Cinnamon Apple French Toast made with croissants? Yes, please! This recipe takes everything you love about classic French toast and elevates it with buttery, flaky croissants and a sweet, spiced apple topping. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or even a delightful dessert.
I find this dish is especially wonderful during the fall, when apples are at their peak, but honestly, it’s delicious any time of year. The combination of warm cinnamon, tender apples, and rich custard-soaked croissants is just irresistible.
Recipe Overview: Cinnamon Apple French Toast Croissant
This dish combines the best of two worlds: crispy, buttery croissants and soft, custardy French toast, all topped with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples.
It’s a relatively simple recipe, but the results are impressive. The croissants provide a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy filling and soft apples.
Think of it as a warm, comforting hug on a plate! It’s excellent served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of maple syrup takes it to the next level.
You can also enjoy this alongside some fresh fruit, breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs for a complete meal.
It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences, and I’ll share some variations later on.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple French Toast Croissant
Here’s what you’ll need to gather. I’ll also share some helpful tips on selecting and adapting these ingredients.
- Croissants: 4 large croissants, preferably day-old (they soak up the custard better!)
- Apples: 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided (2 for the apples, 2 for the French toast)
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, ground
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon, ground
- Eggs: 4 large
- Milk: 1 cup (whole milk or 2% work best)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Croissants: If you only have fresh croissants, you can lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out slightly.
- Apples: Feel free to use your favorite type of apple. Pears would also be a delicious substitute!
- Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar. Maple sugar or coconut sugar would also work, adding a slightly different flavor.
- Spices: Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. You could also add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
- Milk & Cream: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use all milk, but the custard will be slightly less rich.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of almond extract would also complement the flavors nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Cinnamon Apple French Toast
Let’s get cooking! Here is a step-by-step walk-through.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside. Watch that they don’t get to mushy, a little firmness is good.
- Make the Custard: In a shallow dish (like a pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. It should be smooth and evenly colored.
- Soak the Croissants: Slice the croissants in half horizontally. Dip each half into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. Don’t oversoak, or they might fall apart.
- Cook the French Toast: In a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Place the soaked croissant halves onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. They should be nicely browned and slightly crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the cooked croissant French toast on plates. Top with the warm cinnamon apple mixture. Serve immediately.
Variations & Tips for Cinnamon Apple French Toast
Here are a few ideas to customize your French Toast and make the process even smoother:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the apple topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy note.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the apple topping and custard the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. The next morning assemble as directed.
- You can also assemble the entire dish the night before. Cover with cling wrap and bake in the morning.
- Storage: Leftover Cinnamon Apple French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or in the microwave. The skillet or oven will help maintain some crispness.
- Serving Suggestions: As mentioned earlier, whipped cream, ice cream, and maple syrup are classic toppings. A sprinkle of powdered sugar is also a nice touch.
Key Details
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment you’ll need: Medium skillet, shallow dish (pie plate), large skillet or griddle, whisk.
Cinnamon Apple French Toast Croissant
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants
- 2 medium apples
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Slice croissants in half horizontally. Dip each half into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side.
- In a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the soaked croissant halves onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Place cooked croissant French toast on plates. Top with the warm cinnamon apple mixture. Serve immediately.