Description
A cozy, make-ahead breakfast bursting with caramelized apples, warm spices, and buttery brioche bread—this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a must for holidays, weekend brunches, or anytime you crave comfort. It’s the ultimate quick breakfast idea that doubles as a show-stopping easy recipe for guests. Perfect for your list of breakfast ideas, food ideas, and even healthy-ish snack swaps with the right tweaks.
Ingredients
12 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed
4 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sauté until apples are slightly tender and caramelized. Let cool.
2. Cube the brioche or challah bread into 1-inch pieces. Let it sit out or toast lightly to dry.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the bread, then half the apples. Repeat.
5. Pour custard over the top. Press the bread gently so it soaks in the liquid.
6. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
8. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream.
Notes
Use day-old or lightly toasted bread for the best texture.
Let the bake rest overnight for deeper flavor and even custard absorption