Fluffy Apple Cinnamon French Toast (Made with Trader Joe’s Seasonal Sourdough!)

 

Fluffy Apple Cinnamon French Toast made with Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Sourdough and topped with maple butter — the perfect cozy fall breakfast.

Fluffy Apple Cinnamon French Toast (Made with Trader Joe’s Seasonal Sourdough!)

I recently made one of my favorite kinds of discoveries — the kind that happens when you’re wandering the aisles at Trader Joe’s and something seasonal catches your eye. Nestled on the bread shelf was their Apple Cinnamon Sourdough, a luscious loaf speckled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and tender apple chunks baked right in. I didn’t even hesitate — into the cart it went!

This apple bread alone is pure fall comfort, but when you turn it into French toast? Absolute heaven. Each slice soaks up the sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard and cooks up golden and crisp at the edges, yet stays wonderfully soft and fluffy inside. And here’s the little twist that makes this recipe stand out — the batter isn’t your ordinary mix of milk and eggs. It includes a secret ingredient: a small amount of flour.

That bit of flour gives the custard just enough body to cling beautifully to the bread, creating a light coating that crisps up as it cooks while keeping the inside perfectly tender. It’s a simple trick that transforms basic French toast into something truly irresistible — fluffy, caramelized, and utterly crave-worthy.

Serve it warm with a generous smear of my maple butter and a drizzle of syrup, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast that tastes like fall in every bite. It’s made for slow weekend mornings, when the kitchen smells like cinnamon and apples, and you have time to savor something special. But hurry — Trader Joe's bread is seasonal, and once it’s gone, you’ll be counting down the days until it returns next fall.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy fall French toast. No need to measure just yet — this is your ingredient overview and why each one matters.

• All-Purpose Flour – The secret ingredient! A little flour thickens the custard so it clings beautifully to the bread, giving your French toast that golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside light and fluffy.

• Milk – The creamy base for your custard mixture. Whole milk gives the richest texture, but any milk you have on hand will work.

• Eggs – The foundation of every French toast batter, adding richness and structure to the custard.

• Granulated Sugar – Just a touch sweetens the batter and helps create caramelized edges as the toast cooks.

• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, cozy flavor that ties the cinnamon and apple notes together perfectly.

• Ground Cinnamon – The heart of fall flavor! Cinnamon adds depth and warmth that complements the apple-studded bread.

• Salt – A pinch sharpens the sweetness and balances all those cozy flavors.

• Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bread – The star of the show! This limited-edition loaf is filled with tender apple chunks, brown sugar, and cinnamon swirls — the perfect bread for soaking up your French toast batter without falling apart.

• Butter & Maple Syrup – Combined to make luscious maple butter — a simple topping that melts over warm French toast for the perfect finishing touch.

Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Sourdough or want to switch things up, here are two delicious ways to put your own spin on this recipe:

1. Classic Cinnamon Swirl Version

Swap the seasonal sourdough for cinnamon swirl or brioche bread. Both will give you that soft, custardy texture with sweet ribbons of cinnamon throughout. Add a few thin slices of sautéed apples on top for that same fall vibe.

2. Caramel Apple French Toast

Take things up a notch by topping your cooked French toast with warm sautéed apples tossed in butter, brown sugar, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s like apple pie meets brunch — and it’s heavenly.

Crispy exterior, fluffy on the inside

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Don’t skip the flour. It’s the key to getting that signature crisp coating that sets this recipe apart from traditional French toast.

• Use day-old bread if possible. Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard without becoming soggy — ideal for that golden, fluffy texture.

• Cook over medium heat. Too hot, and the outside will brown before the inside is cooked through. Medium heat gives you a perfectly even cook.

• Keep slices warm. As you cook each batch, place finished slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm until serving.

• Make it brunch-worthy. Serve with maple butter, extra syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and maybe a few caramelized apple slices for an extra touch of cozy.

This bread is just loaded with cinnamon and chunks of apples.

"Set the Mood"

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast is made for slow, cozy mornings — the kind where you sip coffee or tea in your favorite mug and let the smell of cinnamon fill the kitchen. Light a candle with apple or maple notes, turn on a mellow acoustic playlist, and let breakfast linger a little longer. Pair your French toast with a warm cup of chai or spiced cider, and serve it alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs or a bowl of fresh fruit. It’s the kind of simple, soul-warming brunch that makes fall mornings feel a little extra special.

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