Moist & Sweet French Toast Muffins
French Toast Muffins: Perfect for Snacks, Brunch, and Breakfast!
There are times when a single slice of perfectly toasted bread sounds incredibly appealing, leading us to buy a whole loaf. However, often that bread sits unused, eventually finding its way into the freezer. Even with pre-portioned bags in the freezer, sometimes the craving for toast just doesn’t strike for days. When that remaining third of a loaf starts to become a source of guilt instead of a treat, you know it’s time to get creative! While a squirrel might appreciate it, the original intention was to create something delicious to eat. This recipe is the perfect solution! It transforms leftover bread into a delightful treat, ideal for hosting guests or as a crowd-pleasing snack for kids. With just some frozen fruit and eggs, you can conjure up these ‘mock’ French toast, or rather, ‘French Toast Muffins’, bursting with flavor. Even picky eaters approve of these muffins, so why not give them a try?
Main Ingredients- 3 slices of bread
- 1 cup of your favorite fruit (fresh or frozen)
Sweet Custard Mixture- 5 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp milk
- 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of black pepper
- 5 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp milk
- 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 5 eggs and crack them into a bowl. Carefully remove the chalazae (the stringy white bits) using a fork or chopstick. Removing the chalazae will help the custard mix more smoothly and reduce any eggy smell.
Step 2
To the eggs (with chalazae removed), add the sugar, salt, vanilla extract for a lovely aroma, and a tiny pinch of black pepper. Whisk vigorously until frothy and well combined. Ensure the sugar has dissolved and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3
Now, add the milk for extra richness and gently whisk again until everything is well blended. This creates the delicious, sweet, and fragrant custard base for your French toast muffins.
Step 4
Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces. Cubes of about 2-3 cm, or pieces that fit comfortably into your muffin tin, work best. Using a serrated knife will help you cut through the bread cleanly without squishing it.
Step 5
Lightly grease your muffin tin by spraying it with baking spray or brushing each cup with a little oil. This step is crucial to ensure the finished muffins release easily without sticking.
Step 6
Place a layer of the cut bread pieces at the bottom of each muffin cup. Then, evenly distribute about 1 cup of your chosen fruit over the bread. Adding fruit will provide a lovely burst of freshness and color.
Step 7
Top the fruit with another layer of the cut bread pieces. The bread and fruit will form distinct layers, helping to give the muffins their structure.
Step 8
Now, generously pour the prepared sweet custard mixture over the bread and fruit in each muffin cup, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. It’s important to pour enough so the bread can soak up the custard well.
Step 9
Gently press down on the bread pieces with a spoon or spatula to help them absorb the custard even better. Ensuring the bread is submerged will result in a wonderfully moist and tender muffin.
Step 10
Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until the tops are golden brown and the custard is fully set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.
Step 11
Once removed from the oven, dust the warm French toast muffins with powdered (icing) sugar and drizzle generously with maple syrup to your liking. They are best enjoyed warm. Serve these as a delightful dessert or a special brunch treat!
