Mediterranean Apple Cinnamon French Toast
French toast gets a cozy, Mediterranean twist with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and lightly caramelized topping. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, this dish combines fragrant bread, eggs, and milk with warm spices and fresh fruit. It’s perfect for brunch, a leisurely breakfast, or a weekend treat. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of indulgence.
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: About 30–35 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
For the French Toast
4–6 slices of bread (brioche, challah, or country loaf)
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
olive oil for frying
Optional: pinch of salt or sugar
For the Apple Topping
2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1 tsp flour (to thicken)
For Serving
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Instructions
In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
Dip each bread slice in the egg mixture, soaking both sides, then place in the skillet.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and keep warm.
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat for the apple topping.
Add sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples soften (about 5–7 minutes).
If desired, sprinkle flour and stir to thicken the sauce slightly.
Plate the French toast and spoon the warm apple topping over each slice.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Serve immediately with maple syrup.
Tips
Slightly stale bread works best as it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
Use a nonstick skillet for easy flipping.
Keep the cooked toast warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing the apples.
Don’t over-soak the bread or it may become soggy.
Adjust cinnamon and sugar to taste depending on apple sweetness.
Butter gives a richer flavor; olive oil works for a lighter, Mediterranean touch.
Slice apples evenly for uniform cooking.
For extra depth, sprinkle a little nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon.
Maple syrup adds sweetness, but a drizzle of honey also works beautifully.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream to the apples at the end.
Variations
Mixed Fruit: Add pears or berries with the apples.
Nutty: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts on top.
Caramelized Orange: Add orange zest to the apples.
Vegan: Use plant-based milk and flax eggs.
Spiced: Add ginger or cloves to the apple mixture.
Savory Twist: Omit sugar and serve with ricotta or feta cheese and cinnamon.
Crumble Topping: Add oats and brown sugar for a crisp topping.
Cinnamon Roll Style: Swirl cinnamon and sugar inside the egg mixture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add dark chocolate sauce over the apples.
Greek Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Q&A
Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, you can slice and soak the bread in the egg mixture ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
What type of apples are best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the topping.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread.
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, thaw them first and drain excess moisture.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener and use a sugar-free maple syrup.
How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?
Cook on medium heat and don’t over-soak the bread.
Can I bake the French toast instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Can I add nuts to the apples?
Yes, walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk works well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook in batches and keep warm.
Nutrition
(approximate per serving)
Calories: 350–420
Protein: 10–12 g
Carbs: 50–55 g
Fat: 12–15 g
Fiber: 4–5 g
Sugar: 18–22 g (from apples and optional sugar)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Apple Cinnamon French Toast is a cozy, fragrant dish that balances sweet, tart, and warm spice notes. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough for brunch with friends. The combination of crisp, eggy bread with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples makes it irresistible and versatile, with plenty of variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences.