Mini Apple Pie French Toast: A Cozy Delight!

August 6, 2025

Mini apple pie french toast has become my go-to for a special weekend breakfast, and I can’t wait to share it with you! The aroma of warm apples and cinnamon filling my kitchen always brings a smile to my face, and the combination of custardy French toast and sweet apple pie filling is pure bliss. It’s like a hug in a muffin tin! If you’ve ever wondered how to make mini apple pie french toast that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy, you’re in the right place. These little cups deliver all the cozy flavors you love. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Mini Apple Pie French Toast

Get ready to fall in love with these delightful treats! They’re a game-changer for any morning:

Incredible Taste: Imagine the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie meeting the creamy, custardy goodness of French toast – pure breakfast perfection!
Quick Prep Time: You can whip up this small apple pie french toast recipe in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these individual portions, making them a hit for any family gathering.
Budget-Friendly: Using common pantry staples, this small apple pie french toast recipe is an affordable way to make a special breakfast.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast or a delightful brunch item.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, these are incredibly straightforward to assemble.
Portable Portions: Their mini size makes them easy to grab and go, perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients for Mini Apple Pie French Toast Cups

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly special breakfast experience. These components come together to create something magical, reminiscent of delicious french toast bites apple pie.

8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah) – Brioche or challah gives the best custardy texture. Day-old bread works even better!
2 large eggs – The binder for our French toast custard.
1 cup milk – Whole milk creates the richest custard base.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that classic French toast warmth.
2 tablespoons sugar – Just a touch of sweetness for the custard.
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced – Fuji or Honeycrisp are great choices for their sweetness and texture.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Keeps the apples from browning and adds a little brightness.
1 tablespoon brown sugar – For a lovely caramel note in the apple filling.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling) – Doubles down on that cozy apple pie spice.
A pinch of nutmeg – Enhances the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing) – Essential for preventing sticking and adding richness.
Optional: Whipped cream, caramel sauce – For serving, if you want to go the extra mile!

How to Make Mini Apple Pie French Toast

Get ready to create these adorable and delicious cups. They’re surprisingly simple, making them an easy mini apple pie french toast recipe for any morning.

Step 1: First, let’s prepare that delightful apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine your diced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Give it a good stir to coat the apples evenly. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Now, let’s make the French toast base. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons sugar until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture creates that perfect custardy coating.
Step 3: Take your 8 slices thick-cut bread and flatten them using a rolling pin. This makes them pliable enough to form into cups. Once flattened, cut each slice into four equal quarters.
Step 4: Generously grease a muffin tin with about 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. This is key to preventing sticking and adding a lovely richness. Press each bread quarter firmly into the muffin cups, shaping them to create a cup-like form. This is where the magic starts to happen for your easy mini apple pie french toast.
Step 5: Spoon the prepared apple filling into each bread cup. Don’t overfill them – just a generous spoonful will do.
Step 6: Carefully pour the French toast mixture over the apple filling in each cup. Make sure they are just full, but not overflowing, so they bake evenly.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that golden-brown finish.
Step 8: Bake the cups for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for them to be beautifully golden brown and for the custard to be set. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible – a true sign of an easy mini apple pie french toast success!

Mini Apple Pie French Toast: A Cozy Delight! - Mini Apple Pie French - additional detail

Step 9: Once baked, let the cups cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before you remove them.
Step 10: Carefully remove the mini apple pie french toast cups from the tin and serve them warm. They’re delicious on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Mini Apple Pie French Toast

Want to elevate your breakfast game? These tips will ensure your mini apple pie french toast is absolutely perfect every time!

Use day-old bread; it absorbs the custard better and prevents sogginess, making for a better miniature apple pie french toast.
Don’t overmix the apple filling; you want distinct pieces of apple, not mush.
Gently press the bread into the muffin tin to create sturdy cups that hold their shape.
Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.

What’s the secret to perfect Mini Apple Pie French Toast?

