This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is an absolute game-changer for your breakfast routine. Imagine thick, custardy slices of brioche soaked in a fragrant mixture of eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla, griddled to golden perfection, then crowned with soft, caramelized apples dusted with warm spices. Every bite bursts with comforting flavors and cozy textures that feel like a warm hug in the morning. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weekend into a special occasion without much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each adding its own flair to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the richness of brioche bread to the sweet and spiced apple topping, every element plays a vital role in this delightful Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe.
- 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread: Choose sturdy slices to soak up the custard without falling apart.
- 3 large eggs: Provide the structure and richness for the custard base.
- 1 cup whole milk: Balances the eggs with creaminess for a tender soak.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus more for apples): The star spice giving warmth and depth to both the custard and the topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for frying): Creates the luscious caramelization in the apples and browns the toast perfectly.
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: Provides that tender, fruity topping with just the right amount of natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the apples for irresistible flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, fragrant layer that partners beautifully with cinnamon.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture
To start, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced apples along with brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook gently, stirring now and then, for about 10 minutes until the apples soften and develop a rich caramel color. This step transforms simple apples into a cozy, flavorful topping that’s the perfect partner for the French toast. Once ready, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard is where all the magic happens, soaking into the bread to create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love in French toast. The cinnamon and vanilla infuse the custard with incredible warmth and aroma.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
One by one, dip each slice of your thick brioche into the custard, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Be careful to ensure the bread absorbs the custard fully but stays firm enough to hold together for cooking. This soaking step is crucial—it’s what makes your French toast beautifully tender and richly flavored inside, yet still sturdy enough to develop a crisp golden crust when cooked.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add a bit of butter to coat the surface. Once melted and bubbling slightly, place your soaked bread slices carefully in the pan. Cook them gently for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn a perfect golden brown and are cooked through. Patience here pays off—the low and slow heat ensures an even cook, with a crispy exterior and a soft, custardy center.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Serve your warm French toast slices stacked high and lavishly topped with the luscious cinnamon-apple mixture you prepared earlier. For an extra touch, dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon to boost the spice notes. This final step is where it all comes together, making each mouthful a harmonious blend of textures and warm, sweet, comforting flavors true to this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra pinch of ground cinnamon on top can make your French toast look as beautiful as it tastes. For added richness, drizzle maple syrup or a spoonful of creamy whipped cream. A few toasted pecans or walnuts can also add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft, spiced apples.
Side Dishes
Complement this breakfast treat with a fresh fruit salad or some crispy bacon for savory balance. A simple glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of hot coffee or tea rounds out the meal perfectly, making it feel like a true brunch celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the French toast slices with apple layers in between for a rustic cake effect. Alternatively, serve the apples on the side to let guests spoon their own amount over the toast. For an elegant twist, use a ring mold to shape the apple topping or sprinkle with edible flowers or fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick and flavorful breakfast without remaking the whole batch.
Freezing
To keep your French toast longer, you can freeze individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen French toast lasts for up to one month and is a lifesaver for busy mornings when time is tight.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, pop the slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the golden crust, but if pressed for time, a quick zap will do just fine.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal because of their texture and flavor, thick slices of sourdough or even a good quality sandwich bread will work in a pinch. Just make sure your bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Can I prepare the apple topping ahead of time?
Yes, the cinnamon apple mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before serving to keep it warm and delicious.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Definitely. Substitute the whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter for cooking. The flavors remain just as comforting and delightful.
Can I add other spices to this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Ground cloves, cardamom, or allspice can be wonderful additions to the apple mixture for extra warmth and complexity without overpowering the cinnamon.
What’s the best way to keep French toast from getting soggy?
Using thick bread and soaking it just enough to be saturated but not drenched helps. Also, cooking the French toast on medium-low heat ensures it cooks through evenly while developing a crisp exterior that keeps sogginess at bay.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little love can create breakfast magic. Perfect for chilly mornings or whenever you want a cozy, sweet treat, it’s sure to become one of your favorite ways to start the day. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve a stack of this warm, comforting goodness!
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast recipe transforms thick slices of brioche or challah bread into a luscious breakfast treat soaked in a creamy cinnamon custard and topped with warm, caramelized cinnamon apples. Perfect for a cozy morning, this dish combines the sweetness of brown sugar and spices with tender apples for a comforting, flavorful start to your day.
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
- Additional ground cinnamon for seasoning
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, whole milk, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground 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 for a rich, tender French toast.
- Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preference.
- For extra indulgence, serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Ensure the skillet is at the right temperature to avoid burning or undercooking the toast.
- Use fresh apples that hold shape well, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
