Creating Baked French Toast Muffins is one of the easiest ways to turn a classic morning favorite into a portable brunch treat. These muffins deliver the same cozy flavors of traditional French toast while offering a handheld twist perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or holiday mornings. If you’ve been searching for a fun way to bring more variety to your breakfast routine, baked French toast muffins are a delicious place to start. Since baked French toast muffins can be adapted to many flavor variations, they’re ideal for busy families or anyone wanting a fresh take on brunch.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered how to bring all the warm, buttery flavors of French toast to a crowd, baked French toast muffins make it simple. These handheld portions bake inside a muffin tin, creating a lightly crisp top with a soft, custardy center. Many people love learning how to make French toast muffins because the process is straightforward, customizable, and quick enough for weekday mornings. Whether you enjoy experimenting with brunch dishes to bring to gatherings or are searching for cottage foods to sell at markets, these muffins offer flexibility and universal appeal. Baked French toast muffins are perfect for meal prepping, packing into lunchboxes, or elevating a weekend brunch party with minimal effort.
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Baked French Toast Muffins – A Complete Guide to the Best Brunch Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, custardy, and lightly crisp on top, these Baked French Toast Muffins bring all the classic French toast flavors into an easy handheld breakfast perfect for meal prep or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed brioche or challah bread
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. Cut the bread into small cubes. If the bread is very fresh, toast lightly to help it absorb the custard.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the bread cubes to the custard and toss gently. Let sit 5–10 minutes to absorb.
4. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously. Pack the soaked bread evenly into each well.
5. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
6. Cool slightly before removing. Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or berries.
Notes
Brioche and challah create the best texture.
These muffins freeze well and reheat perfectly.
Letting the bread soak fully helps prevent dry spots.
Add streusel on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Below is a clear and organized list of everything needed to make 12 muffins.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread (brioche or challah), cubed | 6 cups |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Whole milk | 1 ½ cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Melted butter | 3 tbsp |
Optional Toppings Table
| Topping | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | Dust after baking |
| Maple syrup | Drizzle when serving |
| Fresh berries | Add on top |
| Streusel topping | Sprinkle before baking |
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your bread into small cubes. Brioche or challah work best because they absorb the custard while keeping their structure. If your bread is very fresh, consider toasting it lightly to dry it out, which helps prevent sogginess.
2. Make the Custard
Whisk together eggs, whole milk, cream, both sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. This simple custard mixture is what gives the muffins their classic French toast flavor. Make sure everything is thoroughly mixed so the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Bread and Custard
Place the bread cubes into the custard mixture and toss gently. Allow it to soak for 5–10 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard. This short soaking time ensures the muffins stay soft and moist.
4. Fill the Muffin Tin
Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin generously with butter or nonstick spray. Pack the soaked bread cubes into each well, gently pressing down so they hold together during baking. The muffins should be filled slightly over the rim for a beautiful domed top.
5. Bake
Bake the muffins at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. They should be golden on top and lightly crisp. When they’re done, the centers will be set but still tender.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing them. Enjoy warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a spoonful of fresh fruit.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra crunch, top with optional streusel before baking.
- To make easy baked French toast muffins ahead of time, refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning.
- These muffins freeze well and reheat perfectly in an air fryer or toaster oven.
- For a fun twist, try learning how to make French toast with English muffins and adapt those flavors into the same muffin concept.
Conclusion
Baked French toast muffins deliver everything you love about French toast in a convenient, handheld form. They’re great for brunch parties, family breakfasts, or even as cottage foods to sell. With endless flavor variations, simple ingredients, and a quick baking process, these muffins make breakfast feel special without adding extra work. Once you know how to make French toast muffins, you’ll find yourself coming back to them for busy mornings, celebrations, and weekend comfort food.
FAQ – Baked French Toast Muffins
1. How do I keep baked French toast muffins from getting soggy?
Use day-old bread or toast the bread lightly so it absorbs the custard without collapsing.
2. Can I make baked French toast muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the mixture overnight or bake the muffins fully and store them in the fridge for 3–4 days.
3. Can I freeze baked French toast muffins?
Absolutely. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to two months and reheat when ready.
4. What kind of bread works best for French toast muffins?
Brioche, challah, or sturdy white bread provide the best texture and flavor.