If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch idea, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender cubes of buttery brioche bread soaking up a rich cinnamon-spiced custard, layered with sweet, tender apples that add just the right amount of fruity brightness. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup, it transforms any morning into a special occasion with minimal effort. Once you try this, it may become your go-to for weekend mornings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in building the depth of flavor, texture, and warmth that makes this dish so unforgettable. From the soft brioche bread providing a buttery base to the apples offering juicy bursts of sweetness, every element comes together beautifully.
- 6 cups brioche bread, cubed: Its rich, tender crumb soaks up the custard perfectly for a creamy inside and crisp edges.
- 5 large eggs: The backbone of the custard, providing structure and richness.
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy custard that coats every bread cube.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds lusciousness to the custard for that dreamy texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Infuses warmth and sweetness with subtle molasses notes.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings that classic Apple Cinnamon flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the custard with a mellow, fragrant sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: For drizzling, it ensures a golden, buttery crust.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Fresh and juicy, they add texture and natural sweetness.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): Offers a pretty, snowy finish.
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional): Adds an extra decadent touch when drizzled on top.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Apples
Start by cubing the brioche bread into bite-sized pieces. Letting the bread dry out slightly works wonders because it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy. Meanwhile, peel and dice your apples into small chunks—small is key to evenly distribute those lovely apple bites throughout the bake.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. This custard mixture is what transforms the bread into a rich, flavorful delight, so be generous with the cinnamon to really bring out the classic Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe taste.
Step 3: Layer Bread and Apples
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and then layer half of the cubed brioche in an even layer. Sprinkle half of the diced apples over the bread, repeating the layers one more time so every bite gets that perfect balance of bread and apple.
Step 4: Pour the Custard and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Press down gently on the top with a spatula or your hands to help the bread soak up all that custard goodness. Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld and ensures the bread gets fully saturated. For even better results, refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, drizzle the melted butter over the top—this forms a luscious crust as the bake cooks. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are caramelized and the center feels firm but still moist.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the French toast bake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the custard finish setting and makes it easier to cut into neat squares. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, then drizzle with warm caramel sauce or maple syrup for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is stunning on its own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely, snowy look that makes it feel extra special. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice textural contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make it feel like a dessert-worthy treat.
Side Dishes
Pair this bake with crispy bacon or sausage for savory balance, or a simple fruit salad to lighten the meal. A fresh orange juice or a hot cup of coffee complements the warming spices perfectly and rounds out a well-balanced brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, bake the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins to create personal servings that look charming on the table. You can also prepare it in a slow cooker the night before for a hands-off breakfast that’s ready when you wake up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes fantastic cold or reheated, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this bake freezes well. After baking and cooling completely, cut into portions and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Brioche is ideal for its rich texture, but challah, Texas toast, or even sturdy white bread can work. Just be sure to use a dense bread that can hold up to soaking without falling apart.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! In fact, refrigerating it overnight allows the bread to soak up more custard and intensifies the flavors. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil before baking the next morning.
Are there alternative fruits I can use instead of apples?
Of course! Pears, peaches, or even berries can be lovely substitutes or additions to the apple. Choose fruits that hold their shape when baked to avoid a soggy texture.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread in place of brioche. Just be sure it’s a sturdy variety; lighter gluten-free breads may become too soft during soaking and baking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Swap the milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter or oil for drizzling. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about waking up to a warm, homemade Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe that fills the kitchen with aromatic cinnamon and sweet apples. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a wonderful way to start your day with delight and ease. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it on repeat for holidays, weekends, and beyond!
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes 30 minutes soaking time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a delicious and comforting breakfast casserole featuring brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard with juicy diced apples. Baked until golden and tender, it’s perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion. Serve it dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with caramel sauce or maple syrup for an indulgent treat.
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
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Cube the brioche bread and let it dry slightly for better custard absorption, which helps the custard soak evenly into the bread for a moist and flavorful bake.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks, ensuring they are bite-sized to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
- 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 fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the cubed bread followed by half of the diced apples. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples to create two even layers.
- Add Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples, then gently press down to ensure the custard soaks into the bread thoroughly.
- Soak: Let the assembled dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate it overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Preheat Oven and Add Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked casserole to add richness and help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to cook the custard through without drying out the top.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set firm.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for 10 minutes. Optionally dust with powdered sugar and serve with caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For best texture, allow the bread to dry a bit before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, making it perfect for a make-ahead breakfast.
- Use brioche or another rich, thick-sliced bread for optimal custard absorption and flavor.
- If you prefer a crunchier top, you can sprinkle additional brown sugar before baking uncovered.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
