If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine thick slices of rich brioche soaked in a luscious cinnamon-spiced custard, pan-fried to a golden perfection, then crowned with tender, caramelized apple slices bursting with sweet spices. It’s a straightforward recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting morning feast, perfect for sharing with family or impressing weekend guests with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet each one plays a crucial role to bring this dish to life. From the softness of the brioche to the warm spices and creamy custard, every element combines to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick 1-inch slices work best for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
- Large Eggs: Eggs provide the rich, binding custard that gives French toast its signature texture.
- Whole Milk (or Half-and-Half): Adds creaminess and helps make the custard indulgently smooth.
- Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and tenderness in the custard mixture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard and caramelizes the apples perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, fragrant depth to the custard base.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses both the custard and the apples with that iconic cozy spice.
- Apples (peeled and sliced): Fresh apples add a bright, fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing the apples and frying the French toast, adding golden crispness and buttery flavor.
- Maple Syrup: A finishing touch for the apple topping, giving just the right amount of sticky sweetness.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Apples
Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in those peeled and sliced apples along with brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook everything together until the apples soften and become tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Finally, stir in a splash of maple syrup to create a beautiful, glossy caramel coating that will top your French toast perfectly. This step fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma and sets the tone for this comforting dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is what will infuse the bread slices with rich flavor and a creamy texture once soaked and cooked. Whisking thoroughly ensures every bite is luscious and spiced just right.
Step 3: Dip and Cook the Bread
Heat butter in a clean skillet over medium heat. One at a time, dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side—long enough for the custard to penetrate but not so long that the bread gets soggy. Then, place the slices onto the hot skillet and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when each slice turns a gorgeous golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Serve your French toast warm and generously pile on the caramelized apple topping. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. This final flourish makes every bite a dreamy combination of sweet, warm, and cozy flavors.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect finish and an extra layer of texture, consider a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. Fresh apple slices or a light drizzle of natural maple syrup also add visual appeal and complement the cinnamon-apple flavor beautifully. Whipped cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess and balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair this breakfast classic with crispy bacon or smoky sausage for a savory counterpoint that livens up your morning. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries bring brightness and freshness to the plate, making your meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your brunch guests? Stack the French toast slices with alternating layers of apple topping and perhaps some mascarpone or cream cheese spread. You can also serve the apple topping on the side as a warm compote, allowing everyone to add as much as they like. For a fun twist, serve mini French toast stacks on skewers, making it perfect for a buffet or party setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days and remain flavorful. Make sure to place the caramelized apples separately to avoid the French toast getting soggy.
Freezing
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe freezes beautifully. Lay the cooked French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month, which makes for quick and easy breakfasts later on.
Reheating
To reheat, pop frozen slices directly into the toaster or oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Reheat the caramelized apples gently on the stove or in the microwave and spoon warm over the French toast before serving for a fresh-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread besides brioche or challah?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah offers the best texture and flavor, thick slices of French bread, sourdough, or even a dense white bread will also work well as long as they can soak up the custard without falling apart.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling apples is recommended for this recipe to create a smoother texture and a more uniform caramelized topping. However, if you enjoy a bit more texture and skin, feel free to leave some or all of the peel on.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for sautéing, and you’ll still enjoy a deliciously rich result.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Make sure to soak the bread slices just long enough to absorb the custard without becoming overly saturated, and cook them on medium heat to get a crisp golden crust quickly. Serving immediately helps keep that perfect texture, too.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
You can mix the custard the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before dipping your bread the next morning to ensure the spices remain well combined.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe enough for anyone who loves cozy, flavorful breakfasts that feel special without demanding all morning in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that invites smiles, warm hands wrapped around mugs of coffee, and a satisfied sigh after every bite. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love!
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the warm and comforting flavors of this Apple Cinnamon French Toast recipe. Thick slices of brioche or challah bread are soaked in a spiced custard mixture and cooked to a golden brown. Topped with tender, caramelized apples cooked with brown sugar and cinnamon, this dish is perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Caramelized Apples
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Additional butter for cooking
Instructions
- Caramelize the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the peeled and sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak and Cook the Bread: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter. Dip each slice of brioche or challah bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, topped generously with the caramelized apple mixture. Optionally, garnish with powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old brioche or challah bread which soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute the apples with pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
- Maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze on the apples.
- Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg amounts to suit your personal taste.
- This dish can be made dairy-free by substituting milk and cream with almond or oat milk and using dairy-free butter.
