Apple French Toast Recipe

The Perfect Apple French Toast Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Weekends call for something special, and this apple French toast brings pure morning magic to your plate.

Crisp autumn fruits add unexpected sweetness to classic breakfast comfort.

Delicate bread slices absorb rich custard, creating layers of flavor that dance between soft and crunchy textures.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper warmth through each golden-edged bite.

Maple syrup drizzled on top creates a luxurious finish that makes breakfast feel like a celebration.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary, turning an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering forkful of this irresistible morning treat.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular bread, but brioche or challah will give you a richer, more luxurious texture and flavor.

  • How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?

Toss the sliced apples with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Apple French Toast recipe is vegetarian-friendly and contains no meat products.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the egg mixture and slice apples in advance to save time during cooking.

Why Apple French Toast Wins Every Breakfast Table

  • Craft Delectable Comfort: Indulge in a sweet breakfast masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering morning treat perfect for cozy weekends.
  • Simplify Breakfast Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginner to seasoned chef.
  • Seasonal Apple Delight: Celebrate autumn's bounty by incorporating fresh, juicy apples into a classic French toast recipe that brings warmth and rich flavors to your breakfast table.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet, spiced dish that combines familiar flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup with tender, caramelized apple slices.

Ingredients That Make Apple French Toast Shine

Bread Base:
  • Brioche Bread, Challah Bread: Soft and rich bread that provides a luxurious foundation for French toast with excellent absorption of the egg mixture.
Fruit:
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and provides a delightful texture contrast to the creamy French toast.
Custard Mixture:
  • Eggs, Milk: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth coating for the bread, ensuring a tender and custardy result.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm and aromatic flavoring that enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
Spices and Sweeteners:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple flavor and add depth to the French toast.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices and enhance the caramelization.
Cooking and Serving:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, golden surface for frying and adds a luxurious flavor to the French toast.
  • Maple Syrup: Classic topping that brings additional sweetness and complements the apple and spice notes.

How to Cook Apple French Toast Like a Pro

Step 1: Whisk Egg Mixture

Crack eggs into a wide, shallow bowl. Pour in milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and granulated sugar.

Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Topping

Peel and core the apples.

Slice them thinly into elegant, uniform pieces that will caramelize beautifully when cooked.

Step 3: Dip Bread in Mixture

Take each bread slice and gently dunk it into the egg mixture, allowing both sides to soak up the flavorful liquid.

Make sure each slice is evenly coated but not soggy.

Step 4: Sauté Apples

Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add apple slices and cook until they turn golden and slightly soft, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 5: Cook French Toast

In another skillet, melt remaining butter.

Place egg-soaked bread slices into the hot pan. Cook until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown, creating a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Arrange cooked French toast on plates. Top generously with the caramelized apple slices.

Drizzle with maple syrup for the perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Helpful Tips for Apple French Toast Success

  • Use brioche or challah for the most luxurious, custardy texture that absorbs the egg mixture perfectly without falling apart.
  • Arrange apple slices between bread layers to ensure every bite has a burst of sweet, tender fruit throughout the French toast.
  • Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste, but don't skip these warm spices that complement the apple's natural sweetness.
  • Use medium-low heat to prevent burning while allowing the bread to cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crispy exterior.
  • Let bread sit in egg mixture for 1-2 minutes per side to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a creamy interior.

Creative Spins on Apple French Toast to Try

  • Gluten-Free French Toast: Replace bread with gluten-free brioche or thick-cut gluten-free bread, ensuring a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Apple Delight: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use almond milk, and coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
  • Pear Cinnamon Variation: Exchange apples with ripe pears, keeping the same spice blend and cooking method for a different fruity breakfast experience.

Great Pairings to Serve with Apple French Toast

Complement the warm, spicy notes of the French toast with a smooth, cinnamon-infused coffee that echoes the dish’s nutmeg and cinnamon undertones.

Enhance the apple and sweet bread flavors by serving a rich caramel pecan spread that adds depth and nutty complexity to each bite.

Create a light, tangy counterpoint with a dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt, balancing the richness of the buttery French toast and adding a refreshing element.

Match the apple slices in the dish with a chilled, crisp apple cider that amplifies the fruit’s natural sweetness and provides a complementary drinking experience.

How to Keep Apple French Toast Fresh and Delicious

  • Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 20-30 seconds, or until warm. Add a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange toast on a baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm for 5-7 minutes, ensuring it stays moist and crisp.
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Apple French Toast Recipe

Apple French Toast Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Indulgent Cinnamon Apple French Toast blends classic breakfast comfort with sweet, spiced elegance. Crisp edges, creamy center, and caramelized apple topping promise a delightful morning experience you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 thick slices bread (brioche or challah)
  • 2 large apples
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Cooking and Serving:

  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
  • Maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar in a wide, shallow bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
  2. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are completely coated and absorb the liquid evenly.
  3. Peel and thinly slice apples into delicate, uniform pieces that will cook quickly and caramelize nicely.
  4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes golden and slightly foamy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Carefully place egg-soaked bread slices into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
  6. Arrange apple slices on top of each bread slice while the first side is cooking, gently pressing them into the surface.
  7. Flip the French toast and cook the apple-topped side for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and caramelize slightly.
  8. Transfer cooked French toast to serving plates, ensuring the apple side faces upward.
  9. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup just before serving, allowing it to seep into the crispy edges and caramelized apple slices.

Notes

  • Bread Selection: Choose thick-cut brioche or challah for a luxuriously soft, rich texture that absorbs the egg mixture perfectly without falling apart.
  • Apple Preparation: Slice apples thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and beautiful layering across the French toast.
  • Spice Balance: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to personal taste, but keep the proportions balanced to enhance the apple’s natural sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
  • Dietary Modification: For a gluten-free version, swap traditional bread with gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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