1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard muffin tin or line it with paper muffin cups.
- Cut the Bread: Cut the slices of bread into small cubes, about 1/2-inch in size. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the French Toast Batter
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Combine with the Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Gently toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated with the egg mixture. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
3. Assemble the Muffins
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, pressing down slightly to compact the mixture.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Brush the tops of the muffins with the melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over each muffin.
4. Bake the Muffins
- Bake: 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.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve Warm: These muffins are best served warm, drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale or day-old bread works best for this recipe, as it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter muffin, you can increase the amount of sugar in the egg mixture or in the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Add Some Extras: For a fun twist, you can add a handful of chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts to the bread mixture before baking.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of French toast in a portable and easy-to-make form. With their soft, custardy centers and crispy, sugary tops, these muffins are sure to be a favorite for breakfast or brunch. Serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar, and watch them disappear! 🍞🥚🍁