Stuffed apple pie French toast is a warm, delicious treat that combines soft bread with sweet apple filling and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a breakfast dream come true!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love biting into fluffy French toast filled with yummy apples? I like to top mine with whipped cream for an extra special touch. You’ll be hooked! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, making them perfect for cooking. If they’re not available, you can use Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for added sweetness. I prefer a mix for a balanced flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal as it lets you control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegan butter. I often use a bit of both for extra flavor!
Bread: Thick slices of brioche or challah are best for soaking up the egg mixture. If you’re looking for a whole grain option, try using Texas toast or even a sturdy sourdough.
Eggs & Milk: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can replace them with a mix of flaxseed meal and water, or use a commercial egg replacement. For dairy-free milk, almond or oat milk work great!
How Can I Get the Perfectly Caramelized Apples?
Caramelizing apples adds depth to your French toast. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples and gently stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and buttery. Be patient; that’s when the magic happens!
- Remember to add the vanilla extract after cooking to preserve its flavor.
This method brings out the sweetness of the apples and enhances the overall taste of your French toast. Enjoy cooking!
Stuffed Apple Pie French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the French Toast:
- 6 thick slices of bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for egg mixture)
- Butter or oil for cooking
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Optional: strawberries or other fresh fruit for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. Altogether, expect to spend about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples along with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. This makes the house smell fantastic! Stir in the vanilla extract, mix well, and then remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly while you prep the rest.
2. Mix the Egg Custard:
In a shallow dish that’s large enough to dip your bread slices, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, and the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined. This is the creamy mixture that will coat your bread.
3. Assemble the French Toast Sandwiches:
Take one slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the apple filling on one side. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Repeat this process for the remaining slices, creating as many sandwiches as you can with your filling.
4. Cook the Stuffed French Toast:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil. Now, dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for just a moment on each side, but be careful not to let it get too soggy!
5. Fry to Perfection:
Place the soaked sandwich onto the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. You may need to check the heat to prevent them from burning. Adjust as necessary!
6. Dust and Serve:
Once crispy and golden, transfer your French toast sandwiches to a serving plate. Dust them generously with powdered sugar and, if you’d like, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top. They’re ready to be served!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your stuffed apple pie French toast warm, alongside syrup and garnished with fresh fruit like strawberries, if desired. Dig in and enjoy this delightful breakfast treat that brings the flavors of apple pie to the morning table!
Enjoy the delightful combination of tender French toast stuffed with spiced apple filling — a comforting breakfast reminiscent of a warm apple pie!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah provides a rich flavor and soft texture, you can use any thick bread you prefer, such as Texas toast, sourdough, or even whole grain varieties. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the fillings!
Can I Make the Apple Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling a day in advance! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before assembling the stuffed French toast to bring back that delicious, cozy flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover stuffed French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through. This way, you can enjoy the taste of apple pie French toast even on busy mornings!
Can I Add Other Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding cream cheese for a richer filling or mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can even throw in some dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture!
