Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Bread: Thick slices are preferred to absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.

Eggs: These provide the base for the custard mixture that coats the bread.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making the French toast rich and moist.

Ground cinnamon: Infuses the dish with a warm, spicy flavor.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic note to the French toast.

Apple: Peeled and thinly sliced, these are sautéed to create a delicious topping.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast and sautéing the apples, adding richness and flavor.

To achieve a perfectly golden and crispy French toast, make sure to use thick slices of bread that can absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Additionally, when sautéing the apples, cook them over medium heat to ensure they become tender without burning.

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

• bread - Substitute with challah: Challah's soft texture and slight sweetness enhance the flavor of French toast.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg; this is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in French toast.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture and is a good dairy-free substitute.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon and adds a warm, spiced flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty, sweet flavor that complements the dish.

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

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

• Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.
• Place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours or until the slices are firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This method helps prevent the slices from sticking together and makes it easier to grab individual portions.
• Label the bag or container with the date. French toast can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• For reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen French toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the French toast in a toaster or toaster oven. This method is quicker and will also help maintain the crispy texture.
• Store any leftover sautéed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• To reheat the sautéed apples, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave them in a microwave-safe dish for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• When ready to serve, top the reheated French toast with the warm sautéed apples and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, if desired.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For a slightly crispy texture, remove the foil during the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

• Microwave: Place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't become rubbery. Add a few extra seconds if needed.

• Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or cooking spray to the skillet. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Toaster Oven: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices directly on the toaster oven rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain a crispy exterior.

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give you a nice, crispy texture.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the egg mixture smoothly.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the French toast and sauté the apple slices.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices in the skillet to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Knife: Used to peel and thinly slice the apple.

• Cutting board: A surface on which to safely peel and slice the apple.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk.

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

• Plate: Used to serve the French toast topped with sautéed apples.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Slice the apple and mix the egg mixture the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a large skillet: Cooking multiple bread slices at once speeds up the process.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter melts quickly and the bread cooks evenly by preheating the skillet.

Batch cook: Make extra French toast and store in the fridge for quick reheating.

Multitask: While the French toast cooks, sauté the apples in a separate pan to save time.