Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.

Eggs: They help bind everything together and give the french toast its fluffy texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture.

Cinnamon: Gives the dish its warm, spicy flavor.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant note that complements the cinnamon.

Apple: Peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, the apple cooks down to a tender topping.

Butter: Used for cooking, it adds flavor and helps create a golden crust.

One of the most important steps in this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is dipping the bread into the egg mixture so that it’s coated just right. Here’s how to do it without making a mess or ending up with soggy toast:

1. Hold the bread slice by the edges so your fingers don’t get too wet.
2. Dip one side of the bread into the egg mixture and let it soak for about 5 seconds. You want it to absorb some of the liquid but not be dripping.
3. Flip it over and dip the other side for another 5 seconds.
4. Let any extra egg drip off before putting the slice in the skillet.

Doing this step carefully helps the bread soak up just enough of the egg mixture so your french toast cooks up golden and fluffy instead of soggy or falling apart. If you rush and dunk the bread too long, it gets too soft and can tear when you flip it in the pan.

When I first tried this recipe, I dipped the bread too quickly and didn’t let it soak enough. The french toast turned out dry and not as tasty. After I slowed down and gave the slices a little time in the mixture, the toast was so much better—soft inside with a nice crust outside.

A little trick I like is to use slightly stale bread because it holds the egg mixture better without falling apart. Fresh bread can get too mushy, but if you don’t have stale bread, just toast the slices lightly before dipping. That way, your french toast will come out perfect every time!

• stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent alternative for French toast.

• stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a similar texture and sweetness, perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that still provides a creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free alternative that adds a slightly sweet flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cinnamon.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

• apple - Substitute with pear: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• apple - Substitute with banana: Bananas provide a different but delicious flavor and texture.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a plant-based alternative that works well for cooking.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Place the cooled French toast slices in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Lay the French toast slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the French toast in a toaster, oven, or skillet. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
• Store the cooked apple slices separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• If freezing the apple slices, spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date.
• Reheat the apple slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or drizzle maple syrup over the reheated French toast and apple slices before serving.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispy texture of the toast.

• Microwave Method: Place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is quick but may make the toast slightly soggy.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil. Place the French toast in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through. This method helps to restore some of the original crispiness.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on the toaster oven rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This method is a good balance between convenience and maintaining texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is excellent for retaining the crispiness of the toast.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the egg mixture to ensure even coating on the bread.

• Skillet: Used to cook the French toast and the apple slices, ensuring even heat distribution.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the bread slices to achieve a golden brown finish on both sides.

• Knife: Necessary for peeling, coring, and thinly slicing the apple.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for preparing the apple slices.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cinnamon and vanilla extract precisely.

• Plate: For serving the French toast topped with the cooked apple slices.

Use pre-sliced bread: Opt for pre-sliced bread to save time on cutting and ensure even cooking.

Prep apples in advance: Peel, core, and slice the apples the night before to streamline your morning routine.

Mix egg batter ahead: Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a large skillet: Cook multiple bread slices at once to reduce overall cooking time.

Microwave apples: Soften the apple slices in the microwave for a minute before adding them to the skillet.