Decadent Apricot Crumble French Toast

Ingredients

• Apricot preserves (1/2 cup)
• Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
• Thick-cut bread (brioche or challah) (8 slices)
• Eggs (4 large)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons)
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided)
• Crumble topping ()
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup)
• All-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
• Rolled oats (1/2 cup)
• Ground cinnamon (for topping) (1/2 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter, melted (for topping) (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the apricot preserves and softened cream cheese until well combined. Set aside.
2. Spread the apricot cream cheese mixture evenly onto 4 slices of thick-cut bread. Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top to create sandwiches.
3. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the flavors.
5. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add more butter as needed for cooking.
6. Place the soaked sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. While the French toast is cooking, prepare the crumble topping by combining rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly and set aside.
8. Once the French toast is cooked, remove from the skillet and sprinkle generously with the crumble topping while they are still warm.
9. Serve the Apricot Crumble French Toast warm, garnished with fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!