Description
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a comforting and delicious breakfast casserole featuring cubes of brioche bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-spiced custard and topped with tender, caramelized apples. Perfect for a make-ahead brunch or a cozy morning treat, this dish combines warm spices, sweet apples, and a golden baked crust that’s both fluffy and flavorful.
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 Mixture
- 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 the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and spread the cubed brioche bread evenly inside to create the base layer for your French toast bake.
- Cook the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add peeled and sliced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened and caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Layer Apples on Bread: Spread the warm apple mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish, ensuring good distribution of the fruit.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Press the bread cubes gently with the back of a spoon or spatula so that they absorb the custard well.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the French toast bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the center is set, and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it into portions. Serve warm, optionally with syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
- For best results, cut the brioche bread a few hours before assembling or use day-old bread to help it absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
- You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different fruit flavor.
- Covering and refrigerating overnight improves the custard absorption and enhances flavor.
- Use a mix of brown and granulated sugar to balance sweetness and texture.
- Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
