Nothing says “cozy weekend morning” like the scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen. My apple cinnamon French toast has become our family’s go-to brunch staple – the kind of dish that makes sleepy teenagers actually get out of bed! What I love most? It comes together in under 30 minutes, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The secret’s in that caramelized apple topping that gets all sticky-sweet on the skillet – trust me, you’ll want to make extra. I first perfected this recipe when my sister visited last fall, and now she won’t stop texting me for it whenever apple season rolls around. Want a breakfast that’s faster than traditional pancakes but just as satisfying? You’ve found it.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This apple cinnamon French toast is basically everything you want in a breakfast – quick, comforting, and packed with those cozy fall flavors that make you want to curl up in your favorite sweater. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:
- 25 minutes flat – from fridge to plate! Perfect for those mornings when you’re half-asleep but still want something special.
- Five simple steps that even my 10-year-old nephew can handle (and trust me, that’s saying something).
- That warm cinnamon-apple hug – it’s like autumn in every bite, but way better than any pumpkin spice latte.
- Total crowd-pleaser – kids go crazy for the sweet topping, adults love the sophisticated flavors, and everyone gets seconds.
Seriously, once you try this version, regular French toast will just seem… sad. The caramelized apples take it to a whole new level!
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! The magic of this apple cinnamon French toast comes down to two simple parts – the custardy toast itself and that glorious apple topping. I’ve made this enough times to know exactly what works (and what doesn’t). Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the French Toast
- 4 slices thick-cut bread – I’m partial to brioche or challah, but day-old sourdough works wonders too. Just don’t use that flimsy sandwich bread – it’ll turn to mush!
- 2 large eggs – room temperature blends smoother, but I won’t judge if you forget to take them out early.
- ½ cup milk – whole milk gives the richest texture, but I’ve used 2% in a pinch and it’s still delicious.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – the good stuff, please! That imitation vanilla just doesn’t hit the same.
- ½ tsp cinnamon – because obviously! I usually add an extra pinch because I can’t help myself.
For the Apple Topping
- 1 large apple, peeled and thinly sliced – Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my go-tos for that perfect sweet-tart balance.
- 1 tbsp butter – salted or unsalted both work, but salted gives a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp packed brown sugar – dark brown sugar adds deeper flavor, but light brown works too.
- ½ tsp cinnamon – yes, more cinnamon! This is the star of the show, after all.
A quick note about prep: I always slice my apples right before cooking so they don’t brown. And don’t skimp on peeling them – those skins get weirdly chewy when cooked. Trust me on this one!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ve made this apple cinnamon French toast so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step carefully. The key is taking it slow and savoring the process – that’s when the magic happens.
- Whisk up that dreamy egg mixture – Grab your favorite mixing bowl (mine’s that chipped yellow one from my grandma) and beat together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Don’t go all crazy with the whisk – just until everything’s nicely combined and you see little bubbles forming on top. That’s how you know it’s perfect.
- Dip like you mean it – Here’s where thick bread really shines! Lay each slice in the bowl and let it soak for about 15 seconds per side. You want it thoroughly coated but not falling apart – think golden sponge, not sad mush. I like to use tongs for this part to keep my fingers clean.
- Cook to golden perfection – Heat your skillet over medium (not too hot, or you’ll burn the sugar!) and cook the soaked bread for about 3-4 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges get slightly crisp and the center springs back when lightly pressed. Flip carefully with a thin spatula – they’re delicate at this stage!
- Create that magical apple topping – Don’t even wash the skillet! Just melt the butter in those same delicious browned bits, toss in your apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally while cooking for about 5 minutes until the apples soften and the sauce gets all syrupy. The smell at this point is downright heavenly.
- Bring it all together – Stack your golden French toast high and spoon that warm apple goodness right on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy (like I usually am), a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar takes it over the top. Serve immediately – this one doesn’t wait!
Want to make the ultimate lazy Sunday breakfast? Try this with my overnight cinnamon roll French toast bake for a full-on brunch extravaganza. Your family will think you hired a personal chef!
