Is there anything better than waking up to the smell of warm spices and sweet, buttery apples sizzling on the stove? If you’re like me, fall mornings call for something special, and this Pumpkin Spice French Toast with Caramelized Apples is a breakfast that checks all the boxes. It’s cozy, indulgent, and brings together all the best fall flavors in one delightful bite. Trust me—this will be your new autumn weekend favorite!
This recipe combines fluffy slices of French toast infused with pumpkin spice and topped with soft, caramelized apples. It’s like eating a slice of fall on a plate! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can enjoy a little luxury without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice French Toast
- Rich Pumpkin Spice Flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give this French toast a warm, cozy vibe that’s perfect for autumn.
- Fluffy and Delicious: Thick slices of bread soak up a creamy, spiced egg mixture, making them perfectly fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of crisp on the outside.
- Caramelized Apples: Soft, buttery apples with a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon add a sweet, gooey topping that makes this breakfast feel extra special.
- Easy and Impressive: This recipe is simple enough for a lazy weekend but fancy enough to serve at a fall brunch or holiday breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this perfect fall breakfast:
For the Pumpkin Spice French Toast:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (Brioche or Challah work beautifully)
- Butter for cooking
For the Caramelized Apples:
- 3 medium apples (I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Frying pan or griddle
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast with Caramelized Apples
Let’s dive right into how you can whip up this incredible fall breakfast!
1. Prepare the Caramelized Apples:
Start by making the apples so they’re ready to top your French toast when it’s done. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and golden. Stir in the lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Set the apples aside and keep them warm.
2. Whisk Together the Pumpkin Spice Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Dip the Bread:
Heat a large frying pan or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter. Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin spice mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the flavors. Let any excess drip off before placing the bread in the pan.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot, buttered pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. You might need to cook in batches, so keep the cooked slices warm in the oven on low heat while you finish the rest.
5. Assemble and Serve:
To serve, stack the French toast on plates and generously spoon the warm, caramelized apples over the top. Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar if you want to go all out!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice French Toast
This decadent French toast doesn’t need much to shine, but if you’re hosting a fall brunch or looking for ideas to round out the meal, here are some options:
- Maple Sausage or Bacon: A savory side like sausage or bacon helps balance the sweetness.
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Because why not double down on the fall flavors? A homemade pumpkin spice latte would make this meal even cozier.
Tips for the Best French Toast
- Use thick-cut bread: Thick slices of brioche, challah, or even French bread work best because they soak up the egg mixture without getting soggy.
- Let the bread soak: Don’t rush the dipping process. Let the bread sit in the egg mixture for a few seconds to really absorb those flavors.
- Control the heat: Medium heat is best for cooking French toast—this allows the bread to cook through without burning the outside too quickly.
- Caramelize the apples just right: You want the apples to be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (good luck with that!), here’s how you can store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store the French toast and caramelized apples in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the French toast in the toaster or on a skillet for a few minutes on each side. Reheat the apples in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or on the stovetop until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use a plant-based butter for the apples as well.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular bread for a gluten-free option. Make sure it’s thick-cut so it holds up well when dipped in the egg mixture.
What kind of apples are best for caramelizing?
Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, which balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well too, providing a nice texture and sweetness.
Conclusion: Why Pumpkin Spice French Toast is Your New Fall Favorite
Pumpkin Spice French Toast with Caramelized Apples is the perfect way to kick off a cozy fall morning. With its warm spices, buttery apples, and fluffy bread, this breakfast is indulgent yet easy to make. Whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself to a luxurious weekend breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Looking for more fall-inspired breakfast ideas? Here are a few you’ll love:
- Pumpkin Pancakes with Maple Butter
- Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Waffles with Cream Cheese Syrup
Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures! Snap a photo of your French toast, share it on Pinterest, and tag me. I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
Enjoy this delightful fall breakfast, and happy cooking! 🍁
