French Toast Cups

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 15, 2025

Featured in: Breakfast

French Toast Cups are a fun and elegant twist on classic French toast, transforming a breakfast staple into individually portioned delights. Made with soft brioche or challah bread soaked in a fragrant custard mixture, these cups bake into golden, fluffy pockets perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

This recipe combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with vanilla and a hint of sweetness, creating a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Serve them with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a perfect start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare and serve as portion-controlled cups perfect for breakfast or brunch.
The combination of brioche or challah adds richness and an airy texture.
Customizable with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor.

Ingredients

Brioche or Challah Bread: Soft, slightly sweet bread that crisps up nicely, providing a tender texture to the cups when baked.
Large Eggs: Creates the rich custard base, binding the ingredients and giving structure to the French toast cups.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard for a smooth, luscious soak into the bread.
Granulated Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the spices.
Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic notes that complement the spices and enrich the custard flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that brings traditional French toast flavors to each bite.
Nutmeg: Offers a subtle earthy spice that layers complexity with cinnamon for a cozy taste.
Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the custard’s overall flavor profile.
Butter or Cooking Spray: Used to generously grease the muffin tin, preventing sticking and ensuring an easy release.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, or Berries: Optional toppings that add extra sweetness and freshness when serving.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a standard muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. This step ensures the French toast cups will release easily after baking and helps them develop a golden crust.
Cut and Shape Bread: Cut each slice of brioche or challah into quarters. Gently press 3 to 4 pieces into each muffin cup, shaping them to form a cup that will hold the custard. This creates the perfect vessel for soaking and baking.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This custard infuses the bread with flavor and moisture, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Soak Bread in Custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cups. Allow the custard to soak in as you gently press the bread down with your fingers to ensure full absorption. This step helps the bread become soft and custardy inside while maintaining a slight crisp on the outside.
Bake Until Golden and Set: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the cups are puffed up, golden brown, and set in the center. This baking time ensures a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft interior texture.
Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the French toast cups cool slightly. Carefully remove each cup from the tin and serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for an irresistible breakfast treat.

You Must Know

For richer flavor, you can use a mix of brioche and challah or try adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.
These French toast cups are great for meal prep and can be reheated in the oven for a quick breakfast later in the week.
Adjust the sweetness and spices to your preference, adding more cinnamon or a dash of orange zest for variation.

Storage Tips

Store cooled French toast cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds to maintain their crispy edges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these French toast cups warm with a drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with fresh seasonal berries for added freshness. Pair them with a side of yogurt or your favorite breakfast sausage for a complete meal.

Professional Tips

Using day-old brioche or challah bread helps the slices absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
Be careful not to overfill the muffin cups as the bread will puff slightly during baking.
Letting the custard soak for a few minutes before baking allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and improves texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for French toast cups?: Yes, sturdy breads like sourdough or Texas toast can work, but brioche or challah provide the best taste and texture due to their richness.
Can I prepare these French toast cups ahead of time?: Absolutely! Prepare and bake them in advance, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a convenient breakfast option.
How can I make this recipe vegan?: Substitute eggs with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer and use plant-based milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I freeze French toast cups?: Yes, freeze completely cooled cups in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
What toppings work best with French toast cups?: Maple syrup, fresh fruits, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or nuts all complement the warm spices and custardy texture beautifully.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?: Use slightly stale bread for better absorption without sogginess and avoid soaking the bread too long before baking.