works best for texture and flavor.
Eggs: Bind the custard mixture together.
Milk (Whole or 2%): Adds moisture and richness.
Heavy Cream (Optional): Enhances the creaminess of the custard.
Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice that complements the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens the custard and adds depth of flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
Butter (Melted): Greases the muffin tin and prevents sticking.

Optional Toppings:

Maple Syrup: Drizzle generously for extra indulgence.
Powdered Sugar: Dust lightly for an elegant finish.
Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle on top for added crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Muffin Tin:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with melted butter or cooking spray. For extra ease, use silicone liners to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Bread:

Cut the Bread: Cut day-old bread into small cubes (about ½ to 1 inch). Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl. Using sturdier bread like brioche or challah ensures the muffin cups hold their shape without becoming soggy.

Make the Custard Mixture:

Whisk the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. The custard should have a creamy consistency and a fragrant aroma.
Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to coat. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes, giving the bread time to absorb the liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure even soaking.

Assemble the Muffin Cups:

Fill the Muffin Tin: Evenly divide the soaked bread mixture among the 12 muffin cups, pressing down lightly to pack the mixture. If adding mix-ins like chopped fruit, nuts, or cream cheese, place them in the center before packing the bread on top.

Bake:

Bake Until Golden: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set. The edges should be crispy, while the insides remain soft and custardy.
Cool and Serve: Let the muffin cups cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Use a small spatula or knife to loosen the edges if needed. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Tips for Perfect French Toast Muffin Cups

Choose the Right Bread: Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread works best because it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard without falling apart. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread, as it may become too soggy.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the bread to soak for 5–10 minutes ensures it absorbs the custard fully, resulting in a moist and flavorful muffin cup.
Grease Generously: To prevent sticking, grease the muffin tin thoroughly or use silicone liners.
Customize Creatively: Experiment with mix-ins like blueberries, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or even a dollop of jam or cream cheese for a surprise filling.
Freeze for Later: These muffin cups freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

Sweet Pairings: Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter for added indulgence.
Savory Twist: For a savory version, omit the sugar and cinnamon, and add cooked sausage crumbles, shredded cheese, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Brunch Buffet: Arrange the muffin cups on a platter with a variety of toppings, allowing guests to customize their servings.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze individual muffin cups in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bread is best?
Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread works best—they’re sturdy and soak up the custard well without getting soggy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the muffin cups the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Can I freeze French toast muffin cups?
Absolutely. Wrap individually and freeze for easy breakfast prep. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Are these good for kids?
Yes! They’re the perfect size for little hands and fun to eat. Customize the flavors to suit picky eaters.
Can I add protein?
Sure—try adding cooked breakfast sausage crumbles or shredded cheese into the mix.
Do I need to use heavy cream?
No, but it adds richness. You can use all milk or a mix of milk and half-and-half.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes—use non-dairy milk and dairy-free butter or oil. They’ll still be delicious.
How do I keep them from sticking?
Generously grease the muffin tin or use silicone liners for easy release.
Can I use pre-sliced sandwich bread?
You can, but sturdier bread cubes hold up better and give a better texture.
What toppings go best?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter are all great options.

Final Thoughts

French Toast Muffin Cups are a fun, flavorful, and fuss-free way to enjoy one of your favorite breakfast classics. With their golden tops, custardy centers, and endless customization options, they’re perfect for brunches, holidays, or weekday mornings. Whether you’re serving them sweet with maple syrup and berries or savory with sausage and cheese, these muffin cups are sure to delight everyone at the table.

So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to savor the ultimate breakfast treat. Once you try these French Toast Muffin Cups, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand at all times!

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