There’s something about a crisp fall morning that feels almost enchanted. The air carries that gentle chill that encourages you to linger under the covers just a little longer, yet the promise of something warm and fragrant in the kitchen pulls you out of bed. On mornings like these, the smell of apples slowly caramelising in butter, mingled with the spice of cinnamon and the sweetness of brown sugar, becomes a kind of seasonal invitation. That’s exactly how Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe was born in my home—a dish so rich in warmth and comfort it’s now a beloved autumn ritual.
It started one Saturday when I had a basket of apples too soft for snacking but too beautiful to waste. With a few slices of thick brioche bread left over and a craving for something cozy, this special French toast took shape. As the apples sizzled and softened in their buttery glaze, the scent filled the kitchen, and every corner of the house suddenly felt like fall personified. The first bite—crisp at the edges, soft inside, with tender, caramelised apples atop—became an instant favorite for family brunches.
What makes this Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe so magical is how effortlessly it captures the essence of the season. It’s more than breakfast; it’s a plateful of fall memories. Every bite ties together the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of golden apples, and the richness of buttery toast. Whether you’re serving it on a lazy Sunday morning or sharing a stack with loved ones around the table, this recipe embodies everything comforting about autumn mornings.
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Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This indulgent brunch recipe features golden French toast topped with tender caramelised apples and warm cinnamon. It’s an easy, cozy dish perfect for autumn mornings or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the caramelised apples by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the apple slices and brown sugar, stirring to coat evenly.
3. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until apples are tender and glossy.
4. Stir in a few drops of lemon juice if the mixture is too sweet, then remove from heat and keep warm.
5. In a bowl whisk together eggs, milk, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt until frothy.
6. Pour the custard into a shallow dish and soak each slice of bread for 20 to 30 seconds per side.
7. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook soaked bread until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
8. Repeat with remaining slices, adding butter as needed and keeping cooked slices warm in a low oven.
9. Stack two slices on each plate, spoon caramelised apples on top, and drizzle with maple syrup.
10. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: brunch
- Method: pan-frying
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices with apples
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 160
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: french toast, caramelised apples, cinnamon french toast, fall brunch, apple cinnamon, caramel french toast, brunch recipe, autumn breakfast
Why This Recipe is a Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe
This Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe truly stands out because it’s easy, cozy, and indulgent without being complicated. The ingredients are simple, and the method is forgiving—even for first-time brunch cooks. Each slice turns golden on the outside yet remains soft and custard-like inside. The caramelised apples add the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, transforming ordinary French toast into a radiant autumn centerpiece.
In the next section, we’ll walk through everything you need—from the best bread to the right cooking tools—to make this fall favorite come alive in your own kitchen.
Gathering What You Need
Ingredients for Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Below is a complete list of ingredients needed to create your Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe. Each component adds its own layer of warmth and comfort to the final dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Thick-cut brioche or challah bread | 8 slices | Stale or day-old bread works best for soaking |
| Large eggs | 4 | Room temperature preferred |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | Substitute with almond, oat, or soy milk for non-dairy version |
| Cinnamon | 1 ½ tsp | Add nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Optional but adds depth of flavor |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tbsp | Can substitute with coconut sugar |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp (plus more for pan) | For richness and caramelising |
| Apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Gala) | 3 medium, thinly sliced | Peel if preferred |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | Creates caramel sauce with butter for apples |
| Maple syrup | To taste | Optional topping for serving |
| Powdered sugar | For dusting | Optional garnish |
| Chopped pecans or walnuts | Optional | Add crunch and color |
Tip: The secret to perfect Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe lies in the bread. Choose brioche or challah for soft, pillowy slices that absorb just enough custard without falling apart. Let it sit uncovered for a few hours—or lightly toast it before you begin—to help it soak up the egg mixture beautifully.
Tools and Prep Tips Before You Start
Before diving into the cooking, gather a few essential kitchen tools to make your fall brunch flow smoothly.
- A nonstick skillet or griddle for even cooking
- A medium saucepan for caramelising apples
- Mixing bowls for the custard
- A whisk for beating eggs evenly
- A spatula for flipping the French toast
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
Prep Tips:
- Set aside about 15 minutes of prep time before cooking.
- Peel and thinly slice apples evenly to ensure they caramelise perfectly.
- When cooking the apples, keep the heat medium—just enough to soften them without burning the sugars.
- If you’re cooking for a crowd, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) so you can keep finished slices warm as you make the rest.
Once your ingredients and tools are ready, you’re set to create those golden, aromatic layers that make this Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe a timeless fall favorite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
How to Make Caramelised Apples
- Melt the butter: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles slightly for a smooth caramel base.
- Add apples and sugar: Stir in the sliced apples and ¼ cup of brown sugar. Cook, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves into a glossy coating.
- Add cinnamon and extras: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Optionally add nutmeg or vanilla extract for depth.
- Simmer until tender: Cook 6–8 minutes or until apples are golden and fork-tender with a thick caramel glaze.
- Balance flavor: Add a few drops of lemon juice if sweetness is too strong, then keep warm under foil.
Preparing and Cooking the French Toast
- Make the custard: Whisk 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt until frothy.
- Soak the bread: Dip each brioche slice 20–30 seconds per side until coated but not soggy.
- Cook to golden perfection: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook slices 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven if needed.
- Assemble and serve: Stack slices, spoon on caramelised apples, drizzle syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and top with nuts.
Serving Tip: Pair with freshly brewed coffee, spiced chai, or apple cider to enhance the cozy fall flavors.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 22 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
This Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe delivers all the sensory elements of fall—aroma, color, and comfort—in one irresistible dish.
Serving, FAQs, and Conclusion
Serving Suggestions and Make-Ahead Tips
Serve your Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe warm right after cooking for crisp edges and soft centers. Keep slices warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven covered lightly with foil until ready to serve.
For advance prep, caramelise apples a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving. Leftover toast keeps two days refrigerated; reheat 8–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or briefly in a toaster oven.
Top with pecans, walnuts, or raisins. Add a dollop of buttercream or whipped mascarpone for richness. Pair with coffee, spiced chai, hot cider, or a fresh fruit salad for balance.
FAQs and Conclusion
- Can I make this Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast ahead of time? Yes, prepare apples in advance and reheat. Toast slices can be par-cooked and finished later.
- What’s the best bread type for this recipe? Brioche or challah—they soak the custard perfectly yet stay soft.
- Can I use non-dairy milk or gluten-free bread? Absolutely. Oat or almond milk works great; opt for thick, slightly dry gluten-free slices.
- How do I store leftovers and reheat them properly? Refrigerate in an airtight container up to two days and reheat in a warm oven or toaster oven.
- Can this recipe be made in batches for a brunch party? Yes—scale ingredients and use a large griddle, keeping slices warm as you go.
Conclusion: This Caramelised Apple Cinnamon French Toast | Perfect Fall Brunch Recipe captures all the coziness of autumn mornings in each bite. With buttery toast, cinnamon-scented apples, and a drizzle of sweetness, it’s a dish that embodies comfort and togetherness. Make it this weekend, share it with loved ones, and savor the warmth it brings to every fall brunch.
