Cinnamon French Toast with Apple-Walnut Caramel Syrup
Your favorite fall flavors are getting a fresh, summery twist—starting with this crispy cinnamon French toast smothered in warm apple-walnut caramel!
Why This Recipe Works in Summer
Fall flavors aren't just for October. With garden apples coming into season and morning temps still cool, there’s no better time to enjoy the rich comfort of cinnamon and caramel—lightened up for summer mornings. Think golden, crispy French toast, a drizzle of warm apple walnut caramel, and breakfast out on the porch. This is what it means to turn seasonal comfort into year-round obsession.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon French Toast:
6 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or sourdough are our favorites)
3 eggs
¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp brown sugar
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for cooking
For the Apple-Walnut Caramel Sauce:
2 small to medium apples, diced (honestly, just use what you have or what is in season - all of them work great!)
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup brown sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp sea salt
Optional: splash of vanilla extract for depth
Instructions
1. Make the Cinnamon French Toast
In a wide bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, and salt.
Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture for about 20–30 seconds per side (soak the bread for a super crispy crunch on the outside and soft on the inside).
Heat a skillet over medium heat, add butter, and cook slices until golden and crisp—about 2–3 minutes per side. Keep warm while you make the sauce.
2. Make the Apple-Walnut Caramel
In a saucepot (it’s easier if you use one with taller sides to contain step 3), melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples and sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and walnuts. Stir to combine and let bubble gently for 2–3 minutes.
Pour in the warm heavy cream , stir until smooth and glossy (this step can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be - the sauce will bubble up and look like you completely messed it up but just keep stirring). Add vanilla if using. Remove from heat once sauce thickens slightly. You’ll need to be ready to use this right away - you don’t want to let it harden in the saucepan because it turns rock-hard when it cools, but you can always re-heat it to loosen it back up.
3. Assemble & Serve
Stack the crispy French toast on plates.
Drizzle generously with warm apple-walnut caramel.
Optional: Top with fresh herbs (like mint or lemon balm), whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a bright, summery finish.
Garden-to-Table Tip
If you’re growing apples, now’s the time to harvest early varieties. And if not—visit your local farmers market for fresh, tart fruit that balances beautifully with the warm, sweet caramel. You can add any fruit you love that pairs well with caramel - pears, blueberries, nectarines!
🍽️ A Fall Favorite Reimagined for Summer
This recipe kicks off our seasonal transformation series—taking cozy fall flavors and making them lighter, brighter, and totally irresistible in warm weather. Whether you’re serving brunch outdoors or just shaking up your weekend routine, this cinnamon French toast with apple-walnut caramel is the best of both seasons on a plate.
