There is something irresistibly cozy about waking up to a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a hug in every bite. This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe combines the soft, custardy bread soaked in fragrant cinnamon-spiced eggs with sweet, caramelized apples that add the perfect touch of autumn magic. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply treat yourself on a slow weekend morning, this recipe is a delightful way to celebrate simple ingredients transformed into an extraordinary dish that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, everyday ingredients is all it takes to bring this enchanting breakfast to life. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and aroma, making this dish truly special and satisfying.
- 6 slices thick-cut bread: Brioche or Texas toast work best for a soft yet sturdy base that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the mixture and give the bread a rich, creamy custard coating.
- 3/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and lightens the egg custard to create a tender interior.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a sweet, aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon and apples.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that layers warmth into every bite of the custard.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For cooking the French toast, lending a golden crust and buttery richness.
- 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced: Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are perfect for melting down into luscious, caramelized topping.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens the apples naturally and helps them caramelize beautifully in the pan.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Sprinkled with the brown sugar for extra warmth in the apple topping.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for apples): Ensures the apples cook down tenderly with a silky finish.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar: Optional, but highly recommended to drizzle and dust over for that perfect final touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Apples
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced apples along with brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, letting the apples soften and turn golden while their sugars melt into a syrupy coating—about 6 to 8 minutes. Once tender and beautifully caramelized, set them aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
While the apples are cooking, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant, ready to soak the bread slices for that luscious custard texture that’s the hallmark of a perfect French toast.
Step 3: Soak and Cook the Bread
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, soaking both sides quickly but thoroughly. Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each slice develops a beautiful golden crust and a tender, cooked-through center.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Serve your warm French toast immediately, spooning the caramelized cinnamon apples generously over the top. Don’t forget to add a drizzle of maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar to complete this picture-perfect breakfast.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair and flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the apples to add crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this from breakfast to a decadent brunch treat. Fresh mint leaves can add a bright, surprising pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This French toast pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage links to balance the sweetness with savory. A fresh fruit salad on the side can add a burst of freshness, while a warm cup of coffee or chai tea complements the cinnamon and apple flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the slices artfully with layers of caramelized apples in between for a show-stopping tower. Alternatively, cut the finished French toast into bite-sized cubes and serve as a brunch buffet option with small bowls of maple syrup, whipped cream, and nuts for guests to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The French toast may soften slightly as it sits, so keep the caramelized apples separate if possible and reheat them together before serving.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Arrange cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze the caramelized apples separately in a sealed container. This way, you can enjoy the Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe anytime with minimal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen French toast directly into the toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and heated through. Warm the apples gently in a skillet on low heat or in the microwave before serving for fresh-off-the-griddle enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of thick-cut bread?
While you can, thick-cut breads like brioche or Texas toast hold up much better when soaked, giving you a custardy inside and crispy outside. Regular bread tends to get soggy and fall apart, so it’s best to use something sturdy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Use vegan butter for cooking, and make sure your bread is vegan-friendly. The caramelized apples are naturally vegan, making this recipe quite adaptable.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp and Fuji apples work beautifully because they balance sweetness with a bit of tartness and hold their shape well during caramelization. You can experiment with other sweet-tart varieties like Gala or Pink Lady, depending on what you prefer.
Can I add other spices to the egg mixture?
Definitely! Nutmeg, ground cloves, or even a splash of apple cider add a lovely depth that complements cinnamon and apples. Just be careful not to overpower the gentle sweetness of the dish.
How can I make the French toast fluffier?
Using day-old bread that’s a bit stale allows it to soak up more custard without falling apart, resulting in a tender and fluffy interior. Also, be sure not to rush cooking—medium heat ensures a soft, creamy inside while getting a crisp outside crust.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe is like gifting yourself a moment of pure morning joy. It’s easy, comforting, and bursting with seasonal flavors that elevate a simple breakfast into something truly special. I hope you give it a try soon and find as much happiness in every bite as I do when I make it for my loved ones. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple French Toast recipe combines thick-cut bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard with tender, caramelized apples. Perfect for a cozy fall breakfast, it offers a sweet and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop, topped with maple syrup and powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Cinnamon Apples:
- 2 apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Caramelize the Apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Heat the Skillet for French Toast: Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the surface.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak briefly on both sides to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Arrange the French toast slices on plates, spoon the warm cinnamon apples over the top, and drizzle with maple syrup. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best results as it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- For additional fall flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or a splash of apple cider to the egg mixture.
