Caramelized Apple French Toast

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Probably my go-to recipe to make and still not here on the blog. How did that happen?
I think it’s because I did the apples and waffles recipe and deed this one unnecesary as we are just swapping the french toast for the waffles (see my “To-die-for Healthy Apple Cinnamon Waffles“), but you guys apparently beg to differ, so here we are!

I LOVE This! Mainly because it tastes quite sophisticated and it super simple to accomplish – individually or family style. There is just something special about french toast, and how you can make it your own, and adapt ANY flavor to it! I think it is the single most versatile breakfast and brunch dish if you wish to go the sweet route, and perhaps that’s why I love making it so much.

CARAMELIZED APPLE FRENCH TOAST

WHAT

  • 10 slices of brioche (or sliced bread of choice)

The Simplest French Toast Batter

  • 1 egg (or 2 egg whites)
  • ground cinnamon to taste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1.5 cups milk of choice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling – Caramelized Apples

  • 2 granny smith (green) apples, sliced  – Yes, you may used other types of apples, but these work great because they are tart, and with the preparation they will become naturally sweeter.
  • 1-2 tbps coconut oil, butter or preferred source of fat (bacon fat is recommended to incorporate  a sweet/savory element)
  • 1/4 cup of maple syrup
  • Juice of 1/4 of a lemon
  • ground cinnamon to taste

Toppings

  • 1/4-1/2 cup of creamy almond butter (depending on how much you love it)
  • Maple syrup to taste, for showering your french toast
  • 10 strips of bacon
  • Pecan pieces
  • whipped cream

HOW

  1. Start by mixing your french toast batter – whisk all ingredients together.
  2. Dip brioche into french toast mixture and fry them on frying pan that has been prepared with some baking spray/coconut oil/butter (your choice) for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown color is achieved and bread is cooked through. Prepare a warm surface to keep your french toast warm or keep in oven at 200F.
  3. Fry your bacon, set aside.
  4. Prepare filling – caramelize your apples: Start by adding butter or oil/bacon fat to the frying pan. Add sliced apples and toss at medium heat. Add about half of the maple syrup and continue to toss, with a spoon or by flicking your wrist, about 2-3 minutes. Add lemon juice and continue to toss, followed by the rest of the maple syrup. Watch for the apple caramelization – it begins turning a nice brown color after about 6-7 minutes on the heat. Set aside.
  5. Zap the maple syrup topping in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if you enjoy warm syrup over your french toast. Do the same with the almond butter, it will spread easier that way.
  6. Layer bread with alternating almond butter spread in between, along with bacon strips, followed by caramelized apples. Stack 2, 3, 4 slices, depending on the size of your appetite!
  7. Finish off with more caramelized apples, pecans and warm drizzle of maple syrup with a side of whipped cream.

This is the ultimate comfort, feel good brunch item that won’t make you feel bad about life afterwards. The fact that you’re using almond butter makes this a nutritious component to the dish, along with the apples. For those of you who dislike green apples, you may use red apples or apples of your choice, but note that they will become even sweeter, which is why I like using tart, green apples.

It is simple to make, satisfying, modified healthy and oh so pretty! You can make this family style as well, instead of stacking them for individual servings. You can get it done in a fraction of the time if your partner will make the bacon and help with flipping the french toast while you perfect those caramelized apples, making this the ultimate tag team, family breakfast or brunch!! I can’t wait to get my kiddo involved in making brunch with me.

I hope you enjoy! If so, don’t forget to leave me feedback below – I LOVE hearing back from you!

Xo, Ana

Count Colors, NOT Calories!
Color your Plate, Color your Life.
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