Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a cozy and delicious breakfast casserole featuring soft brioche bread cubes layered with a warm apple cinnamon mixture and soaked in a rich custard. Baked until golden and served warm, it’s perfect for a comforting morning meal or special brunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf brioche bread (about 16 ounces), cut into cubes
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed brioche bread evenly inside to form the base of the casserole.
- Cook the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the sliced apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are slightly softened and caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Layer Apples Over Bread: Spread the warm apple and cinnamon mixture evenly over the cubed brioche bread in the baking dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 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, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Gently press the bread cubes down so they absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully, which ensures a soft and flavorful bake.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm for a perfect breakfast or brunch dish.
Notes
- Do not skip the resting time. Allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard ensures a soft interior and prevents dry spots in the finished bake.
- You can prepare the bake the night before and refrigerate overnight for better flavor and convenience.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture after cooking.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting half the milk with half-and-half.
Keywords: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, brioche French toast, apple cinnamon breakfast, brunch recipe
