Hey you, I’ve got something good for you today. Imagine waking up to warm, buttery French toast cups topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Each bite is soft, sweet, and filled with cinnamon goodness.
The best part? You can make these ahead of time for busy mornings or serve them fresh for a weekend treat. Either way, they’re super easy, and I’ll show you exactly how to make them.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Muffin tin (for baking the toast cups)
- Mixing bowls (for the batter and streusel)
- Whisk (to mix the batter)
- Fork (to combine the streusel topping)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate measurements)
- Knife (to cut the bread into cubes)
- Spatula (to remove the cups from the tin)
Important Info
- Servings: Makes 12 mini French toast cups
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $6 for all ingredients
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 180 calories per cup
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Best for Fall and Winter
- Courses: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Cinnamon Streusel French Toast Cups
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the French Toast Cups:
- 4 cups cubed bread (brioche or challah works best)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Brioche or challah bread | White sandwich bread, croissants, or French bread |
| Heavy cream | Whole milk |
| Brown sugar | White sugar + a teaspoon of molasses |
| Vanilla extract | Maple syrup or almond extract |
| All-purpose flour | Oat flour or almond flour |
| Butter | Coconut oil or margarine |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cut the bread into small cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Stir gently until all the bread is coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soak up the liquid.
- Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly into the muffin tin. Press them down slightly to help them hold their shape.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork to mix until it becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over each French toast cup.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing them with a spatula.
- Serve warm with syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
Helpful Tips
- Use slightly stale bread. It soaks up the custard better without getting too mushy.
- If you don’t have time to let the bread soak, gently press it down with a spoon so it absorbs faster.
- Want to make this ahead? Prep the cups the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
- If the tops are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- You can double the streusel topping if you like extra crunch.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Streusel French Toast Cups
These are great on their own, but if you want a full breakfast, here are some ideas:
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- A side of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can serve these French toast cups on a plate with a fork, but they’re also perfect for eating with your hands. If you’re hosting brunch, place them on a platter with a small bowl of syrup for dipping.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These are perfect for:
- Brunch gatherings – They look fancy but are super easy to make.
- Holidays – Ideal for Christmas morning or Thanksgiving breakfast.
- On-the-go breakfasts – Grab one and eat it on your way out the door.
- Kids’ snacks – They’re bite-sized and fun for little hands.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration
- Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Freezing
- Wrap each French toast cup individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?
Yes, you can use any bread, but brioche and challah give the best soft texture. If using white or whole wheat bread, let it dry out a little before using.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them the night before and refrigerate them. Just bake them in the morning when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use a different milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk. The flavor might change slightly, but they will still taste great.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can bake this in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish instead. Just increase the baking time by about 5 minutes.
How do I make them crispier on top?
For extra crunch, bake them for 5 more minutes or broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.