If you crave a cozy, comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine thick, pillowy slices of brioche or challah, soaked in a fragrant spiced custard, then golden-fried and crowned with buttery, caramelized apples. Every bite is an irresistible blend of cinnamon warmth, sweet-tart apple, and that classic French toast richness. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or simply want to make an ordinary day feel special, this dish delivers all the nostalgia and joy that breakfast should bring.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role. From the bread’s plush texture to the apples’ juicy sweetness, every element is essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Bread: Thick slices of brioche or challah soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Eggs: Large eggs give the custard its rich, creamy base and help the bread set up perfectly.
Milk: Full-fat milk adds moisture and richness, making every bite tender.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon brings out the sweetness and depth in both the custard and the apples.
Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that classic warm spice; it flavors both the toast and the apple topping.
Ground Nutmeg: A pinch adds complexity and a touch of coziness to the custard.
Salt: Even a small pinch sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Used for both frying the toast and caramelizing the apples, it gives everything a luscious finish.
Apples: Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith keep their shape and provide a juicy, tart contrast.
Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the apple topping.
Maple Syrup (optional): For a hint of extra sweetness and that classic brunch flavor, stir in a splash right at the end.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Make the Custard Mixture

Start by grabbing a wide, shallow bowl or dish. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until everything is beautifully combined and the spices are evenly dispersed. This custard mixture will infuse each slice of bread with a rich, aromatic flavor that makes this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe truly special.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Take your thick-cut bread slices and dip them, one at a time, into the custard mixture. Let each side soak for about 10–15 seconds, so the bread absorbs plenty of that spiced goodness but doesn’t become mushy. Using day-old bread works wonders here, helping the slices keep their structure during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous pat of butter. Once it’s bubbling, lay your soaked bread slices onto the skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Work in batches if needed, keeping the cooked slices warm in a low oven while you finish up.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramelized Apple Topping

In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the peeled, sliced apples along with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes. The apples should soften and become lusciously caramelized. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle in the maple syrup just before removing the pan from the heat.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the warm French toast slices on plates and spoon the glossy, fragrant apple topping over each one. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple syrup if you’re feeling decadent. Every bite of this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is pure brunch bliss.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing flourish can elevate your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look, or a swirl of whipped cream for extra decadence. Toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty aroma, while a sprinkle of extra cinnamon gives beautiful color and warmth.

Side Dishes

Round out your breakfast feast with a few simple sides. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage add a savory contrast, while a bowl of fresh berries brings a pop of color and freshness. A steaming mug of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice makes the perfect pairing, balancing the sweetness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping brunch, try stacking the French toast slices with layers of apple topping in between. Serve in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look, or cut the toast into strips for easy dipping. If you’re entertaining, arrange the slices on a platter and let guests add their own toppings for a fun, interactive breakfast bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe, simply let the slices cool to room temperature, then layer them in an airtight container. Store the apple topping separately in a small container to keep everything as fresh as possible in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Want to make breakfast even easier? Freeze the cooked French toast slices by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. The apple topping can also be frozen in a small container. Both can be stored for up to 2 months, making future brunches a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the French toast slices in a toaster, toaster oven, or on a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through and crisp at the edges. Gently reheat the apple topping in a saucepan or the microwave, stirring until warm. Assemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are favorites for their pillowy texture, you can use any thick-sliced bread you love. Texas toast, French bread, or even sturdy sandwich bread all work well. Just make sure it’s not too fresh, so it soaks up the custard without turning soggy.

What are the best apples to use for the topping?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are perfect. They hold their shape during cooking and offer a lovely balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar and maple syrup in the topping.

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (such as almond, oat, or soy) for the milk, and use plant-based butter for both the toast and the apple topping. The result will be just as delicious, with all the cozy flavors you love.

How can I make this recipe for a crowd?

To serve a group, double (or triple) the ingredients and keep cooked French toast slices warm in a 250°F oven on a baking sheet. Prepare the apple topping in a larger skillet or batch-cook as needed, then serve everything family-style so guests can help themselves.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can whisk together the custard mixture and slice the apples the night before. In the morning, simply soak the bread, cook, and make the topping. This makes the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe even more convenient for busy mornings or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself or loved ones to a truly memorable breakfast, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, cozy, and packed with flavor—so don’t wait for a special occasion. Gather your ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and caramelized apples. Give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 servings (2 slices each) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast recipe is a delightful and comforting breakfast that combines thick-cut bread soaked in a spiced egg custard with a warm, caramelized apple topping. Perfect for fall mornings or a sweet brunch, it offers a cozy balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender apples atop golden French toast slices.

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast

6 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)

Apple Topping

2 apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Soak the bread: Dip each slice of thick-cut bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked but not overly saturated to prevent sogginess.
Cook the French toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Transfer cooked slices to a warm plate and keep warm.
Cook the apple topping: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften and caramelize.
Add maple syrup (optional): Stir in maple syrup into the apple mixture just before removing from heat to enhance the sweetness and flavor.
Serve: Plate the warm French toast and spoon the warm apple topping generously over each slice. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle extra maple syrup before serving.

Notes

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
This recipe is easily doubled to serve more people or for larger gatherings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American