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This delightful French Breakfast Puff is easy to make and perfect for any morning. This single serving recipe creates one generous muffin, baked in a 10-ounce ramekin, and covered in a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s soft, fluffy, and has a warm, sweet exterior that’s irresistible. This recipe was a favorite in my home, and now you can enjoy it too. It’s quick, simple, and brings back the nostalgia of homemade breakfasts.

a single French breakfast puff on a white plate next to a cup of coffee.

Looking for more delicious single serving breakfast recipes? Try our fluffy Pancakes, sweet Chocolate Chip Muffin, hearty Breakfast Bowl, crispy Apple Fritters, classic French Toast, or golden Waffle.

Why You’ll Love This French Breakfast Puff Recipe

  • Single Serving: Perfect for when you want just one breakfast puff without any leftovers.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
  • Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar makes it irresistible.
  • Nostalgic Appeal: Brings back the comforting memories of childhood breakfasts.

This recipe stands out because it’s designed for a single serving, making it perfect for when you just want a little treat without making a whole batch. The combination of a tender muffin and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating makes it a delightful breakfast or snack option. The recipe is easy to follow, quick to prepare, and yields a perfectly portioned treat every time. Adapted from a Betty Crocker cookbook, it holds the charm of a classic recipe with the convenience of a single serving size.

Ingredients

french breakfast puffs ingredients on a kitchen counter.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving French Breakfast Puff recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Flour: Provides structure. Use all-purpose flour or use a 1:1 gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free French Breakfast Puff.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the muffin and is also used in the coating to provide a sweet, crunchy exterior.
  • Baking powder: Helps the muffin rise, making it light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Vanilla: Adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the muffin, but it is optional if you prefer a simpler taste.
  • Egg yolk: Adds richness and moisture to the muffin. Hang on to the egg white to use in our egg white recipes like mini Texas Sheet Cake, small batch Vanilla Cupcakes, or a mini Pavlova.
  • Milk: Makes the batter smooth and helps to combine the ingredients. Most any type of milk will work, including a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
  • Butter: Adds flavor and moisture to the muffin. It also helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the muffin and adds a rich flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the coating, enhancing the overall taste of the muffin.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your single French Breakfast Puff:

  • Blueberry: Add a few fresh or frozen and thawed blueberries to the batter.
  • Nutty: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter.
  • Chocolate Chip: Toss in a small handful of mini chocolate chips.
  • Glazed: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze, like the one used in our Ricotta Cookies recipe, instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating.
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How To Make A French Breakfast Puff For One

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this easy breakfast puff recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

a bowl of cinnamon sugar.
  1. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix sugar and ground cinnamon; set aside.
the dry ingredients for a french breakfast puff in a mixing bowl.
  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
the wet ingredients for a French Breakfast Puff in a mixing bowl.
  1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the egg yolk, milk, melted butter, and vanilla (if using).
French Breakfast Puffs batter in a mixing bowl.
  1. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir until just moistened.

Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter; a few lumps are okay.

a single french breakfast puff in a ramekin.
  1. Prepare Ramekin and Bake: Lightly grease a 10-ounce ramekin and pour in the batter. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 23 to 28 minutes. It typically takes me 25 minutes.
a French Breakfast Puff on a white plate.
  1. Add Topping: Once baked, you have two options:
    • Drizzle melted butter over the top of the muffin and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture while it’s still in the ramekin.
    • Use a knife to loosen the sides of the muffin from the ramekin, transfer it to a plate, and then drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Either method works, so you can enjoy the muffin directly from the ramekin or from a plate. Enjoy while still warm.

