These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a warm and sweet treat that everyone will love! They give you all the cozy flavor of French toast, but in a fun muffin form.
They’re so easy to make, and the cinnamon sugar topping makes them sparkle! I love serving them for breakfast or snacks—great for sharing! Who can say no to muffins, right? 🧁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for muffins. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great success with almond flour or a mix of almond and coconut flour for a nutty flavor!
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness, but you can substitute with coconut sugar or honey. Keep in mind that using honey may affect the moisture content, so adjust other liquids accordingly.
Milk: Whole milk gives a richer texture, but you can also use almond milk or any plant-based milk. Just ensure they are unsweetened for better flavor balance.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds moisture. You can swap it for vegetable oil or coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option. I find that coconut oil adds a lovely hint of sweetness!
Brown Sugar: This brings a deep flavor to the topping. If you want, you can replace it with light brown sugar or even maple sugar for a different taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Muffin Rise?
Getting the right rise in muffins is key! Follow these steps to achieve soft and fluffy muffins:
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh. This is crucial for the muffins to rise properly.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Don’t skip on filling each cup correctly. Filling them 3/4 full ensures they rise beautifully without spilling over.
- Preheating your oven to the right temperature is vital. Muffins need that initial burst of heat to rise well!
Following these tips should lead to perfectly fluffy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins every time! Enjoy them warm with maple syrup for a special treat!
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Maple syrup, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 18-22 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing everything together, and then just wait for those delicious muffins to bake up golden brown. Easy and delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a muffin tin with butter or line it with paper liners. This will help your muffins come out easily after baking!
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until mixed well. This is the dry part of your muffin mix!
3. Preparing Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them lightly. Then, whisk in the whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is a light and fluffy texture!
5. Making the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This will create a delicious topping for your muffins!
6. Filling the Muffin Cups:
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture over each one. Yum!
7. Adding More Batter:
Top off each muffin cup with the remaining batter until they are filled about 3/4 full. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar on top for that perfect crunchy finish!
8. Baking the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. They are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are golden brown.
9. Cooling Time:
Once they’re done baking, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps keep them from getting soggy!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your warm muffins drizzled with maple syrup, if desired. They’re best fresh out of the oven but can be stored in an airtight container for later.
These muffins have a soft, tender crumb and a deliciously sweet, crispy cinnamon sugar crust—like having French toast in muffin form! Happy baking!
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. This will ensure your muffins rise nicely!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Yes! You can substitute the granulated and brown sugars with alternatives like coconut sugar or even honey. If using liquid sweeteners, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to maintain the right batter consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before enjoying!
What Variations Can I Try?
You can customize these muffins by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture. Just ensure not to overload the batter so the muffins still rise well!
