If you’re searching for pure comfort on a plate, this Cinnamon Apple French Toast will win your heart in just one bite. Imagine golden, crispy slices of bread soaked in a spiced custard, crowned with caramelized apple slices that melt into sweet, cozy bliss. The recipe transforms simple staples into an autumnal breakfast classic, rich with cinnamon and warmth, yet bright with a hint of lemon. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a special brunch, you’ll fall in love with the way every bite tastes like a gentle hug from the inside out.

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, everyday items to build layers of flavor, texture, and color for this unforgettable Cinnamon Apple French Toast. Each ingredient plays a key role, so let’s give them all a moment in the spotlight!

Thick bread (brioche or challah): Sturdy slices soak up custard beautifully, lending a soft middle and crisp edges.
Large eggs: Eggs create the creamy custard that gives the French toast its rich, tender interior.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the bread is soft but never soggy.
Vanilla extract: Fragrant vanilla brings out the best in both cinnamon and apples.
Ground cinnamon: Essential for warmth and classic spiced flavor throughout the dish.
Unsalted butter: For perfectly golden, crisped French toast and luscious apples.
Large apple: Crisp and tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
Brown sugar: Melts into the apples, creating a caramel-like sauce as they cook.
Ground cinnamon (for apples): Doubles down on the cozy spice in every layer.
Lemon juice: Lifts the apple flavor and keeps the slices bright and fresh.
Maple syrup and powdered sugar (optional): For serving, offering extra sweetness and a classic finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl, add the milk, vanilla extract, and a generous scatter of ground cinnamon. Whisk until everything is beautifully combined and the mixture looks silky. This is your flavorful foundation—the better you blend, the richer each bite of your Cinnamon Apple French Toast will taste!

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Lay each slice of thick bread in the eggy mixture, letting it soak up all that spiced goodness for about 20–30 seconds per side. Too quick and your toast will miss out on flavor; too long and it might fall apart. Aim for the sweet spot, so the inside gets creamy but the outside crisps up just right.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Pop a tablespoon of butter into a medium skillet and melt it over medium heat. Add your soaked bread slices and let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side. Flip when they’re beautifully golden. You’re looking for a crisp exterior that gives gently when pressed with a spatula.

Step 4: Caramelize the Apples

Meanwhile, in a separate pan, combine your thinly sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir as they cook over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes—soon, your kitchen will smell incredible! The apples should soften yet keep their shape, gleaming with a glossy, caramel-like sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Stack the French toast warm on plates, then pile the caramelized apples generously on top. If you love a little flourish, finish with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Grab a fork and get ready to experience Cinnamon Apple French Toast at its cozy, sweet best!

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple French Toast

Garnishes

Extra touches can make this breakfast feel like a café treat. I love a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar and a light drizzle of pure maple syrup, but don’t stop there—add a dollop of Greek yogurt or freshly whipped cream for indulgence, or a handful of toasted nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a bowl of fresh berries or sliced bananas to balance the sweetness. For brunch, serve your Cinnamon Apple French Toast alongside crispy bacon or smoky breakfast sausage, which contrast beautifully with the warm apples and spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer the French toast and apples in a stack or cut the toast into strips for a French toast “dipper” plate (great for little hands). Hosting guests? Assemble everything in a baking dish, warm, and serve like a breakfast bread pudding—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Apple French Toast keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Place slices and apples in separate airtight containers so everything stays fresh and textures remain distinct. Reheat just before serving for best results.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked French toast slices—simply cool completely, then wrap each slice individually and pop them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. The apple topping is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the freezer in a separate container if needed.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, toast the French toast slices in a skillet or toaster oven until heated through and slightly crisped. Warm the apple topping gently in a pan or microwave before spooning over your toast. Breakfast can be ready in minutes, even on your busiest mornings!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast, Brunch

Absolutely! While brioche and challah deliver the dreamiest texture for Cinnamon Apple French Toast, thick slices of French bread or country-style sourdough work well, too. Just make sure your bread is slightly stale for top-notch soak and structure.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and use dairy-free butter. The result will be just as delightfully fluffy and flavorful—nobody will know the difference.

What kind of apples work best?

Crisp and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are ideal. They hold their shape during cooking and won’t turn mushy, balancing the sweetness of the French toast perfectly.

Can I prepare the apple topping ahead of time?

Definitely! Make the apple topping a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Warm gently before serving to revive the caramelized flavors and aromas when topping your Cinnamon Apple French Toast.

How do I keep French toast from getting soggy?

Use day-old or slightly stale bread, and don’t let it soak too long in the custard—just enough for it to absorb but still keep its shape. Cooking the slices over medium heat helps create that irresistible crisp exterior while the inside stays tender.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to make—and eat—this Cinnamon Apple French Toast! It’s cozy, comforting, and surprisingly simple to pull off at home. Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and treat yourself (and someone you love) to a plate of morning magic.

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delightful Cinnamon Apple French Toast. Thick slices of brioche or challah bread are soaked in a sweet custard, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with caramelized cinnamon apples. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

4 slices thick bread (brioche or challah preferred)

Custard:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Cooking:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Cinnamon Apples:

1 large apple (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Serving:

Maple syrup and powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Dip each bread slice into the mixture, coating both sides.

Cook French Toast: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare Cinnamon Apples: In a separate pan, cook apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5–6 minutes until softened and caramelized.
Serve: Top French toast with cinnamon apples. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar.