If you have a craving for a comforting, cozy breakfast that’s bursting with warm spices and sweet fruit, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of fluffy brioche bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-spiced custard, studded with tender chunks of apple, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a decadent yet simple-forgotten classic that transforms your morning routine into a special occasion that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe comes down to using just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the buttery richness of brioche bread, which soaks up the custard beautifully, to the fragrant cinnamon and fresh apples that bring the dish to life.
- 6 cups brioche bread, cubed: Choose brioche for its tender, buttery crumb that absorbs the custard wonderfully.
- 5 large eggs: These bind everything together and create the custard’s rich texture.
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk: Provides a creamy base for the custard without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds extra richness for a silky, indulgent finish.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Sweetness with a touch of molasses depth to complement the apples.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Helps balance flavors and caramelizes slightly when baked on top.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with comforting warmth.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to bring out the sweetness and balance the eggs’ richness.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Drizzled on top before baking for a golden, crisp crust.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Fresh fruit chunks add natural sweetness and delightful texture.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): A pretty finishing touch that adds a light sweetness.
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional): Perfect for drizzling and adding an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Apples
Start by cubing your brioche bread into bite-sized pieces. Letting it dry out for a bit helps it soak up that velvety custard mixture later without turning mushy. Meanwhile, peel and dice the apples into small chunks—they’ll soften nicely during baking and offer juicy bursts in every bite.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, combine five eggs with whole milk, heavy cream, and both brown and granulated sugars. Mix in the ground cinnamon, rich vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and the sugar has started to dissolve, creating the flavorful custard that brings this dish together.
Step 3: Layer the Bread and Apples
Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Layer half of the cubed brioche across the bottom, then sprinkle half of the diced apples on top. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples, building layers that will soak up the custard evenly.
Step 4: Pour the Custard and Soak
Pour the custard mixture slowly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press the bread down with a spatula or your hands so it soaks up as much custard as possible. This step is key for a custardy, tender interior. Let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight if you want to prepare ahead.
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 custard—it will encourage a beautiful golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow everything to set gently. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is perfectly browned and the custard is fully cooked through.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let your French toast bake cool for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive look and serve with warm caramel sauce or maple syrup drizzled generously on top. This final touch makes every bite feel like a little celebration.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can turn this warm rustic bake into an elegant breakfast showstopper. Freshly sliced apples, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, and a dusting of powdered sugar all add texture, color, and a hint of crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy interior.
Side Dishes
This French toast bake stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory touch. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt also work well to lighten the meal while complementing the apple cinnamon flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe in individual ramekins allows for elegant, personal portions that are perfect for brunch parties. Alternatively, topping it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or whipped cream can turn it into a decadent dessert after a cozy dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for an even tastier breakfast the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe longer, freeze leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to preserve that lovely crisp top. Microwaving works for convenience but can make the bread a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread instead of brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche adds a rich, buttery texture, challah or even thick-quality white bread works well too. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or dried out for better custard absorption.
Is it okay to prepare this the night before?
Yes, in fact, soaking the bread overnight in the custard helps deepen the flavors and improves the texture. Just keep the dish covered in the refrigerator overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free bread that holds up well to soaking, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Ensure your bread is sturdy and slightly dry so it doesn’t become too mushy.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great because they hold their shape while baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Can I add nuts or other fruits?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries add wonderful texture and flavor contrasts. Just sprinkle them in the layers or on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a weekend treat, it’s easy to prepare, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing. Go ahead, try it out—you might just find 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 (excluding soaking time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a cozy, comforting breakfast casserole that’s perfect for a weekend brunch. Cubed brioche bread is layered with diced apples and soaked in a rich custard mixture infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Baked until golden and set, it’s served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 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
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Cube your brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and allow it to dry slightly. This helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks to distribute evenly throughout the bake.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Layer half of the cubed bread evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle half of the diced apples over the bread. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread and apples.
- Add Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it soaks up the custard.
- Soak: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight to let the bread fully absorb the custard.
- Preheat Oven & Add Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread and apple mixture to create a rich crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step helps the custard set gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French Toast Bake cool for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with caramel sauce or maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
- Drying the bread before assembling helps prevent sogginess and allows for better custard absorption.
- The bake can be prepared the night before and refrigerated for a convenient breakfast option.
- Use brioche or another sturdy, soft bread for the best texture.
- Adjust the sugar quantities to your taste preference or substitute with a sugar alternative if desired.
- Optional toppings like nuts or whipped cream can be added for extra flavor and texture.
