Caramel Apple French Toast (Printer-Friendly Version)

Thick brioche soaked in cinnamon custard, topped with buttery caramelized Honeycrisp apples and warm spices.

# What You'll Need:

→ French Toast

01 - 8 thick-cut slices brioche loaf
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 1/3 cups whole milk
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
07 - Pinch of salt
08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Caramel Apple Topping

09 - 3 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, sliced
10 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 1/3 cup brown sugar
12 - 3 tablespoons heavy cream
13 - 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 - Pinch of ground nutmeg
15 - Pinch of salt

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Whisk eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl until smooth and uniform.
02 - Arrange brioche slices in a shallow dish and pour custard over them, allowing each side to absorb for 2 minutes without oversoaking.
03 - Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook soaked brioche slices 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Keep cooked slices warm on a wire rack or in a low oven.
04 - In a clean skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté apple slices 4–5 minutes until softening. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; cook 3–4 minutes until tender and caramelized. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 30 seconds until caramel sauce forms.
05 - Plate warm French toast and spoon caramel apple topping over each slice. Serve immediately for optimal texture.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Use day-old brioche for better custard absorption and crisp exterior.
02 - Maintain medium heat to achieve deep golden caramelization without burning.
03 - Keep cooked French toast warm on a wire rack in a low oven to preserve crispness.
04 - Deglaze apple skillet with water or apple cider after cooking to create an enriched sauce.