The Best Ever Caramel Apple Pie French Toast (Fall Comfort Food!)
There is nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon and apples simmering on the stove to make a house feel instantly cozy. I first made this Caramel Apple Pie French Toast on a rainy Saturday morning last October, trying to recreate the feeling of my favorite holiday dessert in an easy breakfast form.
It was an instant, resounding success! My family devoured the entire batch, declaring it the ultimate comforting start to the weekend. It has since become our go-to easy breakfast when we need serious comfort food.
This recipe transforms simple French toast into a decadent, fully-loaded apple pie experience, complete with gooey homemade caramel sauce. If you want a tested, foolproof, and completely viral-worthy brunch centerpiece, look no further!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ This recipe is the perfect blend of dessert and breakfast!
- Quick Apple Filling: The spiced apple topping comes together in under 15 minutes while the French toast cooks.
- Pantry Staples: Uses standard ingredients you likely already have on hand, plus a loaf of thick bread.
- Crowd Pleaser: It looks incredibly impressive, making it ideal for hosting brunch or holiday mornings.
- Perfect Texture: We use thick bread to ensure the toast remains crispy on the outside and custardy inside.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! We rely heavily on high-quality brioche or challah bread for the best results. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements on the egg mixture and the delicious caramel apple topping.
Expert Tips for Perfect French Toast
💡 Follow these simple tricks to ensure your French toast is never soggy!
- Use Thick Bread: Brioche, Challah, or Texas Toast cut at least 1-inch thick are best. This prevents the bread from disintegrating when soaked.
- The Quick Dip Rule: Dip the bread quickly—only 10-15 seconds per side. We want the outside coated and the center slightly firm, not mushy.
- Use Butter AND Oil: Cooking the French toast in a mixture of butter and a neutral oil (like canola) prevents the butter from burning while still providing that essential richness.
- Keep Warm: If cooking large batches, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place the finished pieces on a wire rack on a baking sheet to keep them crisp and warm.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is highly customizable based on dietary needs or preference. Feel free to experiment!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute standard bread with a sturdy, thick-cut gluten-free loaf. Make sure to adjust the dipping time if the GF bread is very porous.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with a flax egg mixture or a pre-made vegan egg replacer, and use a plant-based milk (like oat milk). Use vegan butter for frying.
- Spice Swap: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves.
- Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk or oat milk in the custard mixture.
Storage & Freezing
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they store surprisingly well.
Storage: Store cooked French toast slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the caramel apple topping separately.
Reheating: For the crispiest result, reheat the French toast in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes. Microwave reheating works, but the texture will be softer.
Freezing: Flash freeze individual cooked French toast slices on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or toaster.
FAQ
What is the best type of bread for French toast?
Thick-cut, slightly day-old brioche or challah is the absolute winner. Their high fat and yeast content allows them to absorb the custard without becoming overly saturated.
Can I make the apple topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cooked apple filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Do I have to use homemade caramel sauce?
No, you can definitely use high-quality store-bought caramel sauce! However, making a simple caramel takes just 10 minutes and truly elevates the flavor of this dish.
Enjoy This Fall Favorite!
Whether you serve this for Sunday brunch or as a surprising dessert, this Caramel Apple Pie French Toast is guaranteed to earn rave reviews. Don’t forget to drizzle extra caramel right before serving!
If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Pin this recipe now so you can make it all season long.
Best Ever Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf Brioche or Challah bread (cut into 6 thick slices)
- 4 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk or Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 large Apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 3 Tbsp Butter (divided)
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Apple cider or water
- 1/2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of Salt
- Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought), for serving
Instructions
- Step 1 Prepare the Apple Topping: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, apple cider, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 2 Make the Custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk/cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 3 Dip the Bread: Quickly dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated, but do not let the bread soak (about 10-15 seconds per side).
- Step 4 Cook the French Toast: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter (and a splash of oil, if desired) on a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot skillet.
- Step 5 Sear and Flip: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges. The center should be warm and set.
- Step 6 Assemble and Serve: Stack the French toast slices on plates. Spoon a generous amount of warm Caramel Apple Topping over the top. Finish with a heavy drizzle of caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar (optional).
