If you have a soft spot for cozy breakfasts that feel like a warm hug, then this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is about to become your new weekend obsession. It brings together the tender, custardy delight of brioche bread soaked in a perfectly spiced mixture of cinnamon and vanilla, studded with sweet, tender apple chunks. Imagine waking up to the inviting aroma of baked cinnamon apples and buttered bread, all finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup. This recipe isn’t just breakfast; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will instantly make your mornings extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this comforting Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role. They combine to provide a rich custard soak, sweet fruity bursts, and a golden finish that balances every bite.
- 6 cups brioche bread, cubed: The star of the dish, brioche offers a buttery, tender texture that soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- 5 large eggs: Eggs give the custard its structure and richness, binding everything together perfectly.
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk: This adds creaminess and moisture, essential for that velvet custard feel.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For an extra luscious and indulgent texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds warmth and depth with its molasses flavor, complementing the cinnamon.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Helps balance the sweetness and caramelizes during baking.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The signature spice that defines this bake’s comforting aroma and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way to enhance the natural sweetness and cozy spice notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to brighten and balance all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Drizzled on top for a golden crust with buttery richness.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: They add fresh sweetness and a tender bite that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty, sweet finish to your presentation.
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional): These elevate the dish with sticky sweetness, perfect for drizzling over each slice.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Apples
Start by cubing your brioche bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Let it sit out for a bit so it dries slightly—this helps it soak up the custard without becoming mushy. While the bread rests, peel and dice your apples into small, even chunks to ensure they cook through evenly and burst with flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, combine your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk them vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the sugars are well dissolved. This custard will infuse your bread cubes with rich, sweet, spiced flavor that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Begin by layering half of the brioche cubes evenly across the bottom, then scatter half of the diced apples on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread and apples, creating a structured base that bakes evenly and looks beautiful when served.
Step 4: Pour Custard and Let Soak
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Using a spoon or your hands, gently press the bread down so it soaks up the liquid thoroughly. For best results, let the dish sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate it overnight if you want to prepare it in advance. This soaking step is where the magic happens, turning simple bread into a dreamy French toast bake.
Step 5: Bake the French Toast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter over the top of your soaked bread mixture; this will create a lovely golden crust while baking. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is set. Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes—this helps the bake firm up and makes it easier to slice.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
Before serving, you can dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Offer caramel sauce or maple syrup on the side for guests to drizzle as much sweetness as they desire. This is when your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe truly shines—each bite layered with flavor and coziness.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful snowy effect that enhances the warm tones of the baked apples. Consider a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a few thinly sliced fresh apples for an extra crunch and freshness that complements the soft custard.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage links, adding a savory counterpoint that rounds out the meal. Fresh fruit like berries or orange slices can also bring a bright contrast, balancing the richness of the bake with vibrant, tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch presentation, serve this French toast bake in individual ramekins instead of a large pan, allowing each guest their own perfectly portioned serving. You can also top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist that will impress family and friends alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake maintains its deliciousness when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to keep it from drying out and enjoy cold or reheated.
Freezing
If you want to make this bake ahead of time, it freezes well unbaked. Assemble the dish as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. You can also freeze baked leftover slices for quick breakfasts—just wrap them individually to preserve freshness.
Reheating
Reheat slices of the bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This maintains the crispy topping better than the microwave. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave for about a minute will also do the trick, though the texture will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is preferred for its buttery texture, challah or thick-cut white bread also work well. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or dried out to absorb the custard properly.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your preferred plant-based milks and creams, such as almond milk and coconut cream. Butter can be swapped with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for the topping.
How far ahead can I prepare this?
One of the best things about this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is that it can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, or even frozen unbaked for up to a month. This makes morning prep a breeze!
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake should be golden on top and set in the center without any liquid custard visible. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I add nuts or other fruits?
For sure! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries make fantastic additions. Just fold them in with the apples before layering to add an extra crunch and burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is pure comfort food magic, perfect for leisurely mornings and special family gatherings. The combination of tender brioche, sweet cinnamon apples, and rich custard creates a dish that feels both cozy and indulgent, every single time. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to recipe for breakfast bliss—you won’t regret waking up to this delightful treat!
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus optional overnight soak)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a cozy, delicious breakfast casserole combining soft brioche bread soaked in a spiced custard with tender apples. Baked to golden perfection and topped with optional powdered sugar and caramel or maple syrup, it’s perfect for a comforting brunch or holiday morning.
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
Topping and Finishing
- 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 and let it dry slightly at room temperature to improve custard absorption, ensuring a perfectly soaked texture.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel the apples and dice them into small chunks to evenly distribute sweetness and texture throughout the bake.
- 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 Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cubed brioche bread evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the diced apples on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread cubes and apples.
- Pour Custard Over: Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down the mixture to help the bread soak up the custard fully.
- Soak the Mixture: Let the dish sit for 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the custard to absorb into the bread thoroughly, or for best results, refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread and apples.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for about 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with optional caramel sauce or maple syrup.
Notes
- Allowing the bread to dry slightly helps it soak up the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- Soaking the dish overnight in the fridge enhances flavor and texture.
- Use brioche or other rich, soft breads for the best texture.
- Optional toppings like powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or maple syrup add extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- To make ahead for a crowd, prepare the night before and bake just before serving.
