Applesauce French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, as it absorbs the egg mixture better and results in a crispier texture.

Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the French toast.

Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a rich, custardy coating.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the applesauce.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, ensuring a smooth texture.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, giving it a golden brown, crispy exterior.

When making French toast, ensure that the bread is slightly stale. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out slightly by toasting it lightly before dipping. This will help the French toast maintain a better texture and prevent it from falling apart during cooking.

• stale bread - Substitute with fresh bread: If you don't have stale bread, you can use fresh bread and lightly toast it to achieve a similar texture.

• applesauce - Substitute with mashed bananas: Mashed bananas provide a similar moisture and sweetness to the recipe.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This mixture works well as a binding agent.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that complements the dish similarly to cinnamon.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but equally delightful flavor profile.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that maintains the recipe's consistency.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a good alternative for cooking, offering a subtle coconut flavor and similar cooking properties.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are firm. This step helps to keep the slices from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• For added protection against freezer burn, you can wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the bag or container.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen French toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the slices in a toaster or toaster oven on a medium setting until warm and golden.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may result in a softer texture.
• For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled French toast slices in an airtight container or resealable bag. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the refrigerated slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until warmed through and crispy.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy texture of the toast.

• Use a toaster oven for a quicker option. Set it to medium heat and toast the French toast slices for about 5-7 minutes. This will give you a nice, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or cooking spray. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method is great for a quick reheat with a buttery flavor.

• If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for about 30-45 seconds. While this method is the fastest, it may result in a softer texture.

• For a more gourmet touch, reheat the French toast in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the slices for about 3-4 minutes. This method will give you a crispy exterior similar to the toaster oven method.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the eggs, applesauce, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients together until smooth.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the French toast slices.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices to ensure they are golden brown on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the applesauce and milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cinnamon and vanilla extract precisely.

• Butter knife: Used to spread the butter onto the skillet for cooking.

• Plate: Used to serve the cooked French toast slices.

• Serving utensils: Used to add your favorite toppings like syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.

Use pre-made applesauce: Save time by using store-bought applesauce instead of making your own.

Prep ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract the night before.

Stale bread shortcut: If you don't have stale bread, lightly toast fresh slices to achieve the same texture.

Cook multiple slices: Use a large skillet or griddle to cook several slices at once.

Quick toppings: Opt for easy toppings like syrup or powdered sugar to save time.