This Apple-Caramel French Toast is the ultimate cozy breakfast, featuring thick slices of golden-brown French toast topped with warm, caramelized apples and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfect for fall mornings, brunch gatherings, or a special weekend treat, this dish is pure comfort on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm & Comforting – The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and caramel sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Easy to Make – Ready in just 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Perfect for Fall & Winter – A great way to enjoy seasonal apples in a sweet and satisfying dish.
Customizable – Add nuts, whipped cream, or extra toppings for a decadent twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the French Toast:

4 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter (for frying)

For the Caramelized Apples:

2 apples, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For Topping:

1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)

Directions

Prepare the French Toast:

Make the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.

Cook the French Toast:

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
Cook each slice for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Transfer to a plate and keep warm while preparing the apples.

Caramelize the Apples:

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized.

Assemble & Serve:

Stack the French toast, top with warm caramelized apples, and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Serve immediately with extra caramel on the side.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Variations

Pecan Crunch – Add toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.
Whipped Cream Topping – Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Maple-Caramel Twist – Mix caramel sauce with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Version – Add 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal twist.
Savory-Sweet Option – Serve with crispy bacon for a balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked French toast for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best for a balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I make this with store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works great, or you can make homemade caramel.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Use whole grain bread, coconut sugar, and dairy-free milk for a lighter version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the caramelized apples in advance and reheat before serving.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Top with extra caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Can I air-fry the French toast?

Yes! Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I substitute for caramel sauce?

Use maple syrup, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler topping.

How do I prevent soggy French toast?

Use day-old bread and avoid over-soaking in the egg mixture.

Can I use a dairy-free alternative?

Yes! Use almond, oat, or coconut milk, and replace butter with dairy-free options.

Can I add extra protein to this recipe?

Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the egg mixture for added protein.

Conclusion

This Apple-Caramel French Toast is a decadent and comforting breakfast, perfect for cozy mornings. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or a weekend treat, the combination of caramelized apples, warm spices, and rich caramel drizzle is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a taste of fall on your plate!

Apple-Caramel French Toast