Expert Tips

  • Preheat your oven: A preheated oven ensures your muffin will cook evenly and rise beautifully.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough muffin.
  • Use a 10-ounce ramekin: The size of the ramekin you use is incredibly important. This size ensures the batter bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
  • Brush with melted butter before adding the cinnamon sugar: This helps the topping stick to the muffin.
a french breakfast puff sliced in half on a plate.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this breakfast puff alongside any of these delightful single serving breakfast dishes:

  • Cheesy Baked Eggs: These creamy, cheesy eggs are baked to perfection in the oven – a perfect protein punch to complement your sweet puff.
  • Crustless Quiche Lorraine: This savory quiche is surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the absence of a crust. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
  • Egg Wrap: A quick and nutritious meal ideal for busy days. It’s a golden, perfectly cooked egg rolled around your chosen fillings.
  • Frittata: Frittatas are another great way to enjoy eggs for breakfast. They’re endlessly customizable with your favorite ingredients.
  • Single Serve Strawberry Shortcake: This puff can be transformed into a delightful single serve strawberry shortcake! Simply slice the warm puff in half, top with fresh sliced strawberries, and finish it off with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s all the flavors you love, in a cute and convenient package!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’d like to make two French Breakfast Puffs, double the ingredient amounts and use two 10 ounce ramekins.

Are French Breakfast Puffs actually French?

Nope! Despite the name, French Breakfast Puffs are not a traditional French breakfast item. The recipe likely originated in the United States and appeared in a Betty Crocker cookbook years ago.
They don’t feature any particularly French ingredients or flavors. The focus is on a sweet, buttery pastry with a cinnamon sugar topping, which is more common in American breakfast dishes.
So, while they might not be French, French Breakfast Puffs are still a delicious and easy way to start your day (or satisfy a sweet tooth later on)!

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this easy French Breakfast Puff recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

French Breakfast Puff For One

5 from 2 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Craving a warm, buttery breakfast (or anytime treat)? Whip up this EASY Single Serve French Breakfast Puff in around 30 minutes!

Ingredients 
 

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Breakfast Puff

  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon, plus ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 ½ tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter -melted
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • ½ tablespoon butter for spooning over the warm muffin.
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Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
  • Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix sugar and ground cinnamon; set aside.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the egg yolk, milk, melted butter, and vanilla (if using).
  • Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir until just moistened.
  • Prepare Ramekin and Bake: Lightly grease a 10-ounce ramekin and pour in the batter. Bake for 23 to 28 minutes. It typically takes me 25 minutes.
  • Add Topping: Once baked, you have two options:
    Drizzle ½ tablespoon of melted butter over the top of the muffin and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture while it’s still in the ramekin – OR
    Use a knife to loosen the sides of the muffin from the ramekin, transfer it to a plate, and then drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  •  Enjoy while still warm.

Notes

  • Preheat your oven: A preheated oven ensures your muffin will cook evenly and rise beautifully.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough muffin.
  • Use a 10-ounce ramekin: The size of the ramekin you use is incredibly important. This size ensures the batter bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
  • Brush with melted butter before adding the cinnamon sugar: This helps the topping stick to the muffin.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 498kcal, Carbohydrates: 67g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 230mg, Sodium: 521mg, Potassium: 135mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 846IU, Calcium: 156mg, Iron: 3mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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5 from 2 votes

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6 Comments

  1. Nel says:

    If I mix up just the liquids in a cup and the dry ingredients in a bowl, can I just put them together in the morning? It’ll bake while I make the coffee! Going to try it!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Hi there! Yes, I would think you could make it ahead. I recommend adding the melted butter to the wet ingredients right before you’re ready to bake. I don’t usually make this ahead, but this method should work well for you. It sounds like a great plan to have it baking while you make your coffee! Enjoy, and thanks for trying the recipe!

  2. Sylvia Anderson says:

    This sounds so good! If doubling the recipe, could I use one whole egg instead of two egg yolks?

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you! We do not recommend using the whole egg, as the texture won’t be right. Instead, use two egg yolks and save the egg whites for one of our egg white recipes.

  3. Sadie says:

    Excellent! The crumb is tender and moist. Lovely flavour with the cinnamon sugar topping. I added nutmeg which is typically used in French breakfast puffs. I also added a dollop of strawberry jam in the middle of the puff before baking. Mine was done in 22 minutes.

  4. J. Hegyi says:

    Good recipe.