Welcome to the ultimate breakfast game-changer. These French Toast Cups pack all the warm, custardy flavor of classic French toast into a perfect, portion-sized muffin. They feature delightfully crispy edges, a soft and gooey center, and are endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. This recipe is your new go-to for busy weekday mornings, special weekend brunches, and everything in between.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a gathering, these cups are designed to impress. They are incredibly simple to make, and the individual portions make serving a breeze. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this fun and delicious recipe.
Why You’ll Love These French Toast Cups
- Perfectly Portioned: Individual cups make serving simple and elegant, ideal for brunches or family breakfasts.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in just a few straightforward steps. It’s a fantastic recipe for involving kids in the kitchen.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance for a stress-free morning. They reheat beautifully, making them a top choice for meal prep. For another easy make-ahead breakfast, try this Crockpot Breakfast Casserole.
- Endlessly Customizable: From classic cinnamon and syrup to decadent chocolate chips or savory bacon and cheese, you can tailor these cups to any craving.
Essential Ingredients
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible French toast bites.
The Best Bread for French Toast Cups
The foundation of great French toast is the bread. You want something sturdy that can soak up the rich custard without falling apart. Brioche is an excellent choice for its buttery flavor and soft texture. Challah works wonderfully too. If you don’t have those, a thick-cut Texas toast or day-old French bread will also yield fantastic results. Avoid thin, pre-sliced sandwich bread, as it can become soggy.
The Perfect Custard
The custard is the heart of the recipe, giving the cups their signature rich flavor and tender texture. We use a simple but effective combination:
- Eggs: They provide structure and richness.
- Milk & Heavy Cream: A mix of milk and cream creates a custard that’s rich but not overly heavy. You can use all milk if you prefer, but the cream adds a luxurious touch.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel-like sweetness that complements the other flavors.
- Vanilla & Cinnamon: These are classic French toast flavors that provide warmth and depth. A pinch of nutmeg also works well here.
How to Make French Toast Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect batch of French Toast Cups every time.
- Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the Bread: Slice your bread into 1-inch cubes. If you’re using crusts, you can leave them on for extra texture or remove them for a softer bite. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.
- Mix the Custard: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently toss them together until all the bread is coated and has started to absorb the liquid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Assemble the Cups: Carefully spoon the soaked bread cubes into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. Don’t pack them too tightly.
- Create the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the top of each cup. This is the secret to getting those perfectly crisp, caramelized tops.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy, and the centers are set. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cup; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French Toast Cups cool in the tin for a few minutes before running a knife around the edges and carefully removing them. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Use Fresh Bread: Day-old bread is slightly drier and absorbs the custard better, which helps prevent the final product from being soggy.
- Grease the Pan Well: This is a crucial step! The sugar in the custard can cause the cups to stick, so be generous with your butter or cooking spray.
- Don’t Oversoak: Let the bread soak just long enough to absorb the custard. Oversoaking can lead to a mushy texture. 10-15 minutes is usually perfect.
Fun Variations and Topping Ideas
One of the best things about these French Toast Cups is their versatility. If you’re looking for another versatile and cheesy breakfast option, check out these delicious cheesy breakfast rolls.
Sweet Variations
- Chocolate Chip: Mix a handful of mini chocolate chips into the bread mixture before baking.
- Fruity: Add a few blueberries or raspberries to the center of each cup before baking.
- Cream Cheese Filled: Place a small cube of cream cheese in the center of each cup for a tangy, creamy surprise.
Delicious Toppings
- Classic maple syrup
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- Fresh berries and whipped cream
- A drizzle of Nutella or caramel sauce. If you love caramel, you might also enjoy this caramel brownie cheesecake for dessert!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
These French Toast Cups are perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- To Store: Keep leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. You can also microwave them for about 30-45 seconds, but they will be softer.
- To Freeze: Allow the cups to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely after baking, then arrange them on a baking sheet to flash-freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months and reheated directly from frozen in the oven.
Certainly! To make a savory version, simply omit the sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon from the custard. Instead, add a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, and some shredded cheese like cheddar or Gruyère. You can also add mix-ins like cooked bacon or sausage.
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble them in the muffin tin the night before, cover, and refrigerate. The next morning, just bake them as directed. You can also bake them completely and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days, reheating as needed.
The best way to prevent soggy cups is to use day-old, sturdy bread like brioche or challah. Drier bread absorbs the custard without becoming saturated. Also, ensure you don’t oversoak the bread cubes; 10-15 minutes is plenty of time.
Thick-cut, enriched breads are ideal. Brioche and challah are top choices for their rich flavor and sturdy texture. Thick-cut Texas toast or a day-old French baguette also work very well. Avoid thin sandwich bread.
The Perfect French Toast Cups Recipe
French Toast Cups: The Perfect Bite-Sized Breakfast Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the cubed bread in a large bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar, vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Gently toss to coat all the bread. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Drizzle this topping mixture evenly over the French Toast Cups.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and crispy and the centers are fully cooked.
- Let cool for 5 minutes in the muffin tin before removing. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Notes
Don't be shy when greasing the muffin tin; this prevents the sugary cups from sticking.
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with 1 cup of half-and-half.
Share Your Creations!
We are confident that these delightful French Toast Cups will become a new favorite in your home. They are the perfect way to make any morning feel a little more special. If you try this recipe, we would love to see your creations! Share a photo and tag us on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
