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
Scale
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.
