APPLE CIDER FRENCH TOAST

A Symphony of Fall & Holiday Flavors

This dish isn't just a breakfast, it's a celebration of seasonal flavors, combining the warmth of spices with the comforting sweetness of apples in a way that delights the senses and warms the soul.

Imagine starting your day with a plate of perfectly golden, fluffy French toast, each slice soaked in a rich, apple cider-infused batter, graced with the subtle yet enchanting notes of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. The brioche bread, known for its buttery richness, provides the ideal canvas for these flavors, creating a harmonious balance between indulgence and comfort.

But the magic doesn't end there. Each serving is adorned with a generous scoop of our homemade apple pie filling, brimming with tender slices of apples, lovingly cooked in a blend of sugar and spices until they reach the pinnacle of their sweetness and flavor. This apple pie filling isn't just a topping; it's a heartwarming embrace in the form of a classic, homely treat.

To crown this masterpiece, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, delicately infused with cardamom and clove, adds a luxurious creaminess and an aromatic whisper that elevates the dish from mere breakfast to a gourmet delight.

Whether it's a cozy weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or a delightful treat to brighten a regular day, our Apple Cider French Toast is more than just a meal - it's an experience. It's where the nostalgia of autumnal comfort meets the joy of a homemade feast, creating memories on a plate that linger long after the last bite. Join us in celebrating the flavors of fall, one delicious slice at a time.

This recipe is separated into three parts, for your convenience. Our basic French Toast is listed first, followed by the apple pie filling, then the spiced whipped cream.

If you are planning making this recipe in its entirety by assembling your French Toast with ALL of these ingredients, we recommend making the apple pie filling first, then the whipped cream, and the French Toast last. There is always the option of cutting corners by using premade whipped cream and plain, thin apple slices, but it's not quite the same! If you are not using right away, the apple pie filling can be canned, stored in the refrigerator or (frozen in freezer bags) and heated to order. Just ensure you are knowledgeable about safe canning and storage of apple pie filling to be safe!

You can top your French Toast with Apple Pie Filling

thinly slice fresh apples right when you serve it and fan out a thin later on top of the buttered French Toast.

Either way is fantastic, depending on the availability of good, fresh apples. One of our favorite methods is to slice Honeycrisp Apples as thin as possible, and create a wheel of apple wedges on top of the French Toast. The fresh apples provide more of a texture and fresh crisp to the dish, which is fairly rich in its entirety, but when preparing for a large group or ahead of time, the Apple Pie filling is more realistic and holds up better than the fresh apple slices. Expirement and have fun!

To Create Our Apple Cider French Toast,

You will need these three recipes:

Our Classic French ToastTake me there!

Apple Pie FillingTake me there!

Homemade Spiced Whipped CreamTake me there!

Our Classic French Toast

INGREDIENTS

8 slices of brioche bread
4 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon apple cider extract
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Butter or non-stick spray for cooking
Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Preparation of the Egg Mixture:
In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, apple cider extract, and sugar (if using). Ensure that the mixture is well combined, and the spices are evenly distributed.
Soaking the Brioche:
Dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture. Allow the bread to soak for about 30 seconds on each side. Brioche is quite absorbent, so ensure it's well-coated but not overly soggy.
Preheating the Pan:
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or spray with non-stick spray to coat the surface.
Cooking the French Toast:
Place the soaked brioche slices onto the heated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until each side is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Apple Pie Filling

6-8 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly.

Combine Apples with Sugars and Spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.

Cook the Apples: Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples start to soften.

Add Vanilla and Thicken: Stir in the vanilla extract. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Add this to the apples and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for another 3-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Cool the Filling: Once the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat.

Use or Store: You can use the filling immediately for your apple pie or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Homemade Spiced Whipped Cream

Ingredients

1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground clove powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Tools

Mixing bowl (preferably metal for chilling)
Electric mixer with whisk attachment or hand whisk
Measuring spoons
Freezer (for chilling bowl and beaters)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Chill Your Equipment: Before you start, place your mixing bowl and beaters (or whisk attachment) in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. This helps in achieving a better whip.

Combine Ingredients: In the chilled bowl, combine the chilled heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, ground cardamom, and ground clove powder. If you're using vanilla extract, add it now.

Start Whipping:Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, start whipping the cream on a low speed. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high as the cream starts to thicken.

Check Consistency:Continue whipping until the cream forms soft peaks. This means when you lift your beaters or whisk, the peaks should gently fold over. Be careful not to overbeat, as it can turn the cream into butter.

Adjust to Taste: Taste the whipped cream and adjust the sweetness or spices according to your preference. If it needs more sugar or spices, gently fold them in without over-mixing.

Serve or Store: Use the whipped cream immediately or store in the refrigerator. It's best used within a few hours, as it may lose some of its fluffiness over time.

This homemade whipped cream with cardamom and clove is a delightful addition to a variety of desserts, offering a unique twist with its rich and aromatic flavors.

Enjoy it with pies, cakes, or even a cup of hot chocolate for an extra special touch!