There is nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet caramelized apples wafting through your kitchen, especially when paired with luscious, custardy slices of bread. This Apple French Toast Recipe transforms a classic breakfast favorite into a cozy, autumnal treat that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this dish offers a perfect balance of tender, spiced apples and golden, buttery toast that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Apple French Toast Recipe a standout. Each element, from the soft brioche slices to the fragrant spices, plays a vital role in delivering a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
- Brioche or challah bread: Sliced thick for maximum custardy soak and a tender bite.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Provide a perfect balance of sweet and tart to complement the richness.
- Eggs: Create the creamy custard base that gives the toast its luscious texture.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: Add richness and help make the custard silky smooth.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the custard and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice and enhances the apple’s natural sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle, earthy note that deepens the flavor profile.
- Vanilla extract: Provides a fragrant sweetness that ties everything together.
- Unsalted butter: For sautéing the apples and cooking the toast with a golden finish.
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup (optional): Add a final touch of sweetness and presentation flair.
How to Make Apple French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Apples
Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced apples and sauté them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally until they soften and develop a lovely caramelized hue. This step builds layers of flavor that elevate the entire dish. Once caramelized, remove the apples from the heat and set them aside for now.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until fully blended. This custard is the heart of your Apple French Toast Recipe, soaking the bread to infuse it with creamy, spiced goodness.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each thick slice of brioche into the custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Make sure not to let the bread soak for too long or it might become soggy—just enough to absorb the custard and stay structurally intact. Let any excess drip off before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter to coat the surface. Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Add more butter as needed between batches. The result is a crisp exterior with a tender, custardy inside that’s downright irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Serve your warm Apple French Toast immediately, topped with the sautéed apple slices. Add a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup if you’d like to take the flavor over the top. Each bite offers a perfect contrast between the soft, spiced apples and the rich, golden bread.
How to Serve Apple French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches can turn a simple breakfast into a gourmet experience. Try sprinkling chopped pecans or toasted walnuts over your Apple French Toast for crunch and nutty depth. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can add a luxurious flair that complements the warm spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with fresh fruit salad or a handful of mixed berries for a burst of brightness. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage can also balance the sweetness with savory notes, making your breakfast plate complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, stack the Apple French Toast slices with layers of apple topping between them, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Alternatively, cut the toast into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with apple slices and berries for a playful finger-food version that’s fun for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the Apple French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the apples separate if possible to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Lay cooled, cooked toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a resealable bag or container and freeze for up to one month. You can also freeze the sautéed apples in a separate container to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or refrigerated Apple French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until heated through and crisped back up, about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave when possible to preserve texture, but if in a pinch, microwave in short bursts to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Apple French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah is ideal for its rich texture, you can also use thick-cut white bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat for a different texture or flavor.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are preferred due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, which caramelize well without becoming mushy. Feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties.
Can I make the apple topping ahead of time?
Yes! The caramelized apples can be prepared a day in advance and warmed gently before serving. This is a great time-saver if you’re preparing breakfast for a crowd.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Apple French Toast Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, using no meat or meat-based products. Just be sure the bread you choose fits your dietary preferences.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter or coconut oil for cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way sweet, spiced apples mingle with custardy French toast, creating a breakfast that warms both body and soul. This Apple French Toast Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to impress guests or treat myself to something comforting and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own delicious tradition.
Print
Apple French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple French Toast recipe combines thick slices of brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich, spiced egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Topped with tender, caramelized apples, it’s a cozy and indulgent breakfast that’s perfect for fall mornings or any time you crave a comforting meal with a sweet fruit twist.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices
Apple Topping
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Cook the Apples: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and are lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Allow any excess mixture to drip off.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook each side for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, topped generously with the sautéed apple slices. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- The apple topping can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving to save time in the morning.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or granola over the apples when serving.
- This recipe works best with slightly stale bread, which absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
