English Muffin French Toast Recipe
If you’re looking for a playful twist on a familiar breakfast favorite, English Muffin French Toast absolutely needs to be on your radar. It’s the perfect marriage of those classic nooks and crannies you love in English muffins with the sweet, custardy comfort of French toast. Each bite is a little bit crispy, a little bit pillowy, and totally irresistible — especially when topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. This is a recipe I turn to again and again for slow weekends, brunches with friends, or even as a soul-warming treat on a chilly weekday morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on a handful of ingredients you probably have on hand. Each one has a job to do, from soaking every nook of the muffin to delivering that signature cinnamon-vanilla flavor and delicate golden finish.
- English Muffins: These are the star! Their signature texture transforms into the most delicious French toast, so use good-quality originals for maximum flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk gives richness to the custard, making it creamy and satisfying.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the custard and creating that classic French toast structure.
- Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the custard to complement the savory muffin.
- Vanilla Extract: This boosts the cozy, bakery-fresh aroma — don’t skip it!
- Ground Cinnamon: A little goes a long way in delivering warmth and extra depth.
- Butter: Used for frying, it gives you those golden, lightly crisp edges everyone loves.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Optional, but a gentle dusting on top makes each slice look and taste extra special.
- Maple Syrup: For serving — the classic finishing touch that brings everything together.
How to Make English Muffin French Toast
Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F. Arrange your English muffin halves, cut side up, in a baking dish that holds them in a single layer. This helps each one soak up just the right amount of custard without getting squished or soggy. Warming the oven keeps your first batch toasty while you finish the rest, making every English Muffin French Toast slice perfect for serving together.
Step 2: Mix Up the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. This fragrant mixture is what gives your English Muffin French Toast its signature flavor and fluffy texture. Beat thoroughly so the custard is nice and smooth, and the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Soak the Muffins
Pour the custard evenly over the arranged English muffin halves. Turn each muffin carefully to coat all sides, making sure they soak up plenty of the mixture. Let them stand for 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. This ensures the inside turns out tender and custardy, while the outside stays perfect for crisping up in the pan.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt half of your butter. Add four muffin halves at a time, ensuring they’re not crowded in the pan. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes, or until both sides are lightly golden. Transfer cooked muffins to an ovenproof pan and keep them warm in the preheated oven while you repeat with the remaining butter and muffin halves.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Once all the English Muffin French Toast slices are ready and piping hot, lightly dust them with confectioners’ sugar. Serve straight from the oven with plenty of warm maple syrup on the side. Each bite will have that irresistible mix of crisp edges and custardy goodness!
How to Serve English Muffin French Toast
Garnishes
Don’t hesitate to have a little extra fun at the table! A light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar is both classic and beautiful. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream take this English Muffin French Toast from comforting to downright stunning. Even a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a hint of citrus zest can brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
English Muffin French Toast loves some company on the plate. Try adding crisp bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt. If you’re planning a bigger brunch, consider fresh fruit salad or roasted breakfast potatoes for color and contrast. The savory notes balance out the slight sweetness and make for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping brunch table, stack the English Muffin French Toast in rustic layers and drizzle with syrup just before serving. Or, go for a build-your-own station with bowls of berries, honey, nut butter, or preserves. You can even slice the muffins into strips for dunking — perfect for dipping in tiny cups of syrup and a fun way to get kids involved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover English Muffin French Toast (lucky you!), let the slices cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 2 days and make for a super speedy breakfast or snack when you need a quick pick-me-up.
Freezing
English Muffin French Toast freezes surprisingly well! After they’ve cooled, lay the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Pop them in the freezer for up to a month. You can reheat them straight from frozen for an easy, fuss-free treat any morning.
Reheating
To bring your leftover or frozen English Muffin French Toast back to life, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and a little crisp at the edges. For a quick fix, a minute in the toaster or toaster oven works wonders too. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 20-second bursts, being careful not to overdo it so they stay fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use flavored English muffins for this recipe?
Absolutely! Try cinnamon raisin, multigrain, or even sourdough English muffins for a fun twist. Each one brings a different character to your English Muffin French Toast, so don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand.
Why is my French toast soggy?
If your English Muffin French Toast turns out soggy, the most common culprit is over-soaking or not cooking at a high enough heat. Be sure to let the muffins soak for only about 20 minutes, and keep your skillet at medium heat so the outside crisps up before the inside gets too wet.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe easily scales up or down, so you can make breakfast for one or a brunch for a crowd. Just adjust the custard and butter amounts accordingly, and use extra pans or batches as needed to keep everything cooked evenly.
Is it possible to make English Muffin French Toast dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter for an equally delicious, dairy-free version. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work beautifully with the vanilla and cinnamon flavors.
Can I prepare the muffins the night before?
You can! Let the English muffins soak in the custard mixture overnight in the fridge for even more flavorful results. In the morning, cook as directed and enjoy an even more incredible plate of English Muffin French Toast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your breakfast or brunch routine, give this English Muffin French Toast a try. There’s something magical about transforming everyday ingredients into something warm, welcoming, and slightly unexpected. You’ll love the cozy, custardy insides and the crisp golden edges. Try it this weekend and make some delicious memories!
Print
English Muffin French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite with this English Muffin French Toast recipe. Perfectly golden and fluffy French toast made with BAYS Original English Muffins will elevate your morning routine.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 BAYS Original English Muffins, split
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons butter, divided
- Confectioners’ sugar for serving, if desired
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F. Place the English muffin halves in a baking pan just large enough to hold them in a single layer.
- Prepare the custard: In a medium bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Pour the custard mixture over the English muffins, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow them to soak for 20 minutes, turning them over once.
- Cook the French toast: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt half of the butter and add 4 muffin halves. Cook until the bottoms are lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the muffin halves and cook until the other side is golden, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the French toast to an ovenproof pan and keep warm in the preheated oven. Repeat the process with the remaining muffin halves and butter.
- Serve: Lightly dust the French toast with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: English Muffin French Toast, French Toast Recipe, Breakfast Recipe, English Muffin Recipe
