French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of French toast, especially when it’s bursting with warm flavors and sweet maple syrup. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all that deliciousness in muffin form? Enter French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel—a delightful twist on a classic breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. These muffins are fluffy, packed with flavor, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning, the aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as these French Toast Muffins bake to perfection. They are not only a fantastic way to use up leftover bread, but they also make for a fun and portable breakfast option. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a delicious treat that you’ll want to whip up time and again. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these muffins are sure to impress.

The Ingredient Lineup

To create these delightful muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread (older is better, about 6-8 cups cubed)
• 6 eggs
• 1.5 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Maple syrup (for serving)

Cook’s Kit

Before you dive into making these muffins, gather your kitchen essentials:

• Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
• Whisk – Perfect for beating eggs and mixing wet ingredients.
• Muffin tin – To shape your muffins; a non-stick variety works best.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to success.
• Spatula – For folding in the ingredients gently.
• Cooling rack – To cool your muffins after baking.

Cooking French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel: The Process

Creating these muffins is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tin with butter or line it with paper liners to make removing the muffins easier once they are baked.

Step 3: Cube the French Bread

Take your loaf of French bread and cut it into small cubes, about 1 inch in size. The older the bread, the better, as it will soak up the egg mixture without becoming mushy.

Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Bread and Egg Mixture

Gently fold the cubed bread into the egg mixture, ensuring that each piece is coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, giving the bread time to soak up the flavors.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and use a fork to combine until crumbly.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the bread mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel generously on top of each muffin.

Step 8: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Adaptations for Special Diets

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some adaptations you can make:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and ensure that the flour is also gluten-free.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar and brown sugar by half, or use a sugar substitute if preferred.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and butter.

Errors to Dodge

When baking French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Using stale bread that’s too dry can result in a crumbly muffin. Aim for bread that is slightly stale but still has some softness.
• Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Gently fold the ingredients together to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not allowing the bread to soak long enough in the egg mixture may result in dry muffins. Give it time to absorb the flavors.
• Baking at a temperature that’s too high can cause the muffins to brown on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Stick to the recommended temperature for best results.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

These French Toast Muffins are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to make them freezer-friendly:

• Once cooled, place the muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Quick Questions

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread works beautifully, you can experiment with brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread for different flavors and textures.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are done. If wet batter clings to the toothpick, give them a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I add other ingredients mix-ins?

Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh fruit like blueberries or bananas to the bread mixture for an extra flavor boost.

How long do these muffins last?

Stored in an airtight container, they will last about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Keep Cooking

If you enjoyed these French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel, you’ll love trying your hand at these other delicious recipes:

• Sally’s Baking Addiction for more delightful breakfast ideas.
• Pinch of Yum for creative twists on classic dishes.
• Minimalist Baker for simple and healthy recipes.

Before You Go

Make sure to gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and baked bread. These French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel are a delightful way to start your day, and they’ll certainly become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven, or warmed up from the freezer, each bite promises a taste of cozy comfort that you won’t want to miss. Happy baking!