Description
A delightful and comforting Apple French Toast recipe featuring thick slices of challah or brioche soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and topped with warm caramelized apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, garnished with nuts, powdered sugar, and maple syrup for added sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices thick bread (such as challah or brioche)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
Apple Topping
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
To Serve
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the apple topping: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the peeled, cored, and sliced apples along with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using).
- Cook the apples: Stirring occasionally, cook the apples for 6-8 minutes until they soften and the sugar melts into a caramelized sauce coating the apples.
- Add lemon juice and nuts: Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and, if desired, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Heat skillet for French toast: In a separate large skillet or griddle, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Dip bread in egg mixture: One slice at a time, dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but without soaking excessively to avoid sogginess.
- Cook French toast: Place the dipped bread on the heated skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed and repeat with remaining bread slices.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the cooked French toast slices on serving plates and spoon the warm apple topping generously over each slice.
- Serve: Optionally dust with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup over the French toast for extra sweetness. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use thick slices of bread like challah or brioche for a rich, fluffy texture.
- Peeling and coring apples helps them cook evenly and softens well.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your preference for spiciness.
- Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch but are optional for nut allergies.
- Serve immediately to keep the French toast crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar enhance sweetness but can be omitted for lower sugar intake.
