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
Scale
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.
