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
Scale
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.
