There’s just something about the aroma of fresh-baked muffins filling my kitchen that instantly lifts my spirits. I remember the first time I attempted to make these Homemade French Toast Muffins with Raspberries. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I was desperate to use up some day-old brioche bread. The moment my family caught a whiff of cinnamon and vanilla swirling around the house, they practically raced to the kitchen, eager to dive into the deliciousness. What resulted was not only a delightful breakfast treat but also a beautiful moment of connection over food, laughter, and sweetness.
These muffins are everything you crave about French toast but served up in a fun, portable form. They’re fluffy, custardy, and bursting with fresh raspberries. Plus, they’re perfect for brunch gatherings or even a cozy breakfast-in-bed moment. Are you ready to whip up a batch? Let’s get started!
What’s in Homemade French Toast Muffins with Raspberries?
- Day-old bread: I recommend using brioche or challah. Their buttery richness gives the muffins an incredible texture. Plus, using day-old bread helps to absorb the egg mixture beautifully.
- Eggs: Four large eggs bind everything together and add that classic French toast flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk works wonders here, but feel free to use your favorite alternative for a lighter version.
- Heavy cream: This gives the muffins that rich, decadent taste. You can substitute with half-and-half, but you might miss that luxurious texture.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tang of the raspberries and the creaminess of the muffins.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything better, doesn’t it? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!
- Ground cinnamon: The warming spice adds a comforting flavor, making your kitchen smell amazing as they bake.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the sweet flavors in the muffins.
- Fresh raspberries: These little gems not only add a burst of flavor but also a lovely pop of color.
- Powdered sugar: For a sweet finish, dusting the muffins with powdered sugar enhances their presentation.
- Fresh mint leaves: A lovely garnish that adds a fresh touch and makes your muffins Instagram-worthy.
- Butter or cooking spray: For greasing your muffin tin, of course—it’s essential to ensure they come out perfectly.
Are French Toast Muffins Good for You?
Well, they’re definitely a treat, but let’s not kid ourselves—they’re not about to win any health awards. However, they do have some redeeming qualities! The brioche or challah provides a bit of richness and is great for using up leftover bread, which is always a win in my book. The eggs offer a protein boost while the raspberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation; indulging on a lazy Sunday morning is what life is all about, right? If you want to rethink the richness, consider using less sugar or swapping in some whole wheat bread for an extra fiber punch!
Ingredients List
- 6 cups of day-old bread, cut into cubes (brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
How to Make Homemade French Toast Muffins with Raspberries?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the bread cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated in the egg mixture. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This is crucial—let that bread soak up all the deliciousness!
- Carefully fold in the fresh raspberries, but don’t mash them! We want their juicy goodness intact.
- Spoon the mixture into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full to allow for a little puffing up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then gently transfer the muffins to a serving platter.
- Dust the warm muffins with powdered sugar and garnish with extra raspberries and mint leaves. Your kitchen will smell divine—and your taste buds are in for a treat!
Sweet Tips for Muffin Perfection
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture—trust me on this!
- If you have leftovers (which I doubt), these muffins reheat like a dream. Just warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Want to be extra indulgent? Go ahead and drizzle these gems with maple syrup or top with whipped cream for a breakfast that feels like dessert!
So there you have it—the perfect recipe for a cozy morning or a delightful brunch gathering. I can’t wait for you to try these Homemade French Toast Muffins with Raspberries. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creations with me! Happy baking!