Breakfast

French Toast Cups

Name: French Toast Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 slices of bread; 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup sugar; Butter for greasing; Maple syrup (optional for serving); Fresh fruit (optional for serving)

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These French Toast Cups turn simple pantry bread into a warm, comforting breakfast that looks and tastes special. Crisp at the edges, soft and custardy inside, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, they smell like a cozy kitchen and please both kids and adults. They bake quickly in a muffin tin, so they’re great for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 6 cups (one per slice of bread)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 190 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 200 mg

Why Make This French Toast Cups

French Toast Cups are fast, fun, and hands-off. You get the familiar custard flavor of French toast but in an easy, portable form. The cups brown nicely around the edges for a bit of crunch while staying tender inside. They are great for serving a crowd, meal-prepping breakfasts, or making a weekday morning feel special. They also adapt well to sweet or savory add-ins.

(If you like baked twists on classic breakfast dishes, try this baked apple version for another warm option: baked apple French toast.)

How to Make French Toast Cups

This recipe uses basic ingredients and a muffin tin to turn regular bread into a custardy breakfast cup. Work quickly so the bread soaks evenly, and don’t overfill the muffin cups to maintain a crisp edge.

Ingredients:

6 slices of bread
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
Butter for greasing
Maple syrup (optional for serving)
Fresh fruit (optional for serving)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin well with butter so the cups release easily and the bottoms brown. Cut each bread slice into quarters so they can be pressed into the muffin cavities.

Step 2: Mixing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and slightly frothy. The mixture should smell warm and sweet with cinnamon and vanilla.

Step 3: Cooking

Dip each bread piece briefly into the egg mixture so it soaks but doesn’t fall apart. Press the soaked pieces into the greased muffin tin, layering or arranging them to form a cup shape with a slight overlap. Pour any remaining custard over the cups, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, checking at 15 minutes—bake until the tops are golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the tray from the oven and let the cups cool 3–5 minutes so they set up. Run a butter knife around the edges if needed, then lift the cups out. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh fruit for brightness. The tops will be slightly crisp and the inside soft and custardy.

How to Serve French Toast Cups

Serve them warm for the best texture contrast between crisp edges and soft centers. Top with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, banana slices, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. For a brunch spread, pair with bacon, roasted potatoes, or a fruit salad. They’re portable—wrap one in parchment for a quick morning bite.

How to Store French Toast Cups

Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 hours (best served warm).
Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 30–60 seconds.
Freezer: Freeze cooled cups in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–15 minutes.

Expert Tips for Perfect French Toast Cups

Use slightly stale bread if possible; it soaks up custard without falling apart.
Don’t oversoak each piece — a quick dip keeps structure while giving custardy texture.
Grease the muffin tin well or use nonstick spray to avoid sticking.
Trim crusts if you want more even, neat cups, or leave them on for rustic texture.
Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning if your oven has hot spots.
For extra richness, swap half the milk for cream or use 2% milk for a lighter version.

Delicious Variations

Berry Almond: Add a teaspoon of almond extract and drop a few raspberries into each cup before baking.
Apple Cinnamon: Mix in small apple pieces tossed with a little brown sugar and extra cinnamon.
Savory Herb: Omit sugar and vanilla. Add shredded cheese and chopped herbs to the egg mixture and a pinch of salt.
Chocolate Banana: Place a thin slice of banana and a few chocolate chips inside each cup before baking.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or granola on top in the last 3 minutes of baking for a crunchy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use any type of bread?
A: Yes. White, whole wheat, brioche, or challah all work. Denser breads hold up better; very soft sandwich bread can become too soggy if soaked too long.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake, cool, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze baked cups for up to a month and reheat from frozen.

Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
A: Don’t over-soak the bread. Grease the pan well and bake until the bottoms are set and golden. Using slightly stale or thicker-sliced bread helps.

Q: Can I add mix-ins like fruit or chocolate?
A: Absolutely. Add small, firm fruit pieces or chocolate chips into the cups before baking. Reserve soft fruit for topping after baking to avoid extra moisture during cooking.

Q: What if my cups stick to the pan?
A: Allow them to cool a few minutes, then run a thin knife around each cup. Greasing well or using paper liners (sprayed with butter) helps prevent sticking.

Q: Can I make a dairy-free version?
A: Yes. Substitute plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. Replace butter with a neutral oil or non-dairy spread for greasing.

Conclusion

These French Toast Cups are a quick, cozy way to make breakfast feel special. They are simple to prepare, adaptable to many flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd or saving for later. For another easy muffin-style French toast idea and more step-by-step photos, check this recipe: Easy French Toast Muffin Cups Recipe – Chef Savvy.

Give them a try — the warm cinnamon aroma and the soft, custardy centers make mornings that much better. Enjoy!