If you’re looking for a warm, cozy breakfast that feels like a big, loving hug, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on traditional French toast, featuring tender brioche bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard with sweet, comforting diced apples baked to perfection. The result? A fluffy, golden casserole that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas and satisfies every craving for a sweet start to your day. This dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special family gatherings when you want something easy to prepare yet impressive to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe has a role to play in creating layers of flavor, texture, and the perfect balance of sweetness. From the buttery richness of brioche to the natural sweetness and slight tartness of apples, these essentials come together in a simple yet magical way.
- 6 cups brioche bread, cubed: Soft and buttery, brioche absorbs the custard beautifully, making every bite tender and flavorful.
- 5 large eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving it structure and richness.
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture for that perfect custard texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts the richness for a decadent finish.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings warm caramel notes that complement the cinnamon and apples.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness while helping the top caramelize slightly when baked.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice in this recipe, infusing everything with cozy warmth.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely fragrant boost to the custard.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Drizzled on top for a golden, crisp crust.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Provides bursts of juicy sweetness and a tender texture that pairs perfectly with the custard.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate finishing touch and a bit of extra sweetness.
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional): Perfect for drizzling to add even more indulgence.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Apples
Start by cubing your brioche bread into generous pieces and let them dry out slightly—this helps them soak up the custard better without turning mushy. Peel and dice the apples into small chunks to ensure they evenly distribute through every bite and bake down just right, becoming tender but not mushy.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This custard is what turns this bake into a rich, custardy delight, so take a moment to savor that cinnamon-vanilla aroma!
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then layer half of the bread cubes evenly on the bottom, followed by half of the diced apples. Repeat this layering with the remaining bread and apples. This layering ensures each bite has a perfect harmony of bread and fruit.
Step 4: Add the Custard
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press the mixture down to help the bread soak up the custard for that melty, custardy texture we love. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight to maximize flavor and custard absorption.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread and apples. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture, then bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and set. The wait is worth it for that gorgeous crisp crust with a soft and tender center.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, let the bake cool for about 10 minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar if you like for a pretty, sweet finish. Serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce or maple syrup for an extra dose of indulgence that perfectly complements the apple cinnamon goodness.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe even further. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look or a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes this dish feel downright decadent.
Side Dishes
This bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out your breakfast or brunch spread, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausage. A pot of strong coffee or a chilled glass of fresh orange juice makes the perfect beverage pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, try serving this bake in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Alternatively, set it up as a breakfast buffet where guests can add their own toppings like nuts, syrups, or fresh berries. It’s a show-stopper both in flavor and presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely over time, making for a great quick breakfast or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover your assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For freezing leftovers, cool completely, then seal in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. To revive the crisp topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating. The aroma that fills your kitchen while reheating will have you eager to take your first bite!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Brioche is recommended for its buttery softness, but challah or Texas toast are excellent substitutes. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or dried out to absorb the custard properly.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the milk and cream for almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative. Replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer; note that texture may vary slightly.
What type of apples work best?
Medium-firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are ideal as they hold their shape without becoming mushy and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
How far in advance can I make this bake?
You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for prepping the night before a special breakfast or brunch.
Can I add other spices or mix-ins?
Definitely! Nutmeg, allspice, or cloves can add extra warmth. You can also toss in raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of sweet cinnamon and comfort. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, fills your home with warmth, and makes mornings something to look forward to. I truly hope you try it soon—once you do, it might just become your new favorite breakfast tradition.
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus optional soaking time overnight)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a delightful breakfast casserole featuring layers of tender brioche bread, sweet diced apples, and a rich cinnamon-spiced custard. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a comforting and flavorful start to your day, perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups brioche bread, cubed
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Custard Mixture
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping and Serving
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cube your brioche bread into even pieces and allow it to dry slightly to better absorb the custard mixture.
- Prep the apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent baking.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the diced apples over the bread. Repeat to create a second layer of bread and apples.
- Add custard and soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down the mixture to ensure the bread absorbs the custard fully.
- Soak: Let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or alternatively refrigerate it overnight to allow maximum custard absorption and flavor melding.
- Preheat and butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread mixture.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to start the cooking process gently.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the French toast bake is golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with optional caramel sauce or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For best texture, allow the bread to dry slightly before soaking with custard to avoid sogginess.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight for convenience.
- Substitute apples with pears or berries for flavor variations.
- For a dairy-free option, replace milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Ensure the bake cools slightly before serving to allow it to set and slice cleanly.
