Apple Pecan French Toast Muffins

Alisa Fleming ~ These super-easy French toast muffins are a delicious, fuss-free treat to share with family and friends over the holidays. Rather than slaving over the stove-top, you just toss the ingredients together, pop them in the oven, and everyone can enjoy some freshly baked muffins.

I’ve seen some recipes for French toast muffins that use the flavor concept of French toast as a guide, but these gems are actually like muffin-shaped French toast – genius!

Some brands of cinnamon raisin bread do contain dairy, so be sure to read the label carefully. My personal favorites are Rudi’s Organic Cinnamon Raisin Bread or Rudi’s Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread (yes, these muffins can easily be gluten-free, too!). However, at last check, there were dairy ingredient-free cinnamon raisin bread varieties from Oroweat (also labeled as Arnold or Brownberry bread), Thomas, Canyon Bakehouse (also gluten-free), Nature’s Own, Food for Life, and French Meadow Bakery, just to name a few. I believe Rudi’s Organic also sells under the brands of Matthew’s All Natural, The Baker, and Vermont Bread Company.

If you prefer vegan or egg-free French toast muffins, a little experimentation may be in order. In this recipe, the egg acts primarily as a binder. Personally, I would trial flax eggs, or even some mashed banana or pumpkin! Both work great in making vegan French toast, so they could also translate well to French toast muffins! If you confuse eggs with dairy, don’t worry, you’re not alone! See this post for guidance: Are Eggs Dairy?

Of course, this recipe can also be made for those of you who deal with nut allergies. Simply omit the pecans and enjoy the French toast goodness sans tree nuts. On the contrary, if you are a pecan fan like me, then you can enjoy more nutty recipes at www.georgiapecans.org.