French toast is my absolute FAVORITE breakfast item and always will be. To say I’m not obsessed with these would be a total lie. These are perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch and make the BEST Christmas Day breakfast for the family. Growing up, my dad often cooked French toast on the weekends which is one of my favorite childhood memories (next to him cooking bacon on weekends, and my younger self watching anxiously as I couldn’t wait to eat them!). I think my love for French toast started when I was a kid, eating my dad’s delicious French toast along with some bacon. This reminds me so much of my sweet Coffee Cake recipe, which is also ideal for a weekend breakfast or brunch. If you’re a fan of sweet breakfasts and brunch, you’ll love my Mini Cinnamon Rolls, Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Sticks, My Dad’s French Toast, Sheet Pan Pancakes, and Pancake Bacon Fingers.
The reason I love this recipe so much is that these are easy hand-held muffins that everyone can grab and take with them, if they desire. Also, my recipe contains just the right amounts of white bread, milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and orange zest. I really like how the orange zest elevates this recipe to a whole new level! You can substitute with lemon zest if you like, but orange zest is our family’s favorite! It’s so citrusy and tasty.
History of French Toast
According to Wonderopolis’ article, the origins of French toast may trace back to the Roman Empire, and perhaps surprisingly, the popular breakfast item has nothing to do with France or French cuisine. As a matter of fact, the name “French toast” was first used in England, during the 17th century. The name and the recipe came to America via early settlers.
In France, French toast is called “pain perdu,” which, in French means “lost bread.” The reason they call it this is because people initially made French toast with stale bread in an effort to use bread that would have otherwise been thrown out.
The traditional French toast cooking method involves dipping bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Then, you heat a frying pan and cook the dipped bread on the pan until it’s brown.
Popular French toast toppings include powdered sugar, maple syrup, jam, jellies, honey, peanut butter, Nutella, whipped cream, fruit, yogurt, ice cream, nuts, and the list goes on! People make all sorts of French toast varieties like these delicious French Toast muffins. With orange zest, these delicious muffins will satisfy any sweet craving you may have! They make the perfect weekend breakfast or brunch as they’re popular among kids and adults.
Ingredients in French Toast Muffins
White bread. One of the main ingredients in French toast, the bread is also an integral part of the French toast muffins and provides flavor and texture. Use white bread or French toast bread for the best results.
Eggs. Eggs are key in this recipe as they give the muffins richness, color, nutrition, and help to bind the ingredients.
Milk. Use can use any type of milk although whole milk will yield the creamiest and richest results. I use 1% milk and this recipe worked just fine.
Heavy whipping cream. Heavy whipping cream provides moisture and a creamy texture to the batter.
Vanilla. Vanilla is one of the main ingredients in the traditional French toast recipe and is important in this recipe as well. It provides a sweet flavor that, when combined with the rest of the ingredients, results in a delicious combination.
Cinnamon. Just a bit of cinnamon provides enough spice to make your French Toast Muffin recipe. Like vanilla, cinnamon is one of the traditional French toast ingredients. If you’re making real French toast, you can’t omit this. It’s a requirement, and when combined with the vanilla, eggs, and milk, results in one mouthwatering taste.
Granulated sugar. Traditionally, French toast does not use any sugar; however, just a small amount gives this recipe an enhanced sweet taste that goes far.
Orange zest. Orange zest adds a citrusy flavor to these muffins that is absolutely irresistible! You’ll see exactly what I mean once you try this recipe.
How to make the best French Toast Muffins
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Then, you need to spray a 12-count muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Use a knife to cut the bread into one-inch squares and set aside. Then, in a large bowl, whisk the 3 eggs, ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (also known as heavy cream), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon orange zest (which is the zest from about a half of an orange), until the ingredients are well incorporated.
STEP 2: Add the bread pieces to the bowl and mix it well—until the bread is completely incorporated into the egg and milk mixture.
STEP 3: Evenly distribute the batter into the 12 muffin tin cups and bake in the oven for 22-24 minutes—or until the tops are browned and the muffins seem firm and cooked. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup for the best flavor combinations. You can also top with fruit, whipped cream, butter, vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate or caramel syrups, jams and jellies, peanut butter, almond butter, Nutella, and so forth.
More breakfast and brunch recipes you’ll love!
Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Sticks
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
Egg and Veggie Breakfast Muffins
Easy Puff Pastry Churro Sticks
The Real Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffin Recipe
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these French Toast Muffins, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
French Toast Muffins
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread
- 3 eggs
- 1 c milk any type
- ¾ c heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- powdered sugar, maple syrup, chopped fruit, chocolate sauce, etc. optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. Spray a 12-count muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch squares and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and orange zest until the ingredients are well incorporated. Add the bread pieces to the bowl and mix well until the bread is completely incorporated into the egg and milk mixture.
- Evenly distribute the batter into the 12 muffin tin cups. Bake in the oven for 22-24 minutes, or until the tops are browned and the muffins seem firm and cooked. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup for the best taste.
- If you make this, don't forget to leave a rating and comment!
Nutrition (per serving)
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