Easy Baked French Toast Cups for a Cozy Morning Breakfast

Is there anything cozier than the smell of cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen on a lazy weekend morning? You want something special for breakfast, but maybe you don’t want to stand over the stove flipping slices of toast one by one. That’s the exact magic of these Baked French Toast Cups. They give you all the comforting flavor of classic French toast in a fun, fuss-free, individual portion. They’re perfect for a quiet morning with a book or for feeding a crowd without the stress. Let’s get your oven preheating.

Top Reasons To Make It

• They’re a total timesaver. You can whip up a whole batch at once instead of cooking in batches on the stovetop.
• They’re perfect for entertaining. These little cups are a dream for a breakfast buffet because everyone gets their own perfect portion.
• They’re wonderfully customizable. From the bread you use to the toppings you add, you can make them different every time.
• Kids absolutely adore them. The cute, muffin-shaped presentation and sweet cinnamon sugar topping are always a hit.
• They’re a great way to use up slightly stale bread, turning it into something truly delicious.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed bread (about 1-inch cubes): Stale French bread or brioche works beautifully, giving the cups structure.
• 4 large eggs: These bind everything together and create that signature custardy texture.
• 1 cup whole milk or your favorite milk alternative: Adds richness and moisture to the custard.
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: For a touch of natural sweetness that permeates the bread.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm, comforting flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The essential spice for that classic French toast taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm depth of flavor.
• A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil: For brushing the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: For that irresistible, sparkly cinnamon sugar topping.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the cups of a standard 12-cup muffin tin generously with the melted butter or coconut oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is perfectly combined.
3. Gently fold the cubed bread into the egg mixture. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the bread soaks up all that lovely custard.
4. While the bread soaks, mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
5. Scoop the soaked bread mixture into the prepared muffin cups, pressing down lightly. You’ll want to fill them almost to the top.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of each cup.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
8. Let the cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully running a butter knife around the edges to loosen them. Serve warm. So good.

Serving Suggestions For Breakfast Buffets

When you’re hosting, these Baked French Toast Cups are a star player. Set them out on a platter and create a little topping bar so everyone can build their perfect bite. Offer small bowls of warmed maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a drizzle of nut butter. It turns a simple breakfast into an interactive, delightful experience that feels so, so special. They pair wonderfully with other breakfast buffet staples like crispy turkey bacon, a fruit salad, or a simple scramble.

Pro Tips For Perfect Baked French Toast Cups

• Use day-old bread. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without turning to mush.
• Don’t skip the soaking time. This is the secret to getting that wonderfully custardy interior.
• Press the bread down gently into the muffin cups. This helps them hold their shape and bake evenly.
• For an extra-crispy top, you can pop them under the broiler for the last minute—but watch them like a hawk!
• Honestly, if you’re making these for a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and use two muffin tins.
• Get creative with mix-ins! A handful of blueberries or a few chocolate chips folded in before baking is a fun surprise.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Simply use your favorite unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk in place of the whole milk.
• Bread Choices: While French bread is classic, challah, brioche, or even whole-wheat sandwich bread will work beautifully.
• Savory Twist: Omit the cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Instead, add a pinch of garlic powder, black pepper, and a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. You could even mix in some diced smoked turkey sausage.
• Apple Cinnamon: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples (like Granny Smith) into the bread mixture before baking.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace 1/4 cup of the milk with canned pumpkin puree and use pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon.

Storage & Reheating

These cups store beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, the best method is to warm them in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes (15 if frozen) until heated through. This keeps them from getting soggy. You can microwave them for a quick fix, but the tops will soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I prepare these the night before? Absolutely! Assemble the cups in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar and bake.
• What are some other healthy breakfast ideas using these? Serve them with a side of Greek yogurt for extra protein or load them up with fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
• My bread is very fresh. Will that work? It will, but for the best texture, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to dry them out slightly first.
• Are these good for quick breakfast ideas on busy mornings? Yes! They reheat wonderfully, making them a fantastic grab-and-go option during the week.

I hope these Baked French Toast Cups with Cinnamon Sugar bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine. They’re a simple, happy way to start the day.