If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. It combines the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender, caramelized apples all layered over thick, custardy bread slices. The moment you take a bite, the sweetness of brown sugar and the rich aroma of vanilla mingle with melting butter and a drizzle of maple syrup, making every forkful a true slice of morning heaven. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or an enchanting start to any day, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for cozy, delicious mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet crucial for crafting the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe. Each one plays a special role, from the custardy egg mixture that gives the toast its tender bite to the fresh apples that add a burst of fruity sweetness and luscious color.
- 4 large eggs: Provide the rich custard base that soaks into the bread for that signature soft texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps to perfectly blend the egg mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this dish unmistakably cozy and aromatic.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that deepens the flavor profile with its nutty warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing sweetness.
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah recommended): Thick slices are essential to absorb the custard without falling apart.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking): Helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on the skillet.
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, thinly sliced): Sweet-tart varieties work best here, adding juicy, tender fruitiness to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Caramelizes the apples, creating a luscious topping that’s both sweet and slightly smoky.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for apple topping): Adds richness and helps the apples cook to tender perfection.
- Maple syrup (for serving): The final flourish that adds a natural, amber sweetness to every bite.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Begin by cracking your eggs into a mixing bowl, then add the whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is where all the luscious flavors start to come together, setting the stage for irresistibly cozy French toast.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan and Dip the Bread
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. The butter needs to be hot but not smoking to ensure the bread cooks evenly and develops that perfect golden crust. Dip each slice of your thick bread into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides completely but gently to avoid sogginess.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Place the coated bread slices into the hot skillet and cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until you see a beautiful golden-brown color developing. This is where patience pays off — resist the urge to flip too soon to get that ideal crispy edge with a soft, custardy inside.
Step 4: Cook the Apple Topping
While your French toast cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate pan over medium heat and add the thinly sliced apples along with brown sugar. Cook them gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become tender and caramelized. This sweet and slightly tangy topping perfectly complements the spiced French toast.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Serve each stack of golden French toast with a generous spoonful of those warm, caramelized apples on top, and don’t forget a drizzle of maple syrup to elevate the dish to breakfast bliss. Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every comforting bite.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe even more inviting, consider garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for an added crunch. A fresh sprig of mint also introduces a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the sweetness nicely.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast sides like crispy bacon or savory sausage for contrast. A simple bowl of fresh berries or a refreshing fruit salad can brighten the plate, adding both color and a bit of tartness that pairs beautifully with the maple syrup and apple topping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use cookie cutters to shape the bread before dipping it in the custard for festive occasions or family breakfasts. You can also layer the apple topping between slices of French toast to turn it into a mouthwatering sandwich. Serving it with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream can bring an extra touch of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The French toast will keep well for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for that perfect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftovers for longer storage. Place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, making it easy to enjoy this delicious breakfast anytime.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast slices by popping them into a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to regain their crisp exterior. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the crust, so use that method if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their thickness and texture, you can also use Texas toast, sourdough, or any sturdy bread you have on hand. Just make sure it’s day-old or slightly stale for the best custard absorption.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are perfect because they retain their texture when cooked and balance the richness of the French toast with a bit of acidity.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a plant-based alternative like a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” and use almond milk or oat milk. Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. The flavor and texture will differ, but it can still be delightful!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! You can prepare the custard mixture and apple topping in advance, soak the bread just before cooking, and cook the French toast fresh each morning. Alternatively, cook everything ahead and reheat as needed.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Using thick, slightly stale bread helps avoid sogginess as it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Also, make sure your skillet is properly preheated so the bread starts cooking immediately, creating a crispy crust that holds the custard inside.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe in your cooking arsenal, I encourage you to give it a try and make your mornings extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without any fuss, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a comforting start. Once you taste those caramelized apples layered over golden, spiced toast, you’ll see why this recipe has a permanent place at the breakfast table.
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cinnamon French Toast is a cozy and delicious breakfast featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a spiced egg custard, cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop, and topped with tender caramelized apples and a drizzle of maple syrup. This comforting dish combines warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors with the sweet tartness of apples, making it a perfect fall morning treat.
Ingredients
French Toast Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Bread
- 8 slices of thick bread (like brioche or challah)
Cooking Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (for apple topping)
Serving
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ensuring the surface coats evenly for cooking the French toast.
- Dip the bread slices: Take each slice of thick bread and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are completely coated but not overly saturated to avoid sogginess.
- Cook the French toast: Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Make the apple topping: While the French toast cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples along with the brown sugar. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Plate the cooked French toast slices and generously top with the warm, sautéed apple mixture. Drizzle maple syrup over the top according to your preference for sweetness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use sweet-tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a delightful balance of flavors.
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk if preferred, though it may influence richness slightly.
- Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg quantities according to your spice preference.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