Pro Tip for Perfect Apple Cinnamon French Toast
After testing dozens of batches, here’s my can’t-fail secret: slightly stale bread works best! If your loaf is too fresh, leave slices out overnight or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This helps them soak up all that custardy goodness without disintegrating. And don’t press down on the toast while cooking – let those air pockets do their thing for maximum fluffiness!
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Variations
I love playing with this apple cinnamon French toast recipe – it’s like having a cozy blank canvas every Sunday morning! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up when I’m feeling creative (or just trying to use up what’s in my fridge):
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for extra warmth. I call this my “holiday special” version!
- Change your fruit – Thinly sliced pears work beautifully instead of apples when I want something slightly floral. Bosc pears hold their shape perfectly.
- Go nuts – A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts in the apple topping adds the most satisfying crunch. Toast them first for bonus flavor points.
- Indulgent drizzle – When I’m treating myself, I’ll skip the syrup and warm up store-bought caramel sauce for an almost-dessert breakfast. Pure decadence!
The best part? All these variations take less than 5 extra minutes. Sunday brunch just got a whole lot more exciting, didn’t it?
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the fun part – plating up this gorgeous apple cinnamon French toast! I always say presentation is half the enjoyment. Here’s how I love to serve it:
- Go classic – A generous drizzle of warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar makes it picture-perfect. I use a fine-mesh sieve for that bakery-style snow dusting effect.
- Protein power – Crispy bacon or sausage links on the side balance the sweetness beautifully. My kids call this the “breakfast of champions” combo.
- Creamy contrast – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds tangy freshness. Try my Greek yogurt parfait recipe if you want to make it extra special!
Pro tip: Serve immediately while the toast is still crisp and the apples are warm – that contrast in textures is everything. And don’t be shy with the cinnamon sprinkle on top – it makes for the prettiest Instagram shot!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Okay, let’s talk leftovers – because yes, sometimes we actually have some with this apple cinnamon French toast! Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
- Fridge storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I like to separate the toast from the apple topping – just pop them in different containers so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
- Reheating magic: That toaster oven is your best friend here! No microwave (please!) unless you want sad, mushy toast. Crank your toaster oven to 350°F and crisp them up for 3-5 minutes, just until warmed through.
Psst – if your bread does get a little soft, don’t panic! A quick minute under the broiler revives that perfect crunch. The apples reheat beautifully in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen them up again.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast FAQs
After making this apple cinnamon French toast countless times (and fielding all my friends’ questions), here are the answers to everything you might wonder:
Can I use dairy-free milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve had great results with almond milk and oat milk – they work just fine. I actually love coconut milk for an extra creamy version. Just stick to the unsweetened varieties so your toast doesn’t get too sweet.
What’s the best bread for apple cinnamon French toast?
Brioche is my go-to for its buttery richness, but sourdough gives a wonderful tangy contrast to the sweet topping. My secret winner? Day-old challah – the eggy texture absorbs the custard like a dream!
Can I make the apples ahead of time?
I don’t recommend it. Those glorious caramelized apples taste best fresh off the stove when they’re still warm and slightly crisp. They only take 5 minutes to make, so save this step for last. (Though I won’t tell if you sneak a few slices while cooking!)
Nutrition Information
Now, I’ll be honest – we don’t make apple cinnamon French toast because it’s a “health food” (though those apples do count as a fruit serving!). But if you’re curious about what you’re enjoying, here’s the general scoop: this dish gives you a nice balance of protein from the eggs, carbs from the bread, and natural sweetness from the fruit. The nutrition can vary quite a bit depending on the exact bread and milk you use, and whether you go wild with the maple syrup like I usually do.
A little tip from my test kitchen days – if you want to lighten it up slightly, using whole wheat bread and reducing the brown sugar in the topping still delivers amazing flavor. But let’s be real – sometimes you just need that buttery, cinnamon-spiked comfort food magic. As my grandma used to say while serving seconds, “A happy heart is just as important as a healthy body!”
Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bread until golden brown on both sides.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until apples are tender.
- Serve the French toast topped with the apple mixture.