Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins – Better Than Bakery!

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins have quickly become one of my most beloved breakfast creations—and not just for their sweet, irresistible flavor. This recipe was actually born out of one chilly Saturday morning when I was craving something warm, nostalgic, and quick. I had a few slices of leftover brioche bread, a little cinnamon sugar in the pantry, and a spark of inspiration: what if I turned classic French toast into muffins?

That simple moment in my kitchen led to something unexpectedly special. After a couple of test batches (and many happy taste testers), these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins became a weekend tradition in our house. They’re soft and custardy in the center—just like your favorite French toast—with golden edges and a deliciously crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Each bite is cozy, comforting, and perfectly sweet.

If you love recipes that blend ease, flavor, and a little old-fashioned warmth, you’ll fall in love with these muffins. They’re perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, family brunches, or whenever you want a quick bite that feels homemade and special. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or enjoying one with your morning coffee, Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins deliver every time.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make them, offer tips for customizing the recipe, and answer all your FAQs—like the best bread to use and how to get that signature crunchy sugar topping. Let’s get baking!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, but let me start with the most obvious: they taste like your favorite French toast and your go-to muffin had a sweet, crunchy, oven-baked baby.

Here’s what makes these muffins truly special:

• Warm and Cozy Flavor – Packed with cinnamon and vanilla, every bite feels like a hug on a cold morning.
• Crispy Cinnamon-Sugar Top – That golden crunch you get on top? It’s made with a simple cinnamon-sugar blend that caramelizes slightly in the oven, giving these muffins that irresistible bakery-style finish.
• Soft and Custardy Center – Thanks to the rich custard base, these muffins stay moist and flavorful, just like a classic French toast slice.
• Easy to Make – Whether you’re baking for a busy weekday or a slow Sunday, these muffins come together in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Freezing and Reheating – Make a double batch and store some in the freezer. Just reheat and enjoy!

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins aren’t just a recipe—they’re a solution for hectic mornings, picky eaters, or when you just want a little joy with your coffee.

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Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is how simple and pantry-friendly it is. You probably already have most of what you need.

🧾 You’ll need:

• Day-old bread – Brioche, challah, or French bread work best
• Eggs – For that rich, custardy texture
• Milk – Whole milk or cream for extra indulgence
• Cinnamon – The star of the show!
• Granulated sugar – For the perfect cinnamon sugar topping
• Vanilla extract – For warmth and depth of flavor
• Butter – Melted, to add richness and moisture
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness

📝 Tip: For the cinnamon sugar topping, the ideal ratio is 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to ½ cup of sugar. Adjust to taste!

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins – Step by Step

Making Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins is as easy as combining a few classic ingredients, tossing them together in a muffin tin, and letting the oven do the rest. Here’s how to get that perfect custardy center and sweet, crunchy top every time.

🥄 Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Use day-old bread if you can—brioche or challah works beautifully because of their rich texture and ability to soak up the custard. If your bread is fresh, cube it and let it sit out for an hour or two to dry slightly.

👉 Pro Tip: Dry bread absorbs more custard, giving your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

🔪 Step 2: Cube the Bread

Cut your bread into ½-inch cubes. You’ll need about 4–5 cups of bread cubes, enough to loosely fill your muffin tin without packing it too tightly.

🥣 Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup cream for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Stir until fully combined. This custard is the heart of your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, giving them that creamy, decadent interior.

🧁 Step 4: Soak the Bread

Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently stir to coat every piece. Let the bread soak for 5–10 minutes to absorb the liquid fully.

This is key to achieving that soft, custardy texture you want in French toast muffins.

🧈 Step 5: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick spray. You can also use muffin liners if you prefer easy cleanup.

🍞 Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the soaked bread mixture into each muffin cup, filling them to the top. If there’s extra custard at the bottom of the bowl, spoon a little into each muffin cup so they stay moist and rich.

🍯 Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix:

• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Sprinkle a generous amount of this mixture on top of each muffin before baking. This gives your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins that signature crunchy top.

🧁 What is the crunchy sugar on top of muffins called?
It’s often called a streusel or simply a cinnamon sugar crust, and it adds texture and sweetness that’s totally irresistible.

🔥 Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.

🍽️ Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are delicious on their own, but also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a warm latte.

👉 Love this recipe? Don’t miss out on more delicious ideas! Follow us on Facebook for daily recipes and kitchen tips, and check out our Pinterest boards for visual inspiration and meal planning favorites. Let’s get cooking together! 🍽️📌

🍓 Topping Ideas & Fun Variations for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

One of the best things about Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins is how easily you can customize them to suit your mood, the season, or whatever’s in your pantry. From fruity additions to decadent toppings, here are some delicious ways to change things up.

🎉 Creative Topping Ideas

Want to go beyond the classic cinnamon-sugar crust? Try one of these easy ideas:

• Maple Glaze – Drizzle a quick glaze made with powdered sugar and real maple syrup over warm muffins.
• Chopped Nuts – Add crunch with pecans, walnuts, or almonds sprinkled over the cinnamon sugar.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting – Keep it simple with a classic dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
• Caramel Sauce – A light drizzle of caramel turns these French toast muffins into dessert-worthy treats.
• Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt – Add a dollop for an extra creamy touch.

🍌 Flavorful Add-In Variations

Want to boost flavor or sneak in some fruit? Mix one of these directly into the custard-soaked bread before baking:

• Fresh Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries add a fruity burst.
• Bananas – Thin banana slices soften as they bake and pair perfectly with cinnamon.
• Apple Chunks – A classic pairing with cinnamon sugar. Add a pinch of nutmeg for an apple-pie twist.
• Mini Chocolate Chips – Just a few turn these into sweet snacks kids will love.
• Raisins or Dried Cranberries – For a chewy texture and natural sweetness.

🧈 Rich & Savory Twists

If you’re craving a more indulgent or unique version of Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, try these ideas:

• Stuff with Cream Cheese – Add a cube of cream cheese in the center of each muffin before baking.
• Swap Bread Types – Use cinnamon raisin bread, croissants, or leftover doughnuts for extra richness.
• Use Brown Butter – Replace melted butter with brown butter for a deep, nutty flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Whatever variation you try, don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar topping—it’s what gives your muffins their signature crunch and flavor.

🧁 Make It Your Own

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are designed to be versatile and forgiving. You don’t need exact measurements or expensive ingredients. You just need good bread, cinnamon sugar, and the desire to bake something cozy.

Whether you keep it classic or play with flavors, the base recipe is always warm, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.

🧠 Pro Tips & FAQs for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Whether you’re a weekend baker or making these muffins for a quick weekday breakfast, these helpful tips and answers will ensure your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins come out perfectly every time.

🥰 Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

There’s something timeless and comforting about the combination of warm bread, creamy custard, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch. These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins take everything you love about traditional French toast and bake it into a portable, mess-free treat that’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even holiday breakfast spreads.

What started for me as a simple experiment on a chilly morning has become a go-to comfort recipe—and I hope it becomes one for you, too. Whether you’re baking them fresh or prepping a batch ahead for the week, these muffins are always a crowd-pleaser.

Craving more cozy breakfast ideas like these muffins? You’ll love my Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups for a sweet twist, or switch things up with the savory-sweet flavors of Hawaiian Roll French Toast—both make the perfect pairing with these warm, custardy muffins.

📌 Don’t forget to bookmark or pin this recipe so you can come back to it anytime you need a quick, sweet bite that tastes like home.

📲 Stay Connected

If you try this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and tag your photos on Instagram @crac_kkitchen — I feature reader creations every week.