If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug, this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine thick, custardy slices of bread soaked in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, then topped with tender, caramelized apples that melt in your mouth. Every bite offers that perfect balance of sweet, spice, and buttery goodness that will have you smiling from the very first forkful. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special brunch, this dish brings all the comfort and flavor you could hope for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the key to making this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a special role, from adding sweetness and spice to ensuring a rich, fluffy texture and vibrant color.
- 4 large eggs: These bind everything together and give the custard its creamy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and helps create a luscious soaking mixture for the bread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm sweetness that enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that flavors the custard and echoes in the apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth to deepen the spice profile.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah): Choose bread with a sturdy yet tender crumb for soaking up all the custard without falling apart.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For browning the French toast and cooking the apples to caramelized perfection.
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: These soften and sweeten beautifully when cooked with spices.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the natural apple sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramel coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples): Echoes the custard cinnamon and intensifies the apple’s warming flavor.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for apples): Adds a delicate, rich sweetness to the caramelized apples.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Begin by combining the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This custard is the magic that will soak into your bread and create that tender, flavorful base for your French toast.
Step 2: Caramelize the Apples
Heat one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced apples along with brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples become soft and develop a caramelized glaze. Removing them from heat here is crucial so they stay tender without turning mushy.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Slices
Dip each slice of your thick-cut bread into the custard mixture. Let it soak for a few seconds on each side so the bread absorbs just enough liquid to cook up soft and custardy without falling apart.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
In a clean skillet or griddle, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place the soaked bread slices carefully into the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown crust with a tender inside. Be patient and resist moving the slices too soon to get that perfect color.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate your golden French toast and generously spoon the warm caramelized cinnamon apples on top. Add a drizzle of maple syrup if you like, and get ready to dive into a breakfast that’s bursting with autumnal flavors.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can turn this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe from delicious to downright decadent. Toasted pecans or walnuts offer a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the toast and apples. Don’t forget a few extra cinnamon sprinkles for that aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded brunch, pair this dish with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can brighten the meal and balance the sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or chai tea makes a perfect beverage to accompany the spices and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your family or guests? Stack the French toast slices high like a tower, layering the caramelized apples between each slice for extra indulgence. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to shape the bread for a festive touch, or serve individual portions in mason jars topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for stirring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (though unlikely), store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the caramelized apples separate to avoid sogginess and reheat them together when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe freezes well for up to a month. Lay the cooked slices flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze the apples separately in a sealed container. This way you can quickly reheat a portion for busy mornings.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat French toast slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp again, about 10 minutes. Warm the apples gently on the stove or microwave to preserve their texture. Avoid soggy reheats by steering clear of the microwave for the toast itself.
FAQs
Can I use regular white bread instead of brioche or challah?
While you can use regular white bread, thicker, richer breads like brioche or challah soak up the custard better and give you that luxurious texture and flavor. Thin or dry breads might become soggy or fall apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavors will still shine, though the richness may be slightly different.
Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?
Yes, prepping the custard the night before lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a good whisk before soaking your bread the next morning.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness, while softer varieties like Fuji or Gala will caramelize quickly and offer a sweeter bite. Feel free to mix types for variety.
Can I add other spices to the recipe?
Definitely! A pinch of ground cloves or cardamom can add depth and warmth. Just be mindful since these spices are strong, and you want to complement, not overpower, the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe has a special kind of magic that turns a regular morning into a celebration of cozy, comforting flavors. Give yourself the joy of slow mornings and indulge in this sweet, spiced breakfast that’s as much about nostalgia as it is about taste. Once you try it, you’ll see why it becomes an instant favorite in any brunch rotation.
Print
Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple French Toast recipe combines thick-cut bread soaked in a spiced egg mixture, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with warm, caramelized cinnamon apples. Perfect for a cozy autumn breakfast or a sweet brunch, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Bread
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah)
Caramelized Cinnamon Apples
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Topping (optional)
- Maple syrup for drizzling
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Toasted pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Caramelize the apples: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced apples along with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup. Stir occasionally and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the apples become tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Soak the bread slices: Dip each slice of thick-cut bread into the prepared egg mixture, letting it soak briefly on both sides to absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy.
- Cook the French toast: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the French toast while warm, topping each serving with the caramelized cinnamon apples. Optionally drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or toasted pecans for extra richness and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better soaking and texture.
- For extra decadence, top with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or toasted pecans.
- Choose thick-cut breads like brioche or challah for the best richness and structure.
