Indulge in the Ultimate Fall Breakfast: Apple Pie French Toast

There’s no better way to welcome the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn than with a truly special breakfast. This Apple Pie French Toast isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming your kitchen into an aromatic haven with the comforting scent of freshly baked apple pie. Using succulent Honeycrisp apples in a fragrant compote, this recipe creates a weekend fall morning breakfast that truly captures the essence of the season. It’s a dish that promises warmth, flavor, and a delightful start to any chilly day.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fred Meyer. The opinions and text are all mine.

Embracing Autumn’s Rich Tapestry and Seasonal Delights

The transition from summer’s lingering warmth to autumn’s embrace is always a welcome change. Just a few weeks ago, I found myself holding onto every last ray of sunshine, but now, the sight of changing leaves and the feel of cooler breezes have completely won me over. There’s a particular magic to Pacific Northwest autumns – the days are crisp, the foliage is breathtakingly gorgeous, and the bounty of fresh fall produce is simply unparalleled. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, savor the moments, and indulge in hearty, comforting flavors.

After a morning spent digging out my favorite fall sweaters and running errands, my recent grocery trip to Fred Meyer felt like a treasure hunt. I was absolutely thrilled to discover the arrival of my beloved seasonal produce, especially the new crop of Honeycrisp apples. Just thinking about their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor makes my mouth water! As I began slicing these beautiful fruits for my Apple Pie French Toast, their tantalizing aroma filled my kitchen, making it impossible not to sneak a few bites. Beyond this incredible French toast, I plan to incorporate these versatile Honeycrisps into a forthcoming savory soup recipe and, of course, my go-to apple crisp. If I can resist eating them all straight from the fridge, that is! After all, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, right?

Crafting the Irresistible Apple Pie Compote: A Symphony of Fall Flavors

The heart of this Apple Pie French Toast truly lies in its incredible apple compote. While seemingly simple to prepare, it boasts a secret ingredient that elevates it from delightful to truly unforgettable: orange zest. Trust me when I say, this small addition makes all the difference! The moment the orange zest hits the warm apples and spices, your kitchen will be instantly transformed by an aroma reminiscent of mulled cider simmering on the stove. You won’t even need to light your favorite fall candle; the natural fragrance of this compote alone will make your entire home smell absolutely amazing and inviting.

This compote isn’t just about the scent, though. The interplay of sweet brown sugar, rich butter, bright orange juice, and classic fall spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg creates a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the Honeycrisp apples. The apples soften beautifully, absorbing all these wonderful flavors to create a chunky, flavorful topping that tastes just like the filling of a homemade apple pie. It’s the perfect warm, spiced accompaniment to the rich French toast.

The Perfect French Toast Base: A Custardy Foundation for Flavor

For the French toast itself, I’ve adopted a brilliant technique from America’s Test Kitchen, which is a game-changer for achieving that coveted custardy texture. The key? Using only egg yolks for the custard base. This simple adjustment ensures an incredibly rich, luxurious texture without any of the undesirable rubbery consistency that egg whites can sometimes contribute. The yolks create a velvety smooth coating that, when cooked, results in a perfectly golden-brown exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

To further enhance the autumnal theme and tie in with our incredible compote, I’ve also incorporated a touch of orange zest into the French toast batter. While optional, I highly recommend it, as it imparts a subtle, bright citrus note that beautifully balances the richness of the custard and harmonizes with the spiced apple compote. It adds another layer of complexity and makes the entire dish feel cohesive and special.

Equally important to the success of this French toast is your choice of bread. You’ll want a sturdy, hearty loaf that can stand up to soaking without disintegrating. Challah bread or Brioche are absolute winners here, known for their rich, slightly sweet flavor and robust structure. However, if these aren’t readily available, opt for any hearty artisan bread you can find. Avoid lighter, fluffier breads, such as a standard Italian loaf, as these tend to fall apart when saturated with the custard, leading to a soggy and less enjoyable result. A good, dense bread ensures each slice of French toast is perfectly cooked, with a delightful balance of crispiness and custardy softness.

This Apple Pie French Toast is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to celebrate the bounty and beauty of fall. It’s a dish that brings comfort, joy, and incredible aromas to your home. So, gather your favorite fall produce – especially those wonderful Honeycrisp apples from your local Fred Meyer (or Kroger store) – and get ready to create a breakfast that will undoubtedly become a cherished autumn tradition.

Apple Pie French Toast

By Meghan McMorrow | Fox and Briar

★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Prep 10 mins

Cook 20 mins

Total 30 mins

Servings 4 Servings

A finished plate of Apple Pie French Toast topped with compote and maple syrup.

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This Apple Pie French Toast is the best way to usher in fall! Using Honeycrisp apples in a fragrant compote that tastes just like apple pie, a weekend Fall morning breakfast doesn’t get any better than this.

Ingredients

For The Apple Pie Compote:

2 honeycrisp apples cored and diced
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
zest of one orange
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For The French Toast:

8 slices bread such as Challah, Brioche, or a Hearty Artisan Bread
1 ½ cups milk
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter plus more butter for cooking in
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
zest of one orange optional but recommended

Instructions

Mix together ingredients for apple compote in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until apples are soft.
Meanwhile, whisk together ingredients for french toast (except bread) in a large rectangular dish.
Heat a pan over medium low heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter and allow to melt.
Add slices of bread to the liquid, soaking for about 30 seconds per side. You want the bread to be saturated but not falling apart.
Pick up bread and allow excess liquid to drain off. Add the bread to the hot pan, cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Serve with apple compote and top with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Did you like this recipe?Please comment, rate and share! And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @foxandbriar AND #foxandbriar so I can see what you made!

Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or simply treating yourself to a delightful morning, this Apple Pie French Toast promises to be a memorable addition to your fall traditions. Its inviting aroma, rich flavors, and comforting warmth make it the quintessential dish for the season. Enjoy every single bite!