This Apple Pecan French Toast is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for breakfast! Soft bread is layered with sweet apples and crunchy pecans, all soaked in a delicious egg mixture.
I love how this dish fills the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon! It’s like a hug on a plate. Serve it with maple syrup and enjoy a little slice of heaven on your morning plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick bread is essential for this recipe. I love using challah or brioche for their rich texture. If you want a lighter option, you can go for whole wheat or gluten-free bread, too. Just make sure it’s thick enough to soak up the egg mixture!
Eggs: The recipe calls for large eggs, but you can easily swap these for egg substitutes if you’re vegan or allergic. A common alternative is flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until thick). Just remember, the texture might be a bit different.
Milk: Whole milk gives richness to the dish but almond milk or any plant-based milk works great if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Unsweetened versions help keep the flavors balanced, too!
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and flavor. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or even sliced almonds can work well. For nut-free options, you can leave them out entirely or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Apples: I recommend using sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple. Pears would also be delicious in this recipe!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked French Toast?
Getting the right texture for French toast can be tricky. Follow these steps to ensure your toast turns out perfectly golden and delicious.
- Make sure the skillet is preheated to medium heat before adding any butter. This helps the bread cook evenly.
- When dipping the bread, don’t let it soak too long. Just a few seconds on each side is enough. You want it saturated but not falling apart!
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. About 3-4 minutes per side usually works, but adjust the heat if needed to avoid burning.
- If your first slice isn’t golden enough, adjust your heat for the next one to get that perfect color.
Don’t forget to add butter before each batch to keep the skillet nicely greased. Enjoy your French toast!
How to Make Apple Pecan French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick bread (like challah or brioche)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
For the Apple-Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm and comforting breakfast that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Make sure everything is well combined—this will be the tasty batter for your French toast!
2. Prepare the French Toast:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in it. While the butter is melting, dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture. Let each slice soak for a few seconds on each side so it’s nice and coated.
3. Cook the Bread:
Once the skillet is hot, place the soaked bread slices on it. Cook each slice until it’s golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the heat; if it’s too high, the bread may burn. You can add a little more butter to the skillet if needed.
4. Make the Apple-Pecan Topping:
In a separate pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Next, stir in the chopped pecans and cook for another 2 minutes. If you want, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the French toast warm, topped with the delicious apple-pecan mixture. Don’t forget to drizzle some maple syrup on top. Enjoy your yummy breakfast!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While challah or brioche are delicious choices for their richness, you can use any thick bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread if needed. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture!
How Do I Store Leftover French Toast?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the toaster, microwave, or a skillet with a little butter to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can make it dairy-free by swapping out the regular milk for almond milk or any other non-dairy milk. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious dairy-free breakfast!
What Can I Substitute for Pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can easily substitute them with chopped walnuts or simply omit them altogether. You can also add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch!
