Apple French Toast

There’s something about Apple French Toast that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket on a chilly morning. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent but comforting, with the sweet warmth of apples, cinnamon, and vanilla all coming together in a glorious union. The crispy edges and soft, fluffy interior of the toast, combined with the caramelized apples on top, will have you hooked from the first bite. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or any day you want to start off with something a little special. Trust me, this one is a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Apple French Toast

Perfect Blend of Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and apples creates a sweet, spiced balance that feels just like fall in every bite.

Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a breakfast pro to make this dish. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a showstopper meal in no time.

Customizable: You can top this Apple French Toast with whatever your heart desires—whether that’s a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

Comforting: Warm, spiced apples over crispy French toast—it’s the breakfast equivalent of a hug. Whether you’re starting your day slow or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Ingredients

For the Apple Topping:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced – Sweet or tart, depending on your preference. Apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work great for this recipe.
• 2 tbsp butter – To create that rich, golden caramelized texture on the apples.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a little depth to the apples.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon – A warm spice that makes the apples come alive.
• 1 tsp lemon juice – Adds a touch of brightness and balances the sweetness of the apples.

For the French Toast:

• 4 large eggs – The base of your French toast batter.
• 1 cup milk – Whole milk works best for a rich, creamy batter, but any kind will do.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor that ties everything together.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon – A bit of spice in the batter to complement the apples.
• Pinch of salt – To balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
• 8 slices of thick bread (like brioche or challah) – The thicker, the better, to hold all that delicious batter.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Topping:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the French Toast Batter:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

3. Prepare the French Toast:
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Place the soaked bread onto the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Once all the French toast is cooked, plate each slice and top with the warm, caramelized apple mixture. You can drizzle with a bit of maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately while the French toast is warm, and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors with every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 390
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 205mg
Sodium: 230mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 12%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Apple French Toast

With Maple Syrup: Drizzle with a generous amount of pure maple syrup to add sweetness and a bit of richness to the dish.

With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy, airy contrast to the warm, spiced apples.

On the Side of Bacon or Sausage: Serve with crispy bacon or sausages for a salty contrast to balance out the sweetness.

As a Brunch Dish: This Apple French Toast is perfect for brunch. Pair it with fresh orange juice or a hot cup of coffee to round out the meal.

Additional Tips

Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use stale bread. It absorbs the custard mixture better and creates a sturdier, crispy French toast. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it before dipping it into the egg mixture.

Choose a Thick Bread: Bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works wonderfully for this recipe because it holds up well to the egg mixture and becomes beautifully crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside.

Customize the Apple Topping: You can add a handful of raisins or walnuts to the apple topping for added texture and flavor. Or, swap the cinnamon for nutmeg for a slightly different flavor profile.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
A1: Yes! Pears, peaches, or even berries would make a great substitution for apples. Just adjust the cooking time based on the fruit you choose.

Q2: Can I make Apple French Toast ahead of time?
A2: While French toast is best when served fresh, you can prepare the apple topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free bread, and you’re all set to go. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Q4: Can I freeze the French toast?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cooked French toast slices. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven when ready to serve.

Q5: Can I make Apple French Toast vegan?
A5: Yes! Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg or a store-bought egg replacer, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative.

Q6: What can I add to the apple topping for extra flavor?
A6: You can add a splash of bourbon or rum for extra depth or mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Q7: Can I use a different kind of sweetener?
A7: Yes, you can swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different kind of sweetness.

Q8: How can I make the French toast extra crispy?
A8: To get extra crispy French toast, cook it in a bit more butter or oil, and let it sit for a minute or two after cooking to help it crisp up even more.

Q9: Can I make this in a large batch?
A9: Yes! You can make this Apple French Toast in a larger skillet or griddle, just ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftover French toast and apple topping separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster or on a skillet for the best texture.

Conclusion

This Apple French Toast is the perfect dish to treat yourself and your loved ones to. With its crispy golden exterior, soft and fluffy interior, and warm, spiced apple topping, it’s a breakfast that feels like a special occasion every time. Whether you’re making it for brunch, a weekend treat, or just because you want something delicious to kickstart your day, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Enjoy!

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