If you’ve been searching for a cozy, show-stopping breakfast that will impress your family or guests, let me introduce you to the delightful Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe. This dish perfectly balances tender cubes of brioche bread soaked in a spiced custard, studded with sweet, soft apples, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a warm hug of breakfast comfort that is as easy to put together as it is delicious to devour. Whether you’re brunching on a lazy weekend or need a special holiday morning treat, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to delivering all the magic in this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich custard base to the fresh apples, every ingredient adds depth, flavor, and texture to the final dish.
- 6 cups brioche bread, cubed: Soft and buttery, brioche soaks up the custard beautifully while maintaining structure.
- 5 large eggs: These form the custard’s backbone, adding richness and helping the bake set perfectly.
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture for a luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts richness and creates that irresistible custard consistency.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the cinnamon flavor.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar with a lighter sweetness and aids in browning.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and cozy flavor to every bite.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and savory components.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Drizzled on top to create a golden, slightly crisp crust.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Fresh apple pieces add tender fruity bursts and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): A pretty finishing touch for presentation and extra sweetness.
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional): Drizzling these on top intensifies the indulgence factor.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Apples
Start by cubing your brioche bread and allowing it to dry out slightly—this helps the custard soak in without making the bread too soggy. While your bread rests, peel and dice the apples into small chunks to ensure they cook evenly and add the perfect sweet-tart balance throughout the bake.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. This spiced custard is what transforms the bread into a rich, flavorful base that’s perfectly creamy and comforting in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers in Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then layer half of the cubed bread followed by half the diced apples. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples to create lovely alternating layers that ensure fruit in every forkful.
Step 4: Pour the Custard and Let It Soak
Evenly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and apples. Press down gently so all the bread gets saturated. For best results, let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight, which allows the bread to absorb the custard deeply.
Step 5: Add Butter and Bake
Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the custard-soaked bread. Cover with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Once baked, let your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets it set further for easier slicing and enhances all those flavors melding together. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with caramel sauce or maple syrup if you want extra decadence!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar is simple yet effective, giving a delicate snowy effect that signals warmth and sweetness. Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a generous pour of maple syrup not only adds flavor but also a tempting shine that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage links for those who enjoy a savory counterpoint. Fresh fruit, such as berries or orange slices, also makes a refreshing accompaniment that balances out the cinnamon and apple sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style meal. Alternatively, cut into individual portions and plate with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt to add creaminess and an eye-catching touch for brunch guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It will keep its flavor, and the texture remains pleasing after reheating, making it a perfect option for busy mornings.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the edges regain crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but an oven reheating keeps that freshly baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its rich flavor and texture, challah or thick white bread will also work nicely in this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe.
Is it okay to prepare the dish the night before?
Yes, refrigerating the assembled dish overnight helps the bread soak up more custard and flavor. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the brioche with a gluten-free bread of your choice that holds up well after soaking.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is done when the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean without any liquid custard.
What are some good toppings for this recipe?
Beyond powdered sugar and syrup, chopped nuts, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream make fantastic toppings that add texture and indulgence.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to the scent of baked cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen, and the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe delivers just that every time. It’s the kind of dish that makes any morning feel festive and comforting, perfect to share with loved ones. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved tradition in your home.
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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake featuring soft brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, layered with diced apples, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, served with a dusting of powdered sugar and drizzled with caramel sauce or maple syrup.
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 and Garnish
- 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 into bite-sized pieces and allow them to dry slightly at room temperature. This step helps the bread absorb the custard more effectively without becoming soggy.
- Prepare Apples: Peel the apples and dice them into small chunks to ensure they bake evenly throughout the dish.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Add half of the cubed bread evenly into the dish, followed by half of the diced apples. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread and apples to create a structured bake.
- Pour Custard and Soak: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down with a spatula or your hands to help the bread soak up the custard mixture evenly.
- Rest the Bake: Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow further custard absorption, or cover and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven and Add Butter: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread and apples.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the custard through while maintaining moisture.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve with caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, let the bread dry for a few hours or overnight to prevent sogginess.
- Apples can be substituted with pears or berries for a different flavor.
- This bake can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Use unsalted butter for better control over salt content.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.
