Name: French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1/2″ cubes; 2 cups milk; 6 eggs; 1/2 cup sugar; 1-1/2 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; Pinch of nutmeg; 1/2 cup butter, cold and cut into pieces

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The French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite that brings all the comforting flavors and textures of French toast into a convenient, shareable muffin form. This recipe combines soft, custardy bread cubes soaked in a rich blend of eggs, milk, and vanilla, topped with a crunchy, sweet cinnamon streusel that adds a wonderful contrast. It’s perfect for cozy weekends, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting treat that feels both familiar and a bit special. Once you try these muffins, they may just become your go-to morning indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A loaf of bread with a golden crust and soft, white inside sits on a wooden cutting board. Several pieces of bread, mostly square and one smaller triangular piece, are scattered around the larger loaf, showing the airy texture inside. There are crumbs on the board and a knife with a black handle resting near the bread. In the background, there is a black muffin tray with white dough in some compartments and three brown eggs on the left side. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients make this recipe shine, each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe.

French bread: The sturdy yet soft texture soaks up the custard wonderfully without turning to mush.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to create the custard base for the bread cubes.
Eggs: Essential for binding the mixture and providing that classic French toast custardy richness.
Sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough to bring warmth and balance.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the streusel, giving it structure and texture.
Brown sugar: Packed for moisture, it sweetens the streusel and caramelizes beautifully when baked.
Cinnamon: Brings that signature spice which is key to the topping’s irresistible flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch to heighten all the sweet and spiced notes.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the streusel.
Butter: Cold and cut into pieces to create a crumbly, rich streusel topping that bakes golden.

How to Make French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin and Bread

Start by spraying your 12-muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your muffins release easily after baking. Cut your French bread into neat ½-inch cubes, then fill each muffin cup with bread cubes, packing them until they’re nicely heaped. This creates a fluffy, yet substantial base for soaking up the custard.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This custard mixture is the heart of your French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe, giving the muffins that irresistible soft and flavorful interior.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes

Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in each muffin cup. Use your fingers or a spoon to gently press down the bread, helping it to absorb more liquid and become perfectly custardy. Cover the tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This soaking period is what transforms the bread cubes into tender French toast morsels.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

While your bread soaks, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter, then use your fingers or two forks to crumble the mixture until coarse crumbs form. This streusel topping will bake golden and give the muffins a delightful crunch that perfectly balances the soft custard.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the soaked bread from the fridge and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping over each muffin. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the muffin centers feel set but still tender. Let them cool briefly before serving to enjoy that wonderful mix of warm, soft crumbs and crisp topping.

How to Serve French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe

The image shows several small muffins with a crumbly brown topping placed inside a white ceramic baking dish in the background, sitting on a white marbled surface with a beige checkered cloth underneath. In the foreground, a single muffin, broken open to reveal a light yellow, moist texture inside, rests on a small white plate, with a silver fork beside it. There is some syrup or sauce pooled slightly on the plate around the muffin. The lighting highlights the contrast between the crunchy top layer and the soft inside of the muffin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These muffins are fantastic on their own, but a drizzle of pure maple syrup takes them to the next level by adding a luscious sweetness that pools in the nooks and crannies. A dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries can add lovely color and contrast, making them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

For a complete brunch spread, serve these muffins alongside crisp bacon or sausage links for some savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits with granola offer a refreshing, lighter counterpart that complements the rich French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the muffins on a stylish tiered tray sprinkled with cinnamon sticks and fresh herbs like mint for a festive touch. You can also cut the muffins in half and offer mini sandwiches with cream cheese or nut butter, turning a classic recipe into a fun, portable snack or party appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover muffins in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks on busy mornings.

Freezing

These French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy this treat anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop muffins in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the streusel regains some of its crispness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though the oven method keeps the topping delightful.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than French bread?

Absolutely! While French bread is ideal due to its texture and crust, you can substitute with brioche or challah for an even richer flavor. Just make sure the bread is sturdy and not too fresh, so it soaks well without becoming mushy.

Is it necessary to soak the bread overnight?

While soaking overnight yields the best custardy texture, a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge is sufficient if you’re short on time. The longer soak allows the bread to absorb more flavor and become tender throughout.

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the streusel a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to sprinkle on the muffins. This makes the baking process quicker and easier, especially for busy mornings.

How do I make these muffins dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a vegan butter alternative for the streusel. The muffins will still be delicious with these swaps!

What is the best way to prevent muffins from sticking to the pan?

Spraying the muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray is key. You can also use paper liners, but since these muffins have a sticky custard base, thoroughly greasing the pan works best for easy removal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a warm, comforting breakfast that feels both classic and a little special, this French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make ahead, perfect for sharing, and brings that perfect blend of soft custard and crunchy topping everyone will love. Give it a try — I promise it will brighten your mornings and become a beloved recipe in your breakfast rotation!