Apple Cinnamon French Toast

This cozy apple cinnamon French toast transforms ordinary bread into a spectacular breakfast treat by combining the comforting warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with custardy, golden-brown bread. Each slice soaks up a rich vanilla-scented egg mixture before being pan-fried to perfection and topped with tender, caramelized apples that provide the perfect balance of sweetness and subtle tartness. The marriage of soft, custard-soaked bread with warm, spiced apple topping creates a breakfast experience that feels indulgent yet homey—like the best parts of apple pie and French toast united on a single plate. Whether for weekend family breakfasts or holiday mornings, this dish fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

I discovered this recipe one autumn morning when faced with both day-old bread and an abundance of apples from our family's orchard trip. What began as a simple way to use up ingredients quickly became our most requested weekend breakfast. My children, who normally race through meals, actually slow down to savor each bite of this French toast. Even my mother-in-law, who rarely offers culinary compliments, asked for the recipe after joining us for Sunday breakfast.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 8 slices Brioche or Challah Bread (1-inch thick): These enriched breads create the most luxurious texture. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs more custard without falling apart
• 4 large Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the custard base. Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly
• 1 cup Whole Milk: Creates a creamy custard. The higher fat content yields the best richness and prevents separation
• 2tablespoons Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes to the custard. Light or dark brown sugar both work well
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the custard's flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the cleanest flavor
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the custard with warmth. Freshly ground cinnamon is particularly aromatic
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle complexity. Freshly grated nutmeg is particularly aromatic
• ¼ teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors. Even sweet dishes need this crucial element
• 3tablespoons Butter (divided): Unsalted allows better control of salt levels, but salted works in a pinch. Don't skimp here—it's essential for richness
• 4 medium Apples, peeled and sliced: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the perfect balance of tartness and structure. Slice about ¼-inch thick for even cooking
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like sauce with the apple juices. Pack it when measuring for accuracy
• ¼ cup Water: Helps create a saucy consistency. Use filtered water for the purest flavor
• Maple Syrup for serving: The finishing touch that brings everything together. Pure maple syrup melts beautifully and adds a rich, sweet finish

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Apple Topping:

Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into uniform ¼-inch slices. Consistent sizing ensures they cook evenly. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2tablespoons of butter until it begins to foam slightly but doesn't brown. Add the apple slices to the pan, arranging them in as close to a single layer as possible to promote even cooking. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples and gently toss to coat each slice. Pour in the water and stir gently to create a sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the apples simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're tender but still hold their shape and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside, keeping warm.

Create Your Custard Base:

While the apples are cooking, prepare your French toast custard. In a shallow, wide bowl (a pie dish works perfectly), whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy. Take care to break up all the egg whites completely for a smooth custard. The mixture should have a uniform color with the spices well distributed throughout. This thorough mixing ensures each slice of bread will soak up a consistent flavor profile.

Soak the Bread Properly:

Working with one slice at a time, place your bread in the custard mixture and let it soak for 30 seconds on each side. The exact timing depends on the freshness and density of your bread—drier bread will need less soaking time to absorb the same amount of custard. You want the bread saturated but not so soggy that it falls apart when lifted. Use a slotted spatula to carefully transfer the soaked bread to a clean plate or baking sheet, allowing any excess custard to drain off. Repeat with remaining slices, arranging them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cook to Golden Perfection:

Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted and bubbling subsides, carefully transfer 2-3 soaked bread slices to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook each slice for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side, until golden brown with a slight crispness at the edges. Flip gently using a thin, wide spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side until equally golden. The ideal French toast has a crisp exterior and a custardy, soufflé-like interior that is completely cooked through but remains moist. Between batches, wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and add fresh butter to prevent any burnt bits from affecting the flavor of subsequent slices. Keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the remaining bread.

Warm Your Apple Topping:

Just before serving, if the apple mixture has cooled significantly, gently reheat it over low heat until just warmed through. Stir carefully to maintain the apple slices' shape and integrity. The goal is a warm topping that will contrast beautifully with any added whipped cream or ice cream, should you choose to include those indulgent additions.

Serve with Style:

Place two slices of the golden French toast on each serving plate, slightly overlapping for visual appeal. Spoon the warm cinnamon apples generously over the top, making sure to include some of the glossy sauce. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar through a fine-mesh strainer for a professional touch, and serve immediately with warm maple syrup on the side. For special occasions, add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm, crisp bread and tender, caramelized apples creates a breakfast experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.

I learned the importance of apple selection through a rather disappointing batch I made for visiting family. Using Red Delicious apples (because they were on sale), I watched in dismay as they disintegrated into applesauce before the French toast even hit the pan. My uncle, a former restaurant owner, gently suggested switching to Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, explaining that their higher pectin content helps them maintain structure during cooking. The next morning, I tried again with Honeycrisps, and the difference was remarkable—beautiful, distinct slices that retained their shape while becoming perfectly tender. This simple change transformed the entire dish from merely good to truly exceptional. Now, even when I'm not entertaining, I often make this apple cinnamon French toast for a cozy weekend breakfast.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

While this apple cinnamon French toast makes a satisfying meal on its own, thoughtful pairing can elevate the experience even further. For a balanced breakfast, serve alongside savory bacon or sausage links, which provide a salty counterpoint to the sweet French toast. A fresh fruit salad featuring berries, citrus segments, and mint offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. For beverages, consider hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick garnish to echo the flavors in the dish, or a robust coffee to balance the sweetness. For a special occasion brunch, pair with a sparkling mimosa or a light, fruity rosé wine.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This recipe includes several components that can be prepared in advance, making morning assembly significantly easier. The apple topping can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; simply reheat gently before serving. The custard mixture can be whisked together the night before and refrigerated, covered. You can even dip the bread in the custard and arrange the soaked slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight—this 'overnight French toast' method actually improves flavor development. Simply bake in the morning for a stress-free yet impressive breakfast.

Seasonal Adaptations

While this recipe shines with apples, you can adapt it to highlight other seasonal fruits throughout the year. In summer, substitute peaches or nectarines for the apples, reducing the cooking time slightly to account for their softer texture. Fall brings opportunities for pears as a sophisticated alternative, while winter might call for cranberries complemented with orange zest, though you may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance their tartness. Each variation maintains the moist texture and cinnamon-spiced topping while offering flavor options throughout the year.

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Dietary Adaptations

While this dish is decidedly in the indulgent category, several modifications can create a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter. Those requiring a gluten-free option can use gluten-free bread, though you may need to adjust the soaking time as these breads often have different absorption properties. To reduce sugar content, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia designed for baking, and serve with a fresh berry compote instead of maple syrup. For a vegetable boost, fold in 1 cup of finely chopped spinach or kale along with the cheese for added nutrition and color.

I discovered my favorite way to serve this dish during an unexpected power outage. With dinner half-prepared, we lost electricity for several hours. Rather than waste the food, we packed up our partially prepared apple cinnamon French toast and headed to my sister's house to finish cooking. Enroute, the warm apples continued to meld with the cinnamon, intensifying the flavor development. Upon arrival, we simply toasted them with the custard and finished them under the broiler. Everyone agreed they were the best batch ever, teaching me that sometimes a little patience between preparation and final cooking creates the most flavorful result. Now I intentionally let the apples rest with their seasonings for at least 30 minutes before the final steps!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best bread to use for this French toast?

Brioche or challah work best because they're rich and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs more custard without becoming soggy.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the apple mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. For the toast, you can dip and cook the bread, then refrigerate. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes and top with warmed apple mixture.

→ What type of apples work best?

Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet French toast.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked French toast in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven. The apple topping is best made fresh, though it can be frozen separately.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.