Baked French Toast Cups (Printable)
Golden brioche cups soaked in cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked until fluffy and served warm with berries and maple syrup.
# What You Need:
→ Bread Base
01 - 6 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Custard Mixture
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Toppings (optional)
09 - 1/2 cup fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries
10 - Maple syrup, for serving
11 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
02 - Evenly divide the cubed bread among the muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully blended.
04 - Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in each cup, pressing lightly to encourage absorption.
05 - Allow the assembled muffin tin to sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
06 - Top each cup with fresh berries, if desired.
07 - Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are fully set.
08 - Allow baked French toast cups to cool for 5 minutes before gently removing from the pan with a small offset spatula.
09 - Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cups deliver all the crisp edges of classic French toast in hand-held form—a true brunch upgrade.
- They’re endlessly customizable and an ideal way to revive that extra loaf threatening to linger too long.
02 -
- I once forgot to oil the muffin tin and lost two cups to sticky sides—don’t skimp on that step.
- Swapping in plant-based milk and cream works beautifully if you’re catering to dairy-free pals.
03 -
- The drier your bread, the better—leave cubes out overnight if needed.
- A touch of orange zest in the custard lifts these cups to something unforgettable.