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Muffin Tin Berry French Toast Stratas
Baking French toast in a standard muffin tin transforms a messy stovetop process into perfectly portioned, hands-off breakfast cups. Whole wheat bread cubes soak up a rich custard spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating soft centers and slightly crisp edges. While they bake, fresh berries macerate in sugar to form a naturally sweet syrup for topping. You'll love serving a warm, comforting brunch without standing over a hot skillet all morning.
Equipment
- Oven
- Muffin tin
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries or cut-up strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups cubed (¾ inch) whole wheat bread (about 5 slices)
- 1½ cups fat-free egg product or 6 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup fat-free (skim) milk
- ½ cup fat-free half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon powdered sugar, if desired
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a standard 12-cup muffin tin generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 2Toss the mixed fresh berries with the granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Set the fruit aside to macerate while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- 3Distribute the whole wheat bread cubes evenly across the prepared muffin cups. Whisk the eggs, milk, half-and-half, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl until completely smooth.
- 4Ladle the spiced egg mixture over the bread in each cup. Press down gently on the bread with a spoon to help it absorb the liquid.
- 5Let the cups rest for 10 minutes, adding any remaining liquid gradually as the bread soaks it up. This resting time ensures the custard fully penetrates the bread for a tender center.
- 6Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the centers are fully set. Let the stratas cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing them. Top with the reserved berry mixture and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Make ahead: Assemble the stratas in the muffin tin the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
- Storage: Keep leftover stratas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, or in a 300°F oven until heated through.
- Swap: You can use challah or brioche instead of whole wheat bread for a richer texture.
Recipe Details
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