Name: French Toast Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 6 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche bread (14 ounces), cut into ½” cubes; 6 large eggs; ¼ cup light brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch fine sea salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ½ cup salted butter, softened; ½ cup light brown sugar; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the comforting flavor of French toast in an easy, portable way, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this French Toast Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe. Each bite gives you all the sweet, custardy goodness of classic French toast, crowned with a buttery, cinnamon-spiked streusel that adds an irresistible crunch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these muffins are not only simple to make but also guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Let’s jump into this delightful crowd-pleaser that transforms your morning routine into something spectacular.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A sliced loaf of golden brown bread is placed on the left side of the image. Around it, there are several white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients: one bowl of light brown cinnamon powder mixed with white salt, a small bowl of dark vanilla extract, a bowl with brown sugar, a bowl with pale yellow butter, a bowl filled with white flour, a bowl holding several brown eggs, another bowl with more brown sugar, a small glass jar of white heavy cream, and a glass measuring cup of whole milk. A striped cloth is partly visible on the bottom right, adding a soft texture to the scene. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to crafting the perfect texture and flavor that make this recipe stand out. Each component plays a role, from the richness of the eggs and cream to the buttery streusel topping that makes every muffin sparkle.

Brioche bread (1 loaf, 14 ounces): Its soft, buttery texture soaks up the custard beautifully, giving the muffins a tender crumb.
Large eggs (6): The backbone of the custard, providing structure and richness.
Light brown sugar (¼ cup + ½ cup for streusel): Adds subtle caramel notes and moisture to both the custard and topping.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances the brown sugar with a clean sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for streusel): Brings warm, cozy spice that perfectly complements the sweet flavors.
Fine sea salt (pinch + ¼ teaspoon for streusel): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Whole milk (1 cup): Keeps the custard creamy and light.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds an indulgent richness that makes the muffins extra moist.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
Salted butter, softened (½ cup for streusel): Creates the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping that makes every bite special.
All-purpose flour (½ cup for streusel): Binds the streusel ingredients into that perfectly crumbly texture.

How to Make French Toast Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Pans

Start by buttering or greasing two 12-cup muffin pans so the French toast muffins won’t stick—and using liners works too if you prefer. This prep step ensures your beautiful muffins come out perfectly without any fuss.

Step 2: Cube the Brioche Bread

Cut your soft brioche loaf into ½-inch cubes. This size helps the bread soak up the custard evenly while maintaining some texture when baked, giving you that perfect balance of soft and slightly chewy.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt until smooth. Then add in the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined. This custard is the heart of your French toast muffins, providing that luscious, creamy flavor.

Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread in a large bowl. Stir gently until all the pieces are soaking up that magic custard. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so each bite becomes tender without falling apart.

Step 5: Portion into Muffin Pans

Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop the soaked bread mixture into each muffin cup until you fill about 20 muffins. Cover the pans tightly with plastic wrap to keep the mixture fresh in the fridge while it marinates overnight or for several hours. This rest time is crucial—it allows the custard to fully infuse the bread.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

Mix softened butter, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands until you get coarse crumbs. Store this crumbly topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight so it’s ready when you bake the muffins.

Step 7: Bake Your French Toast Muffins

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Take your muffin pans out of the fridge and generously sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of streusel topping on each muffin. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes until the custard is set and the tops are golden brown. After baking, let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before gently releasing them—it’s normal for them to puff up in the oven and then settle as they cool.

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve these warm, fresh-from-the-oven muffins with a pat of butter and a drizzle of real maple syrup. Each bite is a dreamy mix of tender French toast and crunchy streusel goodness that’s sure to make mornings instantly better.

How to Serve French Toast Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe

A grey muffin tray with twelve round wells is filled with a creamy, light beige batter mixed with small, chunky pieces of golden brown bread. Each well contains a mix of the smooth batter and uneven bread bits on top, creating textured, slightly lumpy surfaces. The tray is set on a white marbled surface next to a folded grey and white striped cloth on the upper left and a metallic tool with a wooden handle on the upper right. The light creates soft shadows and highlights on the batter, showing a moist, thick consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top or add fresh berries to bring a pop of color and fresh brightness that pairs beautifully with the sweet richness of the muffins. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn these into a real indulgence.

Side Dishes

French toast muffins are fantastic alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for those who love a savory bite to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette can also complement the richness without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these muffins in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper for brunch gatherings or pack them individually in small mason jars for adorable grab-and-go breakfasts. Stack them up on a tiered breakfast stand with other pastries to create a beautiful spread that will have all your guests asking for the recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover French toast muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their moist texture and preserves the delicate streusel topping for your next breakfast or snack.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, you can freeze the cooled muffins by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, making these muffins a super convenient option for busy mornings.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated muffins back to life, microwave them for about 30 seconds or warm in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes. The streusel topping crisps up nicely while the inside gets warm and custardy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its rich, buttery texture, you can substitute challah, Texas toast, or even a sturdy white bread. Just avoid breads that are too dense or crusty as they won’t soak up the custard as well.

Do I have to refrigerate the muffins before baking?

Yes, refrigerating the muffins overnight or for several hours is important because it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a soft, custardy center that holds its shape when baked.

Can I make smaller or larger muffins?

You can! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller muffins will bake faster, about 15-20 minutes, while larger ones might need a bit longer to fully set.

Is the streusel topping essential?

The streusel topping adds a fantastic crunchy texture and extra flavor, but if you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with chopped nuts or even a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for a simpler option.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The muffins are ready when the centers are set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. The streusel topping should be golden and crisp to the touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about this French Toast Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe—it’s like all the comfort of a classic breakfast baked into a perfect, hand-held bite. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, they are sure to impress and delight everyone around your table. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to morning treat that you’ll want to make again and again.