Apple Cinnamon

If you crave a cozy breakfast that delivers instant comfort, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast will win you over from the first bite. The warm cinnamon apples melt into a glossy syrup that soaks beautifully into crisp, golden toast—pure fall-inspired indulgence with minimal effort. Whether you’re treating yourself on a slow morning or impressing loved ones, this recipe brings bakery-level flavor to your kitchen in under 20 minutes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy: Ready in minutes with simple pantry staples.
  • Warm, comforting flavors: Soft cinnamon-spiced apples paired with buttery toast feel like a cozy hug.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for brunch, breakfast in bed, or a sweet weekend treat.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both adore the caramel-like syrup.
  • Better than classic French toast: The apple topping adds texture, brightness, and a natural sweetness that elevates the dish.

This recipe stands out because the apples cook into a glossy, maple-like syrup without needing actual maple syrup. The balance between tender fruit and crisp toast creates a deeply satisfying and nostalgic bite every single time.

Ingredients Needed

For the Cinnamon Apples

  • 1 large red apple (or 2 small), sliced into thin wedges
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons water (helps create the syrup)

For the French Toast

  • 4 slices white bread (slightly stale works best; it absorbs without falling apart)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk (any type)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
  • A small pinch of salt

How to Make Apple Cinnamon

Step 1 — Start the Cinnamon Apple Syrup

Place the sugar, butter, and cinnamon into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Let the mixture begin to melt while you prepare the apples.

Step 2 — Prep the Apples

Slice the apple into even 7mm (¼-inch) wedges. Leave the skin on—this helps the slices hold their shape and adds color.

Step 3 — Cook the Apples

Add the sliced apples and water directly to the saucepan, even if the butter hasn’t fully melted yet. Stir gently every minute or so. Let the mixture simmer until the apples become tender and the liquid thickens into a glossy, maple-like syrup. Remove from heat and set aside.
Tip: The syrup should lightly coat a spoon when ready.

Step 4 — Prepare the Egg Mixture

While the apples cook, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and salt in a shallow bowl. This mixture will coat the bread without making it soggy.

Step 5 — Cook the French Toast

Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides quickly—do not soak. Allow excess to drip off.

Place the bread onto the hot skillet and cook for about 1½ minutes per side, until beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 6 — Serve

Transfer the French toast to plates and spoon the warm cinnamon apples over the top, making sure to drizzle all that delicious syrup.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

  • Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style touch.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • Pair with hot coffee, chai, or apple cider.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store leftover apples in an airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Leftover French toast keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge.
  • Reheat toast in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispness; warm the apple topping in the microwave or on the stove.

Helpful Notes

  • Use slightly stale bread—it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to deepen the flavor.
  • Swap apples for pears for a delicious seasonal variation.
  • If your syrup thickens too much, stir in a teaspoon of water to loosen it.
Apple Cinnamon

Apple Cinnamon French Toast

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast is the ultimate cozy breakfast—warm cinnamon apples simmered into a glossy syrup poured over crisp, golden toast. It’s a quick, comforting, fall-inspired dish that brings bakery-style flavor to your kitchen in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Cinnamon Apples
  • 1 large red apple or 2 small; sliced into thin wedges
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons water helps create the syrup
For the French Toast
  • 4 slices white bread slightly stale works best
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk any type
  • 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Combine the sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Let the mixture begin melting while preparing the apples.
  2. Slice the apple into even ¼-inch wedges, leaving the skin on for color and shape retention.
  3. Add the sliced apples and water to the saucepan. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the syrup thickens to a glossy, pourable consistency. Remove from heat.
  4. Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and salt together in a shallow bowl to create the French toast coating.
  5. Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each bread slice quickly into the egg mixture, coating both sides without soaking. Cook for about 1½ minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  6. Serve the French toast warm, spooning the cinnamon apples and syrup generously over the top.

Notes

Add a splash of vanilla or nutmeg for extra warmth. Use slightly stale bread for the best absorption. If the syrup thickens too much, stir in a teaspoon of water. Apples can be made ahead up to 48 hours.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast is everything a comforting breakfast should be—warm, nostalgic, and deliciously satisfying. With its tender cinnamon-glazed apples and golden, buttery toast, every bite feels indulgent without requiring difficult steps or fancy ingredients. It’s the perfect go-to recipe whether you’re feeding guests, elevating your brunch game, or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning at home.

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating—your feedback helps others discover it!
Feel free to share your beautiful results on Pinterest or Facebook too.

What twist did you add? Extra spices? Caramel drizzle? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious all work well. Tart varieties like Granny Smith create a more tangy topping.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. The apple topping and egg mixture are naturally gluten-free.

Why did my apples turn mushy?

They were likely sliced too thin or cooked too long. Keep slices evenly thick (¼ inch) and remove them from heat once tender.

Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?

Yes. The cinnamon apples can be made up to 48 hours in advance and reheated just before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The French toast can be frozen (up to 2 months), but the apples are best stored fresh in the fridge.

How thick should the syrup be?

It should have a maple-syrup consistency—thick enough to lightly coat a spoon, but still pourable.