Baked French Toast Muffins
This recipe for Baked French Toast Muffins is a delightful way to enjoy a classic breakfast treat in a portable form. Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, these muffins combine the rich flavors of traditional French toast with the convenience of handheld bites. With a crispy outside and a soft, tender inside, they are sure to impress both family and friends at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: These muffins come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings.
- Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg along with the sweetness of vanilla and maple.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with maple syrup for a treat that suits everyone.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for a quick breakfast throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love these muffins! They are fun to eat and full of flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Baked French Toast Muffins, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: This tool is essential for shaping your muffins into portable bites.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without any mess.
- Whisk: Use this tool to achieve a smooth egg mixture that coats the bread evenly.
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 12 slices of bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1-½ teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar (optional for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional for serving)
How to Make Baked French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 12-count muffin tin with non-stick spray. This ensures easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside. This size helps the bread soak up the egg mixture better.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Bread with Mixture
Add the bread cubes to the bowl. Stir until all the bread is evenly coated and has soaked up all the milk and egg mixture.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Tins
Spoon an equal amount of the bread mixture into each prepared muffin tin cup.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Step 7: Top Muffins
Sprinkle an even amount of cinnamon sugar on top of each muffin to give them a sweet crunch.
Step 8: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops are browned and feel firm to touch.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Allow cooling for a few minutes before removing from muffin tins. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm with maple syrup. Enjoy your delicious Baked French Toast Muffins!
How to Serve Baked French Toast Muffins
Baked French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish. They can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any meal or occasion.
With Maple Syrup
- Drizzle warm maple syrup over the muffins for a sweet and sticky treat. This enhances the flavor and adds moisture.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch. It adds a hint of sweetness and makes the muffins visually appealing.
Fresh Fruits
- Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a healthy addition. The fruit complements the muffins’ sweetness and adds freshness.
Whipped Cream
- Top with whipped cream for a decadent breakfast experience. This will elevate your muffins to dessert-like status.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. The warmth of these beverages pairs wonderfully with baked French toast muffins.
How to Perfect Baked French Toast Muffins
To make your Baked French Toast Muffins even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a softer muffin.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all bread cubes are well-coated with the egg mixture for even flavor throughout.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your muffins; overbaking can lead to dryness. They should feel firm but spring back slightly when touched.
- Customize Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavors that suit your taste.
- Chill Before Baking: Letting the mixture sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and enhances texture.
Best Side Dishes for Baked French Toast Muffins
Baked French Toast Muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can complement their rich flavor.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon contrasts perfectly with sweet muffins, creating a balanced plate.
- Sausage Links: Mild sausage links provide hearty protein that pairs well with sweet breakfast items.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side that adds balance and nutrition.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl filled with fruits provides a light and fruity contrast to the richness of muffins.
- Oven-Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes add savory depth and make for a filling breakfast spread.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad offers freshness and acidity, brightening up your plate alongside the sweet muffins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked French Toast Muffins, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the soaking time: If you do not allow the bread to soak long enough in the egg mixture, the muffins may turn out dry. Make sure all pieces are well-coated and let them sit for a few minutes.
- Using stale bread: Fresh bread absorbs the egg mixture better. Avoid using old or stale bread; opt for slightly day-old bread for the best texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ratios are correct, especially with liquids like milk and cream.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your muffins while they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry muffins. Check them at 20 minutes; they should be golden brown and firm.
- Neglecting flavor boosters: Don’t skip the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg! They add warmth and depth to your muffins, enhancing their overall flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To keep them fresh, separate layers with parchment paper.
Freezing Baked French Toast Muffins
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Place muffins in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a bag.
Reheating Baked French Toast Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm each muffin for 30-45 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked French Toast Muffins.
How can I make Baked French Toast Muffins ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just pour it into the muffin tin and bake in the morning!
Can I use different types of bread for Baked French Toast Muffins?
Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread can work well. Each type will give a unique flavor and texture.
What toppings go well with Baked French Toast Muffins?
You can serve these muffins with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruits, or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Are Baked French Toast Muffins suitable for freezing?
Yes! These muffins freeze very well. Just wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Baked French Toast Muffins offer a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare. They are versatile enough to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with syrup and fruit, these muffins are sure to satisfy your morning cravings. Try making them today!
Baked French Toast Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 muffins 1x
Description
Baked French Toast Muffins are the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, transforming the beloved classic French toast into delightful handheld bites. Ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, these muffins feature a crispy exterior and a soft, tender inside that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, plus the sweetness of vanilla and maple, they make breakfast a joy rather than a chore. Serve them plain or topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1–½ teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Add the bread cubes to the mixture and stir until fully coated.
- Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin cups evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar with remaining cinnamon; sprinkle on top of each muffin.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until tops are golden brown and firm to touch.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving; add powdered sugar or syrup if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
