If you’re searching for a breakfast or brunch that’s pure comfort on a plate, look no further than Cinnamon Apple French Toast. Imagine thick slices of golden-brown bread, soaked in a fragrant egg custard, topped with warm, caramelized apples that practically melt in your mouth. This dish is a celebration of cozy mornings, family gatherings, and the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Cinnamon Apple French Toast always feels like a little luxury—one that’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cinnamon Apple French Toast is all about using simple ingredients that shine together. Each component brings its own magic, creating a breakfast that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

4 large eggs: The backbone of your custard, eggs create that creamy texture and help bind everything together.
1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and gives the French toast its signature custardy softness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice, bringing that irresistible warmth to both the toast and apples.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a pinch makes the custard taste a little more special and inviting.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
8 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah): Sturdy, slightly sweet bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Ensures golden, crisp edges and rich flavor in every bite.
2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: The juicy, tart-sweet topping that makes this dish so memorable.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Helps caramelize the apples and adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples): Doubles down on the cozy spice in the topping.
1 tablespoon maple syrup (for apples): Adds shine and that unmistakable maple flavor to the warm apples.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by whisking together your eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This is the luscious base that’ll soak into your bread, infusing it with classic French toast flavor and a hint of spice. Make sure your mixture is well combined and smooth for the best results.

Step 2: Caramelize the Cinnamon Apples

Heat one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Stir everything together and let the apples cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until they’re soft, glossy, and caramelized. The transformation here is pure magic—the apples become tender and beautifully sweet, with the cinnamon tying all the flavors together.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Take each slice of thick-cut bread and dip it into the custard mixture, letting it soak up the goodness for a few seconds on each side. This ensures every bite is moist and flavorful, but not soggy. Don’t rush this step—it’s the secret to that perfect, custardy center.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place your soaked bread slices onto the hot surface and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed, and keep the finished slices warm in a low oven.

Step 5: Serve with Caramelized Apples

Arrange the warm French toast slices on plates and spoon those glossy cinnamon apples right over the top. If you like, finish with an extra drizzle of maple syrup for even more indulgence. Now’s the time to enjoy your Cinnamon Apple French Toast creation!

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple French Toast

Garnishes

Take your Cinnamon Apple French Toast to the next level with a few special touches. Try a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch. Fresh berries or a thin ribbon of lemon zest also add a burst of freshness and color.

Side Dishes

Pair this French toast with classic breakfast sides for a full brunch experience. Crispy bacon or sausage links add a savory balance, while a simple fruit salad or freshly squeezed orange juice brightens up the plate. For coffee lovers, a creamy latte or spiced chai is the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-worthy twist, try stacking the French toast slices and layering apples between each one. Serve in a big baking dish for a family-style brunch, or use fun shapes (like rounds or hearts) for kids. If you’re hosting, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own Cinnamon Apple French Toast masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cinnamon Apple French Toast, let the slices cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the caramelized apples in a separate container for best freshness.

Freezing

French toast freezes surprisingly well! Arrange the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Store the apples separately in a freezer-safe container. Both will keep for up to 2 months—perfect for quick, cozy breakfasts.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the French toast slices in a toaster oven or 350°F oven until heated through and crisped at the edges. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven or toaster keeps the texture best. Warm the apples in a small saucepan or microwave, then spoon over the toast just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are favorites for their richness, you can use any sturdy, thick-cut bread. Day-old sourdough, Texas toast, or even French bread will all soak up the custard and yield delicious results.

What apples work best for Cinnamon Apple French Toast?

Go for apples that hold their shape during cooking, like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Their tartness and firm texture complement the sweet, spiced flavors perfectly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the whole milk for your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat), and use plant-based butter. The results will still be rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

How can I make the French toast extra fluffy?

Letting the bread soak a little longer helps it absorb more custard, while using thick-cut, slightly stale bread prevents sogginess. Cooking on medium heat ensures the inside cooks through while the outside turns golden and crisp.

Is Cinnamon Apple French Toast suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Prepare the French toast and apples ahead of time, then reheat as needed for quick weekday breakfasts or brunches. You can even freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to transform your breakfast routine, give this Cinnamon Apple French Toast a try. It’s comforting, delightfully spiced, and just a little bit indulgent—the kind of meal that turns an ordinary morning into something special. I hope you love it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful Cinnamon Apple French Toast recipe featuring thick-cut bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, topped with caramelized apples for a sweet and cozy breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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 well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Cook the caramelized apples: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Soak the bread: Dip each slice of thick-cut bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side so that the bread absorbs the custard evenly.
Cook the French toast: Melt the remaining 1 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 they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve the French toast warm, topped generously with the caramelized cinnamon apples. Optionally, drizzle additional maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness.

Notes

For extra decadence, top with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture; it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative if desired, but this affects the richness.
To keep French toast warm before serving, place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American