Warm spiced cooked apples atop thick slices of French brioche makes the perfect Apple French Toast winter breakfast. I love to treat myself to a little breakfast indulgence on the weekends and french toast is one of them. Little prep work and lots of flavor for mouthfuls of baked apples, cozy spices, and sweet bread in every bite.
Ingredients You'll Need
Fresh Apples
Apple french toast wouldn't be amazing without quality fresh apples! Which is why, I partnered with Starr Ranch Growers, a group of multi-generational farming families who raise premium, wholesome conventional and organic fruit. I’m so excited to showcase their sweet and delightfully tart JUICI apple. The JUICI apple is a versatile vibrant red variety with a thinner skin, great crunch, and long shelf life. All wins for an apple that can be used in a multitude of recipes.
Supporting farmers who give back to the community, use sustainable farming practices, and deliver consistent quality products is why I love Starr Ranch Growers. Their JUICI apples come lovingly packaged with each piece of fruit nestled in protective padding. You can rest assured the apples you order will come in fresh pristine condition.
The best part is the skin doesn't need to be peeled for this recipe. Yep, it softens nicely in the skillet and has a wonderful flavor. JUICI apples absorb all the brown sugar, butter, and spices for an incredible toast topping. You almost don't even need the maple syrup!
French Brioche
Preferring a thick pillowy bread I opted for a loaf of french brioche. Now, you can use any bread you like but I promise brioche is the best bread for french toast. Its sturdy for holding fruit toppings, plus rich in butter and eggs for an incredible crumb texture.
You can find brioche at most grocery stores or local bakeries. If you're feeling adventurous try my recipe for Brioche Nanterre. It may take a little time to make, but so worth it!
Brown Sugar and Spices
Dark brown sugar has a lovely molasses flavor, blending nicely with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The syrup made with the apples poured over your toast is one incredible topping.
How to Make French Toast
Prepare the spiced apple topping first. Cut two apples in half and remove the stem and core. Then cut the halves into ½ inch slices. A chunky slice is great since the apples will shrink as they cook. Melt the butter and brown sugar in a large saucepan, with spices, then add your apples. Simmer the apples til softened and set aside.
Make the batter for dipping your bread. Whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices in a medium bowl. Then transfer to a large shallow dish for dipping the bread slices. You can use a pie plate or cake pan for dipping.
Batter and cook the brioche toast. Melt butter over medium low heat in a large skillet. Take one piece of bread and dip both sides into the batter. Cook the bread 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to serving plate. Repeat with remaining bread.
Assemble the apple french toast. Stack 2-3 slices of cooked bread on each serving plate, top with warm apples and syrup. Add additional maple syrup if desired.
Tips for Success
- Apples can be made one day in advance and refrigerated in an air tight container. Simply reheat in a skillet on the stove before serving.
- Use thick 1 inch slices of bread. Thicker slices are sturdier and won't get too soggy.
- French toast is best enjoyed right away, sorry leftover wet bread just isn't good.
This Recipe is Sponsored by Starr Ranch Growers and JUICI Apples. All thoughts and text are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that help make Two Cups Flour possible.
Apple French Toast
Ingredients
Apple Topping
- 2 JUICI Apples, cored and sliced
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
French Toast
- 1 Brioche Bread Loaf , cut into 8 thick slices
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 4 larg eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Apple Topping
- Cut two apples in half and remove the stem and core. Then cut the halves into ½ inch slices.
- Place the butter and brown sugar in a large saucepan, and cook on medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is liquid. Stir in the spices, then add your apples. Use a rubber spatula to stir and flip apple slices carefully to coat and cook. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until mostly softened and set aside. (about 7-8 minutes)
French Toast
- Stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
- Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla then whisk to combine.
- Transfer batter to a large shallow bowl for dipping.
- Using a medium sized skillet, melt 2 tablespoon if butter on medium heat.
- Dip both sides of a bread slice in the batter. Place in the hot skillet and cook 1-2 minutes in both sides until golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices. Add the final 2 tablespoons of butter halfway between cooking the slices to keep skillet buttered.
- Place slices on serving dishes, stacking as many slices as you want to serve. Then top with warm apples and drizzle with the apple syrup.
- Top with a dusting of powdered sugar and/or maple syrup if you like.
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