Apple Pecan French Toast Cups are a delightful and easy breakfast treat that combines the flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, crunchy pecans, and soft, fluffy bread. These individual cups are perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weekend breakfast!
Ingredients
For the French Toast Cups:
- 6 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or brioche), cut into cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Pecan Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon butter
Timing
Making Apple Pecan French Toast Cups takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Pecan Filling
- Cook the Apples: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the French Toast Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.
- Combine with Bread: Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture and gently fold until the bread is evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
- Fill Muffin Tin: Place a spoonful of the apple pecan mixture at the bottom of each muffin cup. Then, spoon the bread mixture on top of the apples, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Press Down: Gently press down on the mixture to compact it slightly.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool and Serve: Allow the French toast cups to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar if desired.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Apple Pecan French Toast Cups (per cup, based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Tips for Customization
- Bread Variations: Use different types of bread like challah, croissants, or gluten-free bread for different textures and flavors.
- Fruit Options: Substitute apples with other fruits like pears or berries for a different taste.
- Nut Alternatives: If you have nut allergies, you can omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Apple Pecan French Toast Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion
Apple Pecan French Toast Cups are a delightful and easy breakfast option that combines the sweetness of apples with the crunch of pecans. Perfect for any occasion, these cups are sure to impress your family and friends!
FAQs
Can I make these cups in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and bread mixture the night before, then assemble and bake them in the morning.
Can I freeze the French toast cups?
Yes! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Apple Pecan French Toast Cups Recipe
Ingredients
- For the French Toast Cups:
- • 6 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or brioche), cut into cubes
- • 4 large eggs
- • 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- • 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Apple Pecan Filling:
- • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- • 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Pecan Filling
- Cook the Apples: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the French Toast Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.
- Combine with Bread: Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture and gently fold until the bread is evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
- Fill Muffin Tin: Place a spoonful of the apple pecan mixture at the bottom of each muffin cup. Then, spoon the bread mixture on top of the apples, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Press Down: Gently press down on the mixture to compact it slightly.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool and Serve: Allow the French toast cups to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar if desired.
