Name: French Toast Muffin with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cup half and half; 1 ¼ cup whole milk; 5 large eggs; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 7 cups day old French bread, cubed (~A little less than 1 loaf); ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ cup salted butter, cold; Powdered sugar; Favorite syrup

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 80 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of having breakfast and dessert all wrapped up in one delightful bite, this French Toast Muffin with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the comforting warmth of French toast transformed into perfectly portioned muffins, each crowned with a buttery, cinnamon-speckled streusel topping that adds a satisfying crunch. This recipe brings together familiar flavors in a portable, shareable form that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or brunch gatherings. It’s easy to make, generously serves a crowd, and promises to fill your kitchen with intoxicating aromas that make every step of the process feel like a cozy celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with torn pieces of light brown bread with some darker brown crust pieces mixed throughout. The bread looks soft and slightly uneven in size. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a striped cloth on the left and parts of some cooking tools and ingredients on the top right, including a wooden spoon and a metal baking tray with bread inside. Nearby, a white plate with small amounts of flour and brown spices partially shows. The overall colors are warm and neutral, with a focus on the textures of the bread pieces inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each plays a vital role in building the luscious texture and rich flavor of your French toast muffins. From creamy dairy that keeps things tender, to cinnamon and brown sugar that deliver comforting sweetness and warmth, every component elevates this dish.

Half and half: Adds a rich creaminess that helps soak the bread thoroughly for moist muffins.
Whole milk: Balances the creaminess and keeps the custard light yet flavorful.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to hold the muffins together perfectly.
Brown sugar: Imparts a deep molasses-like sweetness that enhances the caramelized notes.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds complexity and a subtle hint of maple flavor.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the custard with a warm, fragrant undertone.
Cinnamon: The star spice that ties every element together with its cozy aroma and taste.
Day old French bread (cubed): Perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart, giving the muffins a tender yet substantial bite.
All-purpose flour: Essential in creating the crisp streusel topping.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
Salted butter (cold): Used in the streusel to create that delightful crumbly texture.
Powdered sugar (optional): For a pretty finishing touch and extra sweetness if desired.

How to Make French Toast Muffin with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing your muffin pan is essential to prevent sticking and help the muffins release cleanly after baking. Whether you use cooking spray or butter, prepare a 12-cup pan and consider having a second pan on hand because this recipe can yield up to 15 muffins.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together half and half, whole milk, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until everything is fully combined. This silky custard base is what infuses the bread cubes with moisture and flavor, transforming them into tender French toast muffins.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes

Add the cubed day-old French bread to the custard mixture, gently stirring to coat every piece. The key here is patience—let the bread soak up all that delicious custard without turning mushy, ensuring that each muffin will have a beautiful custardy center with a slight bite.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups

Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the soaked bread cubes. Press gently with the back of a spoon or your fingers to eliminate air pockets and help compress the bread so it holds together well once baked. This step helps the muffins bake evenly and take on that classic French toast texture.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter still visible. This topping will bake into a crunchy, buttery crown packed with sweet cinnamon flavor that perfectly complements the soft, custardy interior.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over each muffin cup and place the pan in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the muffins are golden brown and the streusel is crisp. The aroma at this stage is intoxicating—a beautiful preview of the treat to come.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the pans. A little patience here ensures they hold their shape beautifully. If you like, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with your favorite syrup to take these muffins from delightful to downright irresistible.

How to Serve French Toast Muffin with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

A baking tray filled with twelve freshly baked muffins, each with a golden brown crumbly top that looks slightly cracked and crunchy. The muffins fill each round space almost fully, with small uneven lumps giving a rough texture on the surface. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, with a glimpse of a white plate with pink floral designs in the top left corner. The overall look is warm and homey, with the muffins showing slight variations in shape and height, indicating a handmade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup elevate the muffins without overpowering their cinnamon goodness. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also add a refreshing contrast and vibrant colors, making your breakfast table a joyous feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with crispy bacon or a side of sausage for a savory counterpoint. Fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette can brighten the meal, balancing sweet and savory flavors to delight every taste bud.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these French Toast Muffins warm on a rustic wooden board for a charming brunch spread. Stack them on pretty plates with small bowls of syrup, butter, and fresh fruit around for a pick-your-own-style meal that’s fun for gatherings. You can also pack them in a picnic basket for an on-the-go breakfast that tastes like a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Toast Muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping them chilled preserves their texture and flavor, making it easy to enjoy these treats throughout the week without any fuss.

Freezing

To keep these muffins fresh longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making it simple to enjoy a quick, home-baked breakfast anytime.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, until warmed through and the streusel topping regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicate crunch on top—it tends to make the streusel soggy.

FAQs

Can I make French Toast Muffin with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure your bread is gluten-free as well. This swap keeps the muffins tasty without compromising on texture.

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Day-old bread is preferred because it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out slightly by toasting it lightly or leaving it out uncovered for a few hours before cubing.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the half and half and milk with your favorite dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk, and replace the butter in the streusel with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.

How long should I let the bread soak in the custard?

A quick stir to coat and soak the bread cubes is sufficient. Avoid soaking for too long or the bread may become overly soggy and lose its shape during baking.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

You can definitely double the ingredients and bake in multiple muffin pans. Just watch the baking time closely as larger batches may require slight adjustments to ensure even baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about waking up to the smell of freshly baked French Toast Muffins topped with cinnamon streusel—comforting, nostalgic, yet excitingly new. This French Toast Muffin with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is a wonderful way to bring your breakfast game to the next level, whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy morning. Give it a try, and trust me, you’re going to wonder how you ever did mornings without these muffins in your life!