Name: French Toast Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Brioche or Challah Bread (8–10 thick slices, cut into cubes); Large Eggs (4); Whole Milk (1 cup / 240 ml); Granulated Sugar (1 tbsp); Vanilla Extract (1 tsp); Ground Cinnamon (1/2 tsp); Nutmeg (1/4 tsp); Pinch of Salt (1/8 tsp); Butter or Cooking Spray (about 1 tbsp butter, or enough spray to coat); Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, or Berries (for serving, to taste)

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As you step into your kitchen, imagine the rich aroma of sweet cinnamon and warm vanilla wafting through the air. Picture perfectly golden-brown French Toast Cups, little edible bowls just waiting to be filled with your favorite toppings. They’re crispy on the outside and soft, custardy on the inside, offering a delightful twist on traditional French toast that’s sure to brighten any morning. These charming cups bring a playful concept to breakfast, making it feel extra special.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make French Toast Cups
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
French Toast Cups

I can’t help but think back to those cozy Sunday mornings when my family would gather around the table, laughter echoing as we devoured stacks of French toast. It was a ritual that always involved a little extra indulgence, the kind you want to recreate. With the holidays just around the corner, these French Toast Cups make the perfect festive treat for brunch gatherings or Christmas morning feasts. I can hardly wait for you to try them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 15 minutes of prep, then let the oven work its magic!
Irresistible Flavor: Soft brioche combined with a creamy custard delivers a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cups look adorable on any brunch spread, sure to impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack throughout the day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt to gluten-free or dairy-free needs for inclusive enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brioche or Challah Bread: Using high-quality bread ensures the best flavor and texture. These enriched breads are ideal for soaking up the custard, but if you’d like alternatives, you can also use croissants or a gluten-free bread blend.
Large Eggs: Essential for creating the custard base, eggs provide structure and richness. Room temperature eggs yield a fluffier result.
Whole Milk: Whole milk enhances the creaminess of the custard; however, you could swap in almond or oat milk for a lighter option.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness is important for balancing flavors. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar substitute if you prefer.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth; avoid imitation extracts for the best results.
Ground Cinnamon: Iconic in French toast recipes, it gives a warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to experiment with pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a unique twist!
Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the flavor profile, making it that much more nostalgic. Freshly grated nutmeg provides the best taste, but ground nutmeg works well too.
Pinch of Salt: A little salt enhances sweetness, rounding out the custard flavor perfectly.
Butter or Cooking Spray: For greasing the muffin tin, either option works. If you’re concerned about sticking, butter also adds flavor.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, or Berries: These are delightful toppings to customize your French Toast Cups to your taste. Fresh fruit brings brightness, while syrup adds just the right sweetness.

How to Make French Toast Cups

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grease a standard muffin tin generously with butter or cooking spray to ensure those delicious cups slide out easily after baking.

Cut and Press: Take your brioche or challah bread slices and cut them into quarters. In each muffin cup, gently press 3-4 pieces of bread to form a cup shape. Don’t worry about perfection—casual is key!

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is essential for blending the flavors, so take your time and enjoy the process.

Pour Custard Mixture: Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over your bread cups. Use just enough to soak the pieces without overflowing. It might feel like a lot of liquid, but trust the process!

Press and Absorb: Lightly press down on the bread cups to ensure everything absorbs that luscious custard. This makes a big difference in texture, so don’t skip this step—it’ll pay off in delightfully fluffy bites!

Bake Until Golden: Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should puff up nicely and turn golden brown, signaling that they’re ready. You’ll love the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen during this time.

Cool and Remove: Once baked, remove the French Toast Cups from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This helps them set up and makes them easier to remove from the tin without falling apart.

Serve and Enjoy!: Serve these charming cups warm, adding your favorite toppings—whether it’s maple syrup drizzled on top, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of fresh berries. Each bite is a perfect mix of crunchy, soft, and sweet. Enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover French Toast Cups, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to freeze them, place the cups in a freezer-safe bag and enjoy them within three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until warmed through. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but a quick bake will refresh their delightful crispness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid dry cups by ensuring your bread is not overly stale; fresh brioche or challah works best.
For fluffier French Toast Cups, use room temperature eggs and milk, allowing for a smoother mix.
Remember to let the muffins cool for a bit before removing them, as this helps maintain their shape.
Customize flavors by experimenting with spices like nutmeg or even adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey treat!
If you’d like to make them ahead of time, prepare everything and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake in the morning for a quick breakfast!

These French Toast Cups become a warm hug for your taste buds, ideal for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy breakfast at home. The delightful aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air creates an inviting atmosphere, making every bite feel like a special occasion. As you create your own memories around the breakfast table, don’t hesitate to dive into all kinds of toppings and flavors. The sky’s the limit!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are fantastic for their buttery richness, any thick-sliced bread, like French bread or even a gluten-free blend, will work wonderfully. Just ensure the bread can soak up the egg mixture well for the best texture.

How do I know when the French Toast Cups are done?

Your French Toast Cups are ready when they are puffed up, golden brown, and the knife or toothpick you insert into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time for visual cues!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cups and the egg mixture the night before and keep them separated in the fridge. In the morning, assemble them and pop them in the oven. This makes for a quick and effortless breakfast!

What are some topping ideas?

The possibilities are endless! Consider classic maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even yogurt. For a fun twist, try chocolate chips or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.