Why Make This Recipe
Decadent Caramel Apple Brioche French Toast is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines the warmth of freshly baked brioche bread with the delightful flavors of caramelized apples. This dish makes for an ideal breakfast or brunch option, capturing all the cozy elements of fall in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself on a relaxed Sunday morning or impressing guests on a special occasion, this recipe brings a touch of luxury without extensive effort. Plus, the combination of crispy French toast layered with soft, sweet apples drizzled in caramel creates a decadent indulgence that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Decadent Caramel Apple Brioche French Toast
Ingredients
- 3 Granny Smith Apples
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 loaf Apple Cinnamon Brioche Bread
- 3 large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- Whipped Cream (optional)
Directions
Prep the Apples:
Start by washing and peeling the Granny Smith apples. Once clean and peeled, core them, and then slice them thinly. This helps in getting a good caramelization during cooking.Cook the Apples:
In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Then, add the sliced apples, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/3 cup of brown sugar. Sauté the mixture for about 8-10 minutes or until the apples are soft and beautifully caramelized. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.Prepare the Custard:
In a bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.Brioche Bread:
Take the apple cinnamon brioche bread and cut it into 1-inch thick slices. This thickness will allow for a nice balance between crispy edges and a soft center once cooked.Soak the Bread:
Dip each slice of brioche bread into the custard mixture. Allow them to soak for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This soaking time is crucial for ensuring that each slice absorbs the custard, resulting in a rich and flavorful French toast.Cook the French Toast:
In your skillet, if needed, add a little more butter and heat it over medium-high. Carefully place the soaked brioche slices into the hot skillet. Cook each side for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.Serve:
To serve, layer the cooked French toast on a plate and top it generously with the caramelized apples. Drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch, and add whipped cream if desired for that indulgent finish.
How to Serve Decadent Caramel Apple Brioche French Toast
Serving Decadent Caramel Apple Brioche French Toast is simple yet elegant. Plate the French toast while it is still warm and stack it high to create an appealing presentation. Add the caramelized apples on top, allowing the juices to drip down the sides for a lustrous look. A generous drizzle of caramel sauce adds an irresistible sweetness. For an added touch, a dollop of whipped cream on the side creates a beautiful contrast against the warm toast. You can also pair it with hot coffee or a warm cup of apple cider to enhance the cozy autumn feeling.
How to Store Decadent Caramel Apple Brioche French Toast
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is straightforward. Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing it. Place the slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, you can place them in a toaster oven or a skillet over low heat until warmed through. The caramelized apples can also be stored in a separate container in the fridge. Reheat them gently on the stove before serving.
Tips to Make Decadent Caramel Apple Brioche French Toast
Choose the Right Apples:
Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well when cooked, making them a great choice for this recipe. You can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor.Adjust Sweetness:
Depending on how sweet you like your French toast, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the custard or the caramel sauce.Add Nuts:
For an interesting texture, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans either to the caramelized apples or sprinkled on top as a garnish.Vary the Spices:
Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or allspice in the custard mixture for a unique flavor twist.Use Stale Bread:
If you have stale brioche bread, it’s perfect for this recipe! Stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh.
Variation
While the recipe is delicious as it is, you can add your creative touch. For a chocolate twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the brioche slices before cooking. Alternatively, you can create a stuffed French toast by sandwiching cream cheese between two slices of brioche before soaking. It would deliciously complement the caramelized apples.
For more delectable recipes like this, check out my Pinterest page to discover other inspiring dishes and cooking ideas!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular brioche bread instead of apple cinnamon brioche bread?
Yes, you can substitute regular brioche bread if you can’t find apple cinnamon. Just remember to add a touch of extra cinnamon to the custard to simulate the flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramelized apples and custard in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble and cook the French toast fresh when you’re ready to serve.
3. How thick should I cut the brioche?
Cut the brioche into 1-inch thick slices for the best balance of texture and flavor. This allows the custard to absorb well without falling apart during cooking.
4. Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Absolutely! Freeze the cooked French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
By following this guide, you’ll create a wonderfully delightful breakfast that’s both filling and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this recipe!
Print
Decadent Caramel Apple Brioche French Toast
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luxurious breakfast featuring crispy French toast layered with caramelized apples and drizzled in caramel, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 3 Granny Smith Apples
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 loaf Apple Cinnamon Brioche Bread
- 3 large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- Whipped Cream (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and peel the Granny Smith apples, core, and slice them thinly.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until caramelized.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream until smooth.
- Cut the apple cinnamon brioche bread into 1-inch thick slices.
- Dip each brioche slice into the custard mixture, soaking for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Heat more butter in the skillet over medium-high. Cook the soaked brioche slices for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Layer the cooked French toast on a plate, top with caramelized apples, drizzle with caramel sauce, and add whipped cream if desired.
Notes
If using regular brioche, add a touch more cinnamon to the custard. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: French toast, caramel apple, brunch, breakfast, fall recipes