The secret lies in using slightly stale bread and ensuring the custard mixture is rich and flavorful. This combination guarantees a tender, custardy interior and a delightful crust, making it the best mini apple pie french toast you’ll ever have. For more breakfast inspiration, check out our recipes.

Can I make Mini Apple Pie French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble these ahead! Prepare the cups with the filling and custard, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This makes them even more like a convenient apple pie french toast casserole, ready for baking in the morning.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mini Apple Pie French Toast?

A common pitfall is using fresh bread, which can become too soggy. Using day-old bread is key! Also, avoid overfilling the cups to ensure they bake evenly. When serving for apple pie french toast for breakfast, make sure to bake them just before serving for the freshest taste. Learn more about proper baking techniques from King Arthur Baking.

Best Ways to Serve Mini Apple Pie French Toast

These delightful cups are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right sides truly elevates the experience. For a truly decadent treat, drizzle them with a warm caramel sauce or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a side of crisp bacon or a light fruit salad. If you’re looking for a more dessert-like option, serving these as a sweet apple pie french toast alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is pure bliss!

Nutrition Facts for Mini Apple Pie French Toast

When you’re enjoying these delightful mini apple pie french toast cups, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving:

Calories: 175 kcal (estimated)
Fat: 6g (estimated)
Saturated Fat: 3g (estimated)
Protein: 5g (estimated)
Carbohydrates: 28g (estimated)
Fiber: 2g (estimated)
Sugar: 10g (estimated)
Sodium: 180mg (estimated)

Mini Apple Pie French Toast: A Cozy Delight! - Mini Apple Pie French - additional detail

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of bread and any added toppings.

How to Store and Reheat Mini Apple Pie French Toast

Once your delicious mini apple pie french toast cups are baked and cooled, storing them properly is key to enjoying them later. For the best flavor and texture, let them cool completely in the muffin tin before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, making them a perfect option for a make-ahead brunch apple pie french toast. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option! Wrap each cooled cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This makes them a convenient option for a quick breakfast anytime. To reheat, you can either pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds. Reheating in the oven gives them a nice crispness, similar to a fresh apple pie french toast bake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Apple Pie French Toast

What are some fun variations for Mini Apple Pie French Toast?

You can get creative with these! Try adding a handful of blueberries to the apple filling for a burst of tartness, or sprinkle some chopped pecans on top before baking for a delightful crunch. For a more decadent twist, consider a deconstructed apple pie french toast where you serve the components separately – toasted bread pieces, warm apple compote, and a drizzle of custard sauce. For more ideas on creative cooking, explore our chicken meatballs lemon orzo recipe.

Can I make these into apple pie French toast bites?

Absolutely! If you want to make them even smaller and more bite-sized, you can use a mini muffin tin instead of a regular one. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, checking them at around 15-18 minutes. This is a fantastic way to create adorable apple pie french toast bites that are perfect for parties or as a fun snack! You might also enjoy our fried meatballs Romanian chiftele.

What if I don’t have brioche or challah bread?

No worries if brioche or challah aren’t available! Thick-cut white bread or even sourdough can work in a pinch. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different – sourdough offers a nice tang that complements the sweet apple filling beautifully. The key is using bread that’s a day or two old, as it holds up best to the custard. For other bread-based recipes, check out our teriyaki chicken sheet pan supper.

Variations of Mini Apple Pie French Toast You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! These variations keep things exciting and cater to different tastes and needs.

Dairy-Free Delight: Easily make these dairy-free by swapping the milk for your favorite non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk, and using a dairy-free butter substitute for greasing the muffin tin.
Gluten-Free Goodness: For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free thick-cut bread. The process remains the same, and you’ll still get delicious french toast apple pie cups.
Berry Bliss: Add a handful of fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries to the apple filling for a beautiful burst of color and a delightful tartness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet apple and cinnamon.
Muffin Tin Magic: If you prefer a more muffin-like texture, you can bake these in silicone muffin liners placed inside a muffin tin. This makes for even easier cleanup and uniform apple pie french toast muffins.