Apple & Pear French Toast

by Amanda Keefer // August 6, 2014 (last updated January 16, 2023)

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In this twist on a classic favorite, pears and apples get a shining role as a delicious French toast topping. Freeze any extra French toast (without topping) for a quick on-the-go breakfast for busy mornings.

Nutrition Tip: A medium-sized pear provides your body with about 6 grams of fiber in about 100 calories, making it a nutrient-dense, naturally fat-free food.

When it comes to breakfast, there are few things more classic than French toast. This dish is usually made with thick slices of bread that are soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk, then pan-fried until golden brown. While there are many different ways to enjoy French toast, one of our favorites is to top it with thinly sliced apples and pears.

What You Will Need to Make The Apple & Pear French Toast

Vegetable oil
Eggs
Ground cinnamon
1% milk
Vanilla extract
Whole wheat bread
Unsalted butter
An Apple – We chose a Gala apple
A Pear – We chose a Bartlett pear
Honey

Why Use Whole Wheat Bread Instead of White Bread for This Recipe

While the traditional recipe calls for white bread, we think whole wheat bread is a healthier, tastier option. Here’s why:

Whole wheat bread is made with, well, whole wheat flour – meaning it retains all of the grain’s nutritional benefits. That includes fiber, which can help boost digestion and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Whole wheat also has a higher protein content than white bread, which means it’ll help power your morning and sustain your energy levels until lunchtime. Not to mention, it has a heartier flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet toppings like apples and pears.

Unsalted vs Salted Butter – What’s The Difference?

When it comes to butter, there are two main types: salted and unsalted. But what’s the difference between the two? Is one better than the other?

Here’s a look at the difference between salted and unsalted butter, as well as what each is best for.

Salted butter is made with, you guessed it, salt. This adds flavor and helps to extend its shelf life. Unsalted butter, on the other hand, doesn’t have any salt added to it.

So, what’s the best type of butter to use? It really depends on what you’re using it for. If you’re baking, unsalted butter is generally the way to go. This is because it’s easier to control the amount of salt in a recipe when you’re using unsalted butter. We chose unsalted butter for our recipe for this precise reason!

Salt and your health

Did you know too much salt is bad for you? Most of us use salt every day, and it’s no wonder. Salt makes food taste better. But did you know that eating too much salt can be bad for your health?

Too much salt can raise your blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. It can also cause kidney disease and other health problems.

So how much salt is too much? The American Heart Association recommends that adults eat no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day. That’s about one teaspoon of salt. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other risk factors for heart disease, you should limit your sodium to 1,500 mg a day.

And, you might be surprised to learn that most of the salt we eat doesn’t come from the shaker on the table.

Can I Make This Apple & Pear French Toast Ahead of Time?

The answer is yes! If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast option that you can make ahead of time, then this Apple & Pear French Toast is for you.

Make the French toast and fruit separately and store in separate containers. Then, when you’re ready to eat warm up the French toast in a toaster oven or air fryer at about 400 degrees for 4 to 6 minutes (or just until warm), and top with the fruit.

We don’t recommend topping it with the fruit until you are ready to eat so it doesn’t get soggy. The French toast and the cooked fruit should last in the fridge 3-4 days, but the sooner you consume it, the better it will taste.