Sugar-Crusted French Toast with Honeyed Apples

Name: Sugar-Crusted French Toast with Honeyed Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups water; 1/2 cup honey; 1/3 cup sugar; 4 3x1/2-inch strips orange peel; 4 3x1/2-inch strips lemon peel; 2 whole star anise*; 1 cinnamon stick; 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 3 medium apples (such as Braeburn or Golden Delicious), peeled, halved, cored; 6 large eggs; 3 large egg yolks; 31/2 cups whole milk; 2/3 cup plus 8 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 6 4x4x1-inch slices egg bread; 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

Servings: persons

3 cups water
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup sugar
4 3x1/2-inch strips orange peel
4 3x1/2-inch strips lemon peel
2 whole star anise*
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
3 medium apples (such as Braeburn or Golden Delicious), peeled, halved, cored
6 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
31/2 cups whole milk
2/3 cup plus 8 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 4x4x1-inch slices egg bread
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

1
Combine first 7 ingredients in heavy large saucepan.
2
Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean.
3
Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
4
Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes.
5
Add apples; cover and simmer until tender, about 12 minutes.
6
Using slotted spoon, transfer apples to bowl.
7
Boil syrup in saucepan until reduced to 1 1/4 cups, about 10 minutes.
8
Add syrup to bowl with apples.
9
(Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
10
Cover and chill.
11
Bring to room temperature before using.)
12
Whisk eggs, yolks, milk, 2/3 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt in 15x10x2-inch baking dish.
13
Place bread in single layer in egg mixture; spoon egg mixture over bread and let stand until soaked through, about 3 minutes.
14
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in each of 2 large nonstick skillets over medium heat.
15
Sprinkle each skillet with 2 tablespoons sugar.
16
Add 3 bread slices to each skillet; cook until deep golden on bottom, about 3 minutes.
17
Sprinkle top of bread slices with sugar, using 2 tablespoons for each skillet; turn slices over and cook until deep golden on bottom, about 3 minutes.
18
Transfer French toast to plates.
19
Place 1 apple half alongside each serving.
20
Drizzle French toast with some of syrup from apples and serve.
21
*Brown star-shaped seedpods sold at Asian markets and specialty foods stores and in the spice section of some supermarkets.

1766

kcal

Calories

Fat

179

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 cups water, 1/2 cup honey, 1/3 cup sugar, 4 3x1/2-inch strips orange peel, and more.

Yes, Sugar-Crusted French Toast with Honeyed Apples falls under the Breakfast category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!