Ingredients (for 12 muffins)

• 200g stale bread: Hard bread is perfect for this recipe; it absorbs the liquid well.
• 2 eggs: These help to bind the mixture and add fluffiness.
• 250ml milk: Milk softens the bread and contributes to the muffins’ tenderness.
• 100g sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star of this recipe! Its aroma makes all the difference.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 packet of baking powder: Helps the muffins rise slightly.
• A pinch of salt: Enhances all other flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Stale Bread

1. Choose the right bread: Use stale bread like baguette, ciabatta, or any hard bread. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry fresh bread in the oven at low heat for about 10 minutes.
2. Tear the bread: Tear the stale bread into small pieces (about 1-inch) and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Whisk eggs: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are well beaten.
2. Combine with milk: Add the milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the eggs. Whisk until fully combined and the sugar is dissolved.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Mixture

1. Soak the bread: Pour the wet mixture over the torn bread pieces. Gently stir to ensure all the bread is well-coated with the liquid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid and become soft.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare muffin tin: Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Spoon the mixture: Once the bread is well-soaked, carefully spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Press the mixture down gently to compact it a little.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve

1. Enjoy: These muffins can be served warm or at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or enjoy them plain.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per muffin)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 4g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but make sure to dry it out in the oven first. Stale bread absorbs the milk and egg mixture better, resulting in a softer muffin.

Q2: Can I add mix-ins to the muffins?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture. Just mix them in with the soaked bread before filling the muffin tins.

Q3: How do I store the muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat.

Tips for Making the Best French Toast Muffins

• Don’t skip the soaking time: Allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture ensures the muffins are moist and tender.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to experiment with spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for different flavor profiles.
• Use quality ingredients: Using high-quality vanilla extract and fresh spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your muffins.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet muffin, feel free to reduce the sugar to suit your taste.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: To extend their shelf life, refrigerate the muffins. They will last up to a week but may lose some of their fluffiness.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the muffins. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion

These Delicious French Toast Muffins are an excellent way to use up stale bread while enjoying a delightful breakfast or snack. With a warm, comforting flavor profile that everyone will love, they are perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or simply as a sweet treat throughout the week. Easy to make and customizable, you can add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make these muffins uniquely yours. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as leftovers, they are sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and indulge in these scrumptious French Toast Muffins today!