If you’re craving a breakfast that wraps you in warm, cozy flavors and makes your kitchen smell like autumn, then you’ll absolutely love this Apple Butter French Toast Recipe. Thick slices of bread absorb a luscious custard infused with apple butter, cinnamon, and vanilla, creating a dish that’s perfectly tender on the inside with a golden crust outside. Whether you griddle it to crispy perfection or bake it for an easy, hands-off casserole, this recipe is one of those breakfasts you’ll want to make again and again. It’s just the right balance of sweet and comforting without being overwhelming, perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Butter French Toast Recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic each ingredient brings to the plate. Every component, from the creamy eggs to the warm cinnamon, works in harmony to bring both flavor and texture to life. These are staples you might already have in your kitchen, but combined they create something downright delightful.
- Brioche or challah bread (6–8 slices): Thick, fluffy bread soaks up the custard beautifully, giving a soft yet sturdy base.
- Eggs (4): They are the custard’s foundation, binding everything together and adding richness.
- Milk or cream (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps the custard soak deeply into the bread.
- Apple butter (½ cup): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness plus fall-inspired apple flavor.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): This warm spice elevates the flavor, making it cozy and inviting.
- Vanilla (1 tsp): Adds depth and a slight floral note, enhancing the overall taste.
- Butter for cooking: Essential for a golden, flavorful crust when griddling.
How to Make Apple Butter French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together eggs, milk (or cream), apple butter, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl. You want these ingredients fully combined so every bite of bread gets infused with that sweet, spiced apple flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Next, take your thick slices of brioche or challah and dip each one carefully into the custard mixture, ensuring it is fully saturated. This step is key because it allows the bread to absorb all those wonderful flavors and prevents dryness.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
You can either griddle or bake this dish, depending on your preference. For griddling, heat a skillet with butter over medium heat and cook each slice for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp. Or, for a fuss-free approach, layer the soaked bread in a casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly browned.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your Apple Butter French Toast immediately while it’s warm and inviting. You’ll love how the edges crisp up just enough to give contrast to the custardy interior.
How to Serve Apple Butter French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast, or add a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness. A dollop of extra apple butter or a drizzle of maple syrup can really elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with some sautéed apples or fresh fruit to add brightness and balance out the richness. Crispy bacon or sausage are also fantastic accompaniments if you want a savory contrast to the sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch crowd, serve the French toast on a large wooden board with bowls of apple butter, syrup, nuts, and fruit so everyone can customize their plate. You can also cut the slices into bite-sized pieces and serve them skewered for a fun party appetizer or brunch finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The French toast will keep its flavor well but is best reheated to help regain its soft texture.
Freezing
This Apple Butter French Toast Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag to store up to one month. This makes for a perfect quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the toast soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread besides brioche or challah?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their richness and texture, you can also use good-quality sourdough or country bread. Just be sure the slices are thick to hold up well in the custard.
Is apple butter necessary, or can I substitute it?
Apple butter is key for this recipe’s signature flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can try using apple sauce with a bit of extra cinnamon and sugar added. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flax or chia egg mixture and use a plant-based milk and butter alternative. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still tasty.
What is the best way to prevent French toast from getting soggy?
Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps it soak up the custard without falling apart. Cooking on medium heat and not overcrowding the pan also helps create a nice crust to keep it from becoming soggy.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Yes, doubling or even tripling the ingredients works great! If baking as a casserole, just use a larger dish and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the custard sets evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter French Toast Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, delivering comforting flavors with every bite. It’s simple enough to make any day feel special, yet impressive enough to serve when guests arrive. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delightful breakfast can be with a little apple butter magic involved.
Print
Apple Butter French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thick slices of brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy egg custard infused with sweet apple butter, warm cinnamon, and fragrant vanilla. Cooked on a buttered griddle or baked to golden perfection, this Apple Butter French Toast is a comforting fall breakfast or brunch treat that’s both flavorful and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 6–8 slices brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream
- ½ cup apple butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), apple butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread slices: Dip each slice of brioche or challah bread into the custard mixture, making sure each slice is fully soaked but not falling apart.
- Cook on the griddle: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and add butter to coat the surface. Place the soaked bread slices on the griddle and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and cooked through.
- Alternatively, bake as a casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange soaked bread slices in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned on top.
- Serve: Serve the Apple Butter French Toast warm with additional apple butter, syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and sweetness.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, top with toasted pecans or sautéed apples.
- Using leftover or day-old bread helps the slices soak up the custard better without falling apart.
- Adjust cinnamon and vanilla amounts to your taste preference.
- This recipe is perfect for a cozy fall morning or special brunch occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
