If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, look no further than this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe. It blends the sweetness of tender apples with the comforting spices of cinnamon, all nestled in soft, custardy brioche bread that soaks up a rich, creamy custard. This dish effortlessly transforms a classic comfort food into a make-ahead masterpiece that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or festive gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to brunch hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is surprisingly simple, but each item plays a starring role in making the dish taste just right. From the buttery brioche to the warm cinnamon and fresh apples, these essentials come together to create a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color.
- Brioche bread, 6 cups cubed: Rich, soft, and slightly sweet, this bread is perfect for soaking up custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs, 5: They bind the custard mixture together and add protein for a filling start to your day.
- Whole milk, 1 1/4 cups: Adds creaminess and helps the custard set into a soft, luscious texture.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Makes the custard extra rich and velvety.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Gives a deep caramel sweetness that complements the apples brilliantly.
- Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons: Balances the sweetness and helps caramelize the edges perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons: The warm spice that defines the signature flavor of this dish.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Adds a subtle floral note that enhances all other flavors.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Just a pinch to round out sweetness and highlight the spices.
- Butter, 3 tablespoons melted: For brushing on top to create a golden, indulgent crust.
- Medium apples, 2 peeled and diced: Fresh and tart, they add texture and juicy bursts of flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate finishing touch for a bit of extra sweetness and charm.
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup (optional): Perfect for drizzling over the finished bake to add decadent richness.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Apples
Start by cubing your brioche bread into bite-sized pieces. Letting the bread dry out slightly, either by leaving it at room temperature for a bit, helps it soak up the custard better without becoming too mushy. While the bread is resting, peel and dice your apples into small chunks. The apples add freshness and a subtle tartness that balances the sweet custard perfectly.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This custard is the heart of the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe, infusing every bite with rich flavor and a creamy texture you will fall in love with.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks and the crust bakes nicely. Layer half of the cubed brioche evenly in the dish, followed by half of the diced apples. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples, creating beautiful alternating layers that soak in all the custard goodness.
Step 4: Pour the Custard and Let It Soak
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down to help everything soak up the liquid without crushing the bread. This soaking step is crucial for achieving that perfect custardy softness inside with a lightly crisp top. Let the dish sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate it overnight if you want a no-fuss morning.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaked bread, which will help create a dreamy golden crust. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the custard to set gently. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the filling is fully set. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before moving on to the final touches.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe with powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of snow-like sweetness and visual appeal. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce or warm maple syrup over the top to enhance the rich flavors and add moisture.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best with simple, complementary sides like fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon. The fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich custard, while bacon’s salty crunch balances the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve the bake in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned personal delights. Alternatively, layering a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes this breakfast classic into dessert territory, making it perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can safely store leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions on the stovetop or microwave for a quick, comforting second round.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from drying out, and warm it gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through. For single servings, microwaving on medium power for a minute or two does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its richness and texture, challah or even sturdy white bread can work well too. Just make sure the bread isn’t too dense or crusty to ensure it soaks up the custard nicely.
Can I prepare the bake the night before?
Definitely! Preparing it the night before and letting it soak in the fridge will enhance the flavors and make your morning stress-free since you just have to pop it in the oven.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a pleasant tartness that contrasts the sweet custard.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since brioche contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free bread if you can find one that holds up well when soaked.
Can I add nuts or other fruits?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add a lovely crunch. You might also toss in raisins or dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is like welcoming a warm, delicious hug from your kitchen. It’s simple enough to prepare ahead but special enough to feel like a celebration. Whether for a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch spread, this dish promises smiles with every bite. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it!
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking or overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a delicious and comforting breakfast casserole featuring layers of brioche bread and diced apples soaked in a rich cinnamon custard. Perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday morning, it’s baked until golden and served with optional powdered sugar and syrup or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 Serving
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cube the brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and allow it to dry slightly to improve custard absorption, resulting in a better texture.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks to distribute evenly throughout the bake and add natural sweetness.
- 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 fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the brioche bread cubes evenly at the bottom, then sprinkle half of the diced apples over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples to create two layers.
- Add the Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down on the mixture to ensure the custard soaks into the bread.
- Soak: Let the assembled bake sit for 30 minutes at room temperature to absorb the custard. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for convenience and enhanced flavor melding.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread and apple layers.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to steam the custard through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the bake is fully set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the French toast bake to cool for about 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with optional caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Brioche bread is preferred for its rich buttery flavor, but challah or thick white bread can be used as substitutes.
- Allowing the bread to dry out slightly helps it absorb the custard better, resulting in a creamier bake.
- The bake can be assembled the night before and refrigerated for a convenient, grab-and-go breakfast.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugars slightly.
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
