Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Craving something warm, comforting, and undeniably delicious, but short on time? Then look no further! These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the perfect solution. They're incredibly easy to make, bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and incredibly satisfying. Imagine the fluffy texture of French toast, perfectly portioned into individual muffins, ready to grab and go. This recipe is perfect for busy week mornings, leisurely weekend brunches, or even a sweet afternoon snack. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game!
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 8 slices challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily from the pan.
Prepare the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Creating a smooth custard is key for evenly moist muffins.
Assemble the Muffins:
- Cut each slice of bread into quarters. Dip each bread piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated but not soggy. Don't over-soak; aim for a nice saturation.
Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently press each soaked bread piece into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating both sides.
Bake the Muffins:
- Arrange the coated bread pieces in the prepared muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins:
- Bread Choice: Challah, brioche, or Texas toast work best due to their richness and ability to absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy. Stale bread can also be used.
- Don't Over-Soak: Dip the bread quickly to prevent it from falling apart in the muffin tin.
- Even Coating: Ensure each bread piece is evenly coated in the custard and cinnamon sugar for consistent flavor and texture.
- Muffin Tin Size: Adjust baking time slightly depending on your muffin tin size. Smaller tins may require slightly less baking time.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Incorporate blueberries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking for added flavor and texture.
- Spiced: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, allspice, or ginger to customize the flavor profile.
- Glaze: Create a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled muffins for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on bread type and add-ins)
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 10-15g
This recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to start your day or enjoy a delightful treat anytime. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and the comforting taste of these easy-to-make cinnamon sugar French toast muffins! They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful dessert. The possibilities are endless!