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Apple Crumble French Toast Recipe

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This Apple Crumble French Toast recipe elevates a classic breakfast favorite with a warm apple topping and crunchy oat crumble. Tender croissant toast is soaked in a rich vanilla and cinnamon custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served with spiced sautéed apples, a buttery crumble, and whipped cream. It’s a comforting and indulgent brunch treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend morning.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Apple Crumble Topping

  • 3/4 cup self-rising flour
  • 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/3 cup salted butter, cubed and room temperature

For the Apple Filling

  • 3 large green apples, peeled and cut into 1/2” cubes
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the French Toast Custard

  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk

For Cooking and Serving

  • 4 tbsp salted butter (divided)
  • 3 tbsp salted butter (as needed for pan)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil (as needed for pan)
  • 1 loaf Croissant Toast Bread (or 6 large croissants, split in half lengthwise)

For Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tsp powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prepares the baking sheet for the crumble topping.
  2. Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine self-rising flour, oats, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Add the cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles crumbly pie or biscuit dough.
  3. Bake the Crumble: Spread the crumble topping evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove and let cool completely, then break into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Prepare Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and stir quickly. Add the apple cubes, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Stir to combine thoroughly with no lumps.
  5. Cook Apples: Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a caramel-like consistency. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add water, stir to incorporate, cover again, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until apples are fork-tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and keep covered to stay warm.
  6. Make French Toast Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugars, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and whole milk. Set custard aside.
  7. Prepare Skillet: Heat a wide skillet (minimum 10 inches) over medium heat for a few minutes. Add 1 teaspoon each of vegetable oil and butter, swirling to coat the surface evenly.
  8. Cook the French Toast: Dip each slice of croissant toast into the custard, submerging briefly and letting excess drip off. Place into the hot skillet, pressing down gently to ensure full contact. Cook each slice for about 7 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp around edges. Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven as you finish the batch, adjusting heat and adding oil/butter as needed.
  9. Prepare Whipped Cream: Whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, creating a light and sweet topping.
  10. Serve: Arrange slices of French toast on plates, spoon warm apple filling over them, sprinkle generously with crumble topping, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream. Syrup or additional powdered sugar is optional.

Notes

  • Use green apples for tartness that balances the sweet flavors.
  • Do not soak the croissant bread too long in custard to prevent sogginess.
  • Bake the crumble topping until golden for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven to serve all slices hot.
  • Adjust the cinnamon amount to taste for more or less spice.
  • Serve immediately after topping for best texture contrast between crisp toast and soft apples.