French Toast Muffins – Easy Breakfast for Busy Mornings
French Toast Muffins are the ultimate solution when you’re craving the classic flavor of French toast but need something quick, mess-free, and portable. These sweet, golden-brown muffins are soft on the inside with a deliciously crisp top—perfect for anyone who needs quick to go breakfast ideas without compromising flavor. Whether you’re planning easy pot luck breakfast ideas for a group, need homemade breakfast ideas easy enough for the kids, or simply want to prep ahead for the week, these muffins have you covered.
From brunch carry in ideas to easy large breakfast ideas for weekend guests, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Made with simple ingredients and minimal equipment, these muffins are ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. And best of all? They reheat beautifully, making them one of the best easy breakfasts on the go.
WHY FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS ARE A MUST-TRY
If you’ve never made French toast muffins before, you’re in for a treat. They combine the warm, cinnamon-laced flavor of traditional French toast with the ease of a muffin. No need to stand over the stove flipping slices—just mix, pour, and bake.
French toast muffins are especially helpful when you’re looking for easy breakfast ideas for company or want a dish that works for brunch, holidays, or weekday mornings. Plus, they’re so customizable—you can add fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips.
THE APPEAL OF EASY BREAKFAST TOAST IDEAS IN MUFFIN FORM
Transforming classic French toast into muffin form adds convenience, portability, and portion control. This twist takes everything you love about French toast and packages it into neat little servings that are easy to store, serve, and carry. It’s one of those easy breakfast toast ideas you’ll come back to again and again—especially because it freezes and reheats so well.
INGREDIENTS FOR FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make 12 French toast muffins:
- 10 slices of bread, preferably day-old (cubed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup (67g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving (optional)
This list uses easy-to-find ingredients, making it one of the best homemade breakfast ideas easy enough for weekday meal prep.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED
You won’t need much to make these muffins:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tin (12-cup)
- Cooking spray or muffin liners
- Spoon or scoop for portioning
- Wire rack for cooling
Having everything ready beforehand will make the process seamless and enjoyable.
HOW TO MAKE FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS STEP BY STEP
1. PREHEAT AND PREP
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray or line with paper muffin liners.
2. PREPARE THE BREAD
Cut the bread into small cubes, around 1-inch pieces. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for a bit to dry out slightly—stale bread soaks up the custard better.
3. MAKE THE CUSTARD
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and melted butter until smooth.
4. COMBINE AND SOAK
Add the cubed bread into the bowl and stir gently until all the pieces are coated. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
5. FILL THE MUFFIN TIN
Using a spoon or scoop, divide the soaked bread mixture evenly into the muffin cups. Press down slightly to help form the muffin shape.
6. BAKE
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the centers are set.
7. COOL AND SERVE
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup.
QUICK AND EASY ON THE GO BREAKFAST OPTION
One of the best things about these muffins is that they were practically made for quick and easy on the go breakfast moments. Whether you’re running late or packing lunch for the kids, just grab a muffin and go. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can make a double batch and enjoy a quick to go breakfast idea all week.
To reheat, simply pop a muffin in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the bread sit in the custard allows the flavors to soak through and prevents dry muffins.
- Customize: Add blueberries, chopped apples, pecans, or mini chocolate chips for flavor variety.
- Use muffin liners or grease well: This makes removal much easier and prevents sticking.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Using fresh bread: It can turn mushy and won’t hold its shape well.
- Overfilling the muffin tin: Muffins may not cook evenly.
- Not pressing the mixture down: Gently pressing the bread in each cup helps form that nice muffin shape and ensures everything bakes together.
EASY BREAKFAST IDEAS FOR COMPANY OR POTLUCKS
If you’re planning a family brunch, hosting guests, or looking for easy pot luck breakfast ideas, this recipe is a lifesaver. You can bake them ahead of time, reheat easily, and even make them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized servings at brunch carry in ideas.
Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a breakfast casserole for a complete spread. These muffins fit beautifully into easy large breakfast ideas without needing tons of prep time.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS & PRESENTATION TIPS
Serve your French toast muffins warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. For gatherings, arrange them on a tiered tray with fresh berries and mint leaves for a café-style presentation.
Want something fancier? Serve each muffin with a dollop of whipped cream or a small ramekin of fruit compote for dipping.
RECIPE VARIATIONS AND SWAPS
Looking to switch it up? Try these variations:
- Add-ins: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or nuts.
- Fruit twist: Add diced apples, mashed bananas, or blueberries for seasonal variety.
- Flavor swaps: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
- Diet-friendly: Use dairy-free milk and cream for a lactose-free version.
HOW TO STORE & REHEAT FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS
Let your muffins cool completely before storing. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven until warm.
These steps make them ideal for easy breakfasts on the go any day of the week.
FAQ: FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS RECIPE
Can I use any type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or French bread work best for richness and structure.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. Bake and store, or prep the mixture the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze them after baking, then reheat as needed.
Can I make this into a casserole instead?
Yes! Just spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch dish and bake for 35–40 minutes.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying quick and easy on the go breakfast, delicious easy breakfast ideas for company, or a reliable recipe for brunch carry in ideas, these French Toast Muffins hit the mark every time. They’re simple, versatile, and irresistibly delicious with their crispy tops and custardy centers.
Give this recipe a try and experience just how convenient and flavorful breakfast can be! If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to share this post, leave a comment, and subscribe to the blog for more homemade breakfast ideas easy enough for every day but special enough for any occasion.
PrintFrench Toast Muffins – Easy Breakfast for Busy Mornings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These French Toast Muffins are warm, cinnamon-spiced, and perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. With a crisp top and soft custardy center, they’re quick to prep, freezer-friendly, and ideal for kids, guests, or meal prep.
Ingredients
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10 slices day-old bread, cubed
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4 large eggs
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1 cup (240ml) milk
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1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
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1/3 cup (67g) brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
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Powdered sugar or maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin liners.
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Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, let it air dry for a bit first.
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Make the custard by whisking eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and melted butter in a large bowl.
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Add bread cubes to the bowl and stir gently to coat. Let sit for 5–10 minutes so the bread soaks up the custard.
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Fill muffin cups evenly with the soaked bread mixture. Press down gently to shape into muffins.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and the centers are set.
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Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Notes
Notes:
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Use stale bread for best texture and to prevent soggy muffins.
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Customize with chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or fruit like apples or blueberries.
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These muffins freeze well. Reheat in microwave or oven for a quick breakfast on the go.
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To serve at a brunch, pair with yogurt, fruit, or a breakfast casserole for a full spread.