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When it comes to breakfast options that seamlessly blend comfort and indulgence, Apple Cinnamon French Toast Muffins stand out as a delightful choice. These muffins capture the essence of traditional French toast while offering a unique, portable twist that makes them perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. Imagine biting into a warm muffin, where sweet, spiced apples meld with soft custard and a satisfying crunch on top—a dish that embodies the cozy flavors of fall, yet can be enjoyed year-round.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Muffins

Start your day with a delightful twist on breakfast: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Muffins! These muffins blend the comforting flavors of traditional French toast with the convenience of a muffin, making them perfect for busy mornings or relaxed brunches. Soft and custardy on the inside, with a crunchy topping, they are bursting with sweet, spiced apples. Easy to customize with different nuts or fruits, these muffins can also double as dessert. Enjoy this cozy treat year-round!

Ingredients
  

6 cups of day-old bread, cubed (brioche or challah for the best flavor)

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a delightful tartness)

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (reserve a pinch for topping)

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional for added texture)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners for easy removal.

    Prepare the Bread Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and the chopped apples. If you choose to use raisins or walnuts, mix them in at this stage. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed.

      Create the Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.

        Merge Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apple mixture. Carefully fold everything together, ensuring the bread absorbs the custard well. Allow this mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, giving the bread time to soak up all those delicious flavors.

          Fill the Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or a ladle, portion the soaked bread mixture into the greased muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full to allow for rising.

            Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each muffin to create a sweet, crunchy crust while baking.

              Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the muffins turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm and enhance with a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Makes 12 muffins