1. Prepare the Bread: Creating the Perfect Size

1. Cube Bread: Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can dry out fresh bread by placing the cubes on a baking sheet and toasting them for about 5 minutes in the oven, but make sure to not brown them.

2. Make the Custard: The Rich and Flavorful Base

1. Whisk Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs until they are well beaten and slightly frothy.
2. Add Milk and Cream: Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Whisk until combined.
3. Incorporate Sugar, Vanilla, and Cinnamon: Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the egg mixture. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Soak the Bread: Infusing with Flavor

1. Add Bread Cubes: Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture in the large bowl.
2. Stir Gently: Gently stir the bread cubes into the custard, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated.
3. Soak: Let the bread sit in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a moist and flavorful muffin.

4. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Getting Ready to Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the muffin cups with paper liners.

5. Fill the Muffin Tin: Even Distribution

1. Divide Mixture: Evenly divide the soaked bread mixture among the prepared muffin cups.
2. Press Down: Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to lightly press down on the mixture in each cup, compacting it slightly.

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: A Sweet and Crunchy Layer

1. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a separate small bowl, or in the microwave.
3. Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the top of each muffin with the melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, coating it evenly.

7. Bake the Muffins: Achieving Golden-Brown Perfection

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
2. Baking Time: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Tip: The muffins should be set around the edges and just slightly soft in the center.

8. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Creation

1. Cool in Pan: Allow the muffins to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before attempting to remove them. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.
2. Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Serve Warm or Room Temperature: These muffins are delicious served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
4. Optional Drizzle: If desired, drizzle with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a cream cheese glaze just before serving.