Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
If you adore cozy breakfasts filled with warm spices and fruity sweetness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe. It’s the ultimate way to transform regular bread into something extraordinary—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy inside, and crowned with tender, caramelized apples infused with cinnamon’s comforting embrace. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special brunch for loved ones, this recipe brings joy and a delicious hug to your morning table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward enjoying this luscious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe. Each item plays a vital role in layering flavors and textures, making every bite irresistible and perfectly balanced.
- Brioche or challah bread, 8 thick slices: These breads have a soft, airy crumb that soaks up custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Large eggs, 3: Eggs create the rich, creamy custard that gives French toast its signature texture.
- Whole milk, 1 cup: Adds creaminess and helps thin out the custard for soaking the bread evenly.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Brings a sweet, fragrant depth that complements the cinnamon and apples.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon plus more for apples: The star spice that imbues warmth and a touch of sweetness.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons plus more for frying: Essential for sautéing apples to golden perfection and giving the toast that perfect crisp finish.
- Large apples, 2 peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: Tender, juicy apples add natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- Brown sugar, 1/4 cup: Sweetens and helps caramelize the apples beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle spicy note that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon in the apples.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the sliced apples, brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally as the apples soften and release their juices, caramelizing into a sticky, fragrant topping that will be the perfect warm counterpoint to your French toast. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that sets the mood for a cozy morning.
Step 2: Make the Custard
While the apples cool slightly, whisk together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until beautifully combined. This custard mixture is what transforms each slice of bread into rich, tender French toast loaded with spice and sweetness.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each thick slice of brioche or challah into the custard, allowing it to soak just a few seconds on each side. The bread should absorb plenty of custard but stay intact, ensuring every bite is juicy without becoming soggy or falling apart in the pan.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle on medium-low and melt a little butter for frying. Place soaked bread slices into the skillet, cooking them slowly for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and perfectly cooked through. The gentle heat helps develop a crisp exterior while maintaining that luscious, custardy center that French toast lovers dream of.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate your golden French toast and spoon generous amounts of the warm cinnamon apple mixture on top. Feel free to dust a bit more cinnamon over everything for an extra punch of spice. Serve immediately and prepare to enjoy a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe with toppings like a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scattering of chopped toasted nuts for crunch. Fresh apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar also make a pretty and tasty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Keep your meal balanced by pairing the French toast with crispy bacon or sausage links for savory contrast. A side of fresh fruit or a small green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds brightness and freshness to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, cut the toast into bite-sized cubes and serve in a trifle dish layered with yogurt and more cinnamon apples. Alternatively, stack the slices like a tower, layering apple topping and whipped cream between layers to wow your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may release some juice over time, so place the French toast on paper towels to keep it from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, pop them directly into a toaster or oven for crispy edges and warm centers.
Reheating
Reheat leftover French toast gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore the crispness without drying out the custard inside. If you have frozen toast, thaw it partially before reheating to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah breads are ideal for their texture and richness, sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast also works nicely. Just aim for slices that will soak up the custard without falling apart.
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
The key is not to soak the bread too long in the custard. A quick dip on each side until the bread is fully coated but still firm to the touch ensures the perfect balance between moist inside and crisp outside.
Can I make the apple topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon apple mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Gently reheat it before serving to bring back its luscious, warm texture.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or replace it with a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a slightly different spiced note.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids often love the sweet, fruity flavors, and the soft texture of the French toast is easy for little ones to enjoy. Just be mindful of any spice levels and adjust according to your child’s taste.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is such a delightful way to make mornings memorable. It’s comforting, flavorful, and filled with all the good stuff we crave in breakfast. I encourage you to try it soon—gather your ingredients, savor the smells while cooking, and enjoy each bite of this fantastic homemade treat with your favorite people.
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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast recipe combines thick slices of brioche or challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and topped with a warm, caramelized apple mixture spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. A comforting and flavorful breakfast dish that serves four and takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for frying)
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A dash of ground cinnamon (additional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side, ensuring the bread is fully saturated but not falling apart.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add a little butter, and once melted, place the soaked bread slices in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the French toast hot, topped with the warm cinnamon-apple mixture. If desired, sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use thick slices of brioche or challah bread for best texture and flavor.
- Do not soak the bread too long in the custard to prevent it from falling apart.
- If desired, top with maple syrup or powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- Apples can be substituted with pears or peaches for variation.
- Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the French toast cooks evenly without burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
