Crispy Caramel Apple French Toast Recipe

Cozy Caramel Apple French Toast Recipe for Brunch Bliss

Lazy weekend mornings call for something special, and this decadent caramel apple french toast checks all the comfort food boxes.

Sweet, warm aromas will drift through your kitchen as you prepare this indulgent breakfast treat.

Crisp apples and rich caramel create a magical combination that turns ordinary bread into a masterpiece.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of soft, custardy bread and tender caramelized fruit.

Cinnamon adds a warm, inviting touch that complements the sweet caramel perfectly.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary morning meal that will have everyone rushing to the breakfast table.

Dive into this delicious morning adventure and savor every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 5

Sweet And Spiced In Caramel Apple French Toast Ingredients

For Caramel Apple Topping:
  • Butter: Creamy base that helps caramelize and adds rich, velvety flavor to the apples.
  • Apples: Crisp, seasonal fruit that provides sweet-tart texture and natural juiciness when cooked.
  • Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel flavor with molasses undertones and helps create a glossy coating.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the apple's natural sweetness and adds comforting aroma.
  • Nutmeg: Subtle, earthy spice that complements the cinnamon and adds depth to the topping.
  • Caramel Sauce: Decadent, golden syrup that brings extra sweetness and glossy finish to the apple mixture.
For French Toast Base:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that creates a rich, custardy coating and helps bread become golden and crispy.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy egg mixture for soaking bread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavoring that brings warmth and complexity to the French toast.
  • Cinnamon: Fragrant spice that adds warmth and complements the sweet caramel apple topping.
For Bread and Cooking:
  • Bread: Thick, sturdy slices that absorb the egg mixture and become crispy when cooked.
  • Butter: Provides golden-brown color and rich flavor when cooking French toast.

Tools You Need For Caramel Apple French Toast

  • Large skillet: Perfect for caramelizing apples and cooking French toast with even heat.
  • Shallow dish: Essential for mixing eggs and dipping bread evenly.
  • Whisk: Helps blend eggs, milk, and spices smoothly without lumps.
  • Griddle or non-stick pan: Ensures crispy, golden-brown French toast without sticking.
  • Spatula: Useful for flipping toast and stirring apple mixture gently.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees precise ingredient amounts for best results.

How To Make Caramel Apple French Toast

  • Skillet Magic

In a cozy pan, transform butter, apples, brown sugar, and warm spices into a luscious caramel mixture. Let the ingredients dance together over gentle heat, creating a golden sauce that softens the apples and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Cook until the apples become tender and glossy, then fold in a splash of caramel goodness.

  • Bread Transformation

Create a silky bath for the bread by whisking eggs with milk and aromatic spices. This magical liquid will turn ordinary slices into a decadent breakfast dream.

  • Golden Crispy Perfection

Warm a skillet and welcome each bread slice into a buttery embrace. Gently dip each piece into the egg mixture, letting it soak up all the delicious flavors. Cook until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, flipping once to ensure even crispiness.

  • Delightful Finale

Arrange the French toast on waiting plates and cascade the caramel apple topping over each slice. Let the sauce drip tantalizingly down the sides, creating a breakfast masterpiece that promises pure comfort and joy.

Helpful Ideas For Caramel Apple French Toast

  • Perfect Caramel Apple French Toast Tricks
  • Bread Selection Magic: Choose thick-cut, day-old bread like brioche or challah for maximum absorption and crispier edges. Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
  • Caramelization Secret: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and better texture. Cut apples into uniform slices to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
  • Temperature Control Technique: Use medium-low heat when cooking French toast to prevent burning and achieve golden-brown perfection. Butter should be hot but not smoking for ideal crispiness.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular bread with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour bread or gluten-free sourdough. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly serving.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare caramel apple topping and egg mixture separately a day ahead. Store in refrigerator and assemble just before serving to save morning cooking time.

Ways To Serve Caramel Apple French Toast

  • Cozy Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the French toast slices in a beautiful stack, cascading the caramel apples over the top for a stunning visual presentation.
  • Nutty Crunch Boost: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the caramel apple topping to add a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.
  • Sweet Side Companions: Serve alongside crispy bacon strips or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich, warm flavors of the caramel apple French toast.
  • Breakfast Beverage Pairing: Offer a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or a cold glass of apple cider to enhance the overall morning dining experience.

How To Store Caramel Apple French Toast

  • Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare extra caramel apple topping and French toast on weekends, storing them separately in airtight containers for quick weekday breakfasts.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked French toast and caramel apple topping in separate sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping textures fresh and flavors intact.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual French toast slices in parchment paper, then place in freezer bags. These can be reheated directly in a toaster or oven for up to 2 months.
  • Topping Temperature Tip: Gently reheat caramel apple mixture in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its original silky consistency and prevent burning.
Print
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Crispy Caramel Apple French Toast Recipe

Crispy Caramel Apple French Toast Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade caramel apple French toast delivers a luxurious breakfast experience with layers of rich flavor. Crisp apples and sweet caramel create a memorable morning treat you will savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices bread (brioche or challah, thick)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Apples: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir periodically until apples become tender and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Drizzle caramel sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes, then set aside.
  2. Prepare Custard: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a shallow dish until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Cook French Toast: Heat skillet or griddle, adding butter to prevent sticking. Dip bread slices completely in egg mixture, coating both sides. Place on heated surface and cook until each side turns a rich golden-brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Assemble and Serve: Transfer cooked toast to serving plates. Lavishly top each slice with the caramelized apple mixture. For additional decadence, pour extra caramel sauce over the top. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the flavors to meld and entice.

Notes

  • Slice Apples Precisely: Cut apples uniformly to ensure even caramelization and consistent cooking texture throughout the dish.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium heat when caramelizing apples to prevent burning while developing rich, deep flavors without scorching.
  • Bread Selection Matters: Choose thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah that can absorb custard without falling apart during cooking.
  • Prevent Soggy Edges: Quickly dip bread in egg mixture, avoiding over-soaking which can create mushy French toast with compromised structural integrity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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