If you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a big, cozy hug, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine tender cubes of buttery brioche soaking up a cinnamon-spiced custard, layered with soft, sweet apples caramelized in brown sugar and cinnamon, all baked to a golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas and promises a deliciously satisfying start to your day. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe hits all the right notes for a perfect brunch or weekend breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create richness, sweetness, and spice. Each one plays an essential role—from the plush texture of brioche bread to the warm flavors infused by cinnamon and vanilla, ensuring every bite is pure comfort.
- Brioche bread (1 loaf, about 16 ounces): Its soft, buttery texture soaks up the custard like a dream, making the bake irresistibly tender.
- Apples (3 medium, peeled and sliced): They add a fresh, juicy sweetness that balances the richness perfectly.
- Eggs (6 large): The backbone of the custard, giving it structure and creaminess.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds a smooth texture to the custard without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Elevates the custard with extra richness and silkiness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, divided): Provides a warm caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds the right touch of sweetness to the custard.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons, divided): The spice that brings everything together with that classic apple-cinnamon warmth.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the bake with a sweet, fragrant note that brightens the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Used to cook the apples, creating a luscious caramelized layer.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks when you bake. Then, cube the brioche bread and spread it evenly across the dish. This sets the stage, creating a soft, bready base that will soon soak up all those lovely flavors.
Step 2: Caramelize the Apples
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the sliced apples with 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften slightly and turn golden. This step brings out the apples’ natural sweetness and infuses them with a warm, cinnamon-rich flavor that makes the bake unforgettable.
Step 3: Layer the Apples Over the Bread
Spread the warm cinnamon-spiced apple mixture evenly over the brioche cubes. The warmth from the apples helps start the infusion of flavors and ensures every bite has a perfect balance of sweet fruit and soft bread.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, remaining brown sugar, granulated sugar, remaining cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth. This creamy custard is what transforms the bread into a rich, luscious French toast bake.
Step 5: Pour Custard Over Bread and Apples
Evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread and apple layers. Gently press the bread down so it soaks in all the liquid, ensuring every cube becomes perfectly custardy and tender.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Let Flavors Meld
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, overnight. This resting period lets the bread fully absorb the custard and meld with the cinnamon and apples, resulting in a richer and more cohesive bake.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time makes it easier to slice the French toast bake neatly, and the flavors continue to settle so every bite is just right.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving even more special, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top or add a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can introduce a lovely creaminess that complements the warm spices and tender apples beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp bacon or savory breakfast sausages if you want contrasting flavors. Fresh fruit like berries or a simple side salad also adds brightness and balances out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve the bake in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets to impress your guests. Layering a bit of caramel sauce between layers before baking creates an extra indulgent surprise. You can even add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top after baking for a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the French toast bake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes just as great warmed up, which makes it perfect as a make-ahead breakfast.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by wrapping portions tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen portions will keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe whenever you want.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual servings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven helps preserve the bake’s golden crust and tender center.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its rich, buttery texture, you can substitute challah or even a sturdy white bread. Just make sure it’s a bit dense to soak up the custard without turning mushy.
What is the best apple variety to use?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best as they hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon.
How long can I refrigerate the mixture before baking?
You can refrigerate the soaked bread for at least 1 hour, but overnight is preferred. This allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread and develop deeper flavors, making the bake even more delicious.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk alternatives like almond or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter for cooking the apples. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! The 9×13-inch pan makes a generous portion that can serve around 6 to 8 people. It’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe truly feels like a warm embrace on a plate. From the fusion of crisp apples and rich cinnamon to the custardy brioche soaked in vanilla-scented goodness, it brings a comforting joy to any breakfast table. I can’t recommend making this enough—once you try it, it will absolutely become a cherished staple in your kitchen. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this heavenly bake soon!
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a delightful and comforting breakfast casserole featuring cubed brioche bread soaked in a rich custard, layered with warm cinnamon-spiced sautéed apples, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for feeding a crowd or making ahead, it balances sweet flavors with a creamy texture for a cozy morning treat.
Ingredients
Bread and Apples
- 1 loaf brioche bread (about 16 ounces), cut into cubes
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed brioche bread evenly inside to create the base of the casserole.
- Sauté apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are slightly softened and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Layer apple mixture: Spread the warm apple mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, distributing the sweetness and cinnamon flavor throughout.
- Make custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak bread with custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb all the custard liquid.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard flavors and soften.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the uncovered casserole for 45 to 50 minutes until the custard is set in the center and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the French toast bake to cool for 10 minutes before slicing into portions and serving warm.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish the night before and let it soak overnight, making it perfect for a hassle-free morning.
- Using brioche bread enriches the texture and flavor, but challah or thick-cut white bread can be good substitutes.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for sautéing apples.
- Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch.
- Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.
