Is there anything better on a crisp morning than the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen? This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Skillet is the answer to your breakfast dream, combining the cozy, spiced flavor of apple pie with the comforting, custardy goodness of French toast. It all comes together in one pan for a simple, shareable breakfast that feels incredibly special. Honestly, it’s one of those meals that just makes you so, so happy to be at the table. There’s minimal cleanup involved, which means more time to actually enjoy your morning and the people you’re sharing it with. Let’s dive into this delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Skillet and make your next morning a little brighter.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s secretly easy to pull off. It feels like a decadent weekend brunch but comes together with the ease of a simple breakfast idea. It’s a fantastic meal-prep option that reheats beautifully, ensuring healthy breakfast recipes don’t have to be boring. You get the perfect balance of sweet, tender apples and rich, eggy bread in every bite, making it a favorite for breakfast buffets or a quiet morning with the family. And the best part? It’s all made in one skillet, meaning you get a stunning presentation and far fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: To cook the apples and give them a rich, buttery base.
- 3 large apples, peeled and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great): The star of the show, providing sweet-tart flavor and texture.
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the caramelized apples.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The essential warm spice that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little extra warmth to complement the cinnamon.
- Pinch of salt: To balance and enhance all the sweet flavors.
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups): Using a rich, slightly sweet bread makes the French toast extra custardy and delicious.
- 6 large eggs: The base of the custard that soaks into the bread.
- 1 cup whole milk: Makes the custard rich and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely background note of warmth and sweetness.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar, for serving: The perfect finishing touches for a little extra sweetness.
Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to go when your skillet is.
- In a large, oven-safe skillet (I love using my trusty cast-iron), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and that pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir to coat the apples in the spiced butter.
- Cook this beautiful mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for the apples to become tender and the sauce to start bubbling and thickening up. It should smell absolutely incredible. Take the skillet off the heat and set it aside for a moment.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until they are completely combined and smooth. This is your simple, perfect custard.
- Gently fold your cubed bread into the egg mixture. Use a spatula to toss it all together, making sure every single piece of bread gets coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This soaking time is key for that signature soft, custardy interior.
- Now, carefully spoon the soaked bread cubes over the cooked apples in your skillet, spreading everything into a fairly even layer. Try to get all that good custard from the bowl into the pan, too.
- Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, the edges are crisp, and the center is set (not jiggly).
- Take the skillet out of the oven (remember that handle is hot!) and let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. Dish it up right from the pan, and drizzle generously with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Apple Cinnamon Skillet Tips For Success
- Use day-old bread. Slightly stale bread holds its shape better and soaks up the custard without turning to mush.
- Don’t rush the apple cooking step. Letting them get tender and saucy in the pan is what builds the deep flavor base for the whole dish.
- Make sure your skillet is truly oven-safe. If the handle has a rubber or plastic grip, it’s not safe for the oven.
- For an extra crispy top, you can pop the skillet under the broiler for the last minute or two of cooking—just keep a very close eye on it!
- Let it rest. A brief 5-minute rest after baking makes everything set up perfectly and makes it easier to serve.
- Have fun with it! Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. If you forget an ingredient or mix up a step, it will probably still be delicious.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and swap the whole milk for your favorite unsweetened oat or almond milk. If you want to boost the protein for a more substantial meal, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture. For a different fruit twist, pears work beautifully in place of apples. And if you only have sandwich bread, that’s fine! Just use about 8 slices, cubed. You can also experiment with spices—a dash of cardamom or a pinch of cloves can add a lovely, fragrant twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? They reheat like a dream! Let the skillet cool completely, then store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best method is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the portion in an oven-safe dish, and warm for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quick fix—just heat in 30-second bursts to avoid making the bread rubbery. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the custardy texture of the bread can become a bit watery when thawed.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This skillet is a complete meal all on its own, but it’s also fantastic as part of a larger spread. For the ultimate breakfast buffet, serve it alongside some crispy turkey bacon or breakfast sausage links. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla-infused whipped cream on top adds a creamy, tangy contrast that’s just wonderful. If you’re looking for more healthy breakfast ideas to round out the table, a simple fruit salad or a green smoothie would be perfect. And of course, a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk is the ideal beverage pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Skillet the night before?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead breakfast idea. Assemble the entire skillet up to the point of baking—cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit on the counter while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
What’s the best type of apple to use for healthy breakfast recipes like this?
I love using a mix for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet custard, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add a wonderful sweetness. Using a variety can make your breakfast food even more interesting.
My skillet isn’t oven-safe. How can I still make this?
No problem! Simply cook your apples in any large skillet on the stove. Then, transfer the saucy apples and the custard-soaked bread into a well-greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake as directed. It will be just as delicious.
How can I make sure the bread doesn’t get soggy?
The key is using sturdy, day-old bread and not over-soaking it. Five minutes is the sweet spot for letting the bread drink up the custard without becoming saturated and mushy. Baking it in a hot oven also ensures the bottom stays firm and the top gets beautifully crisp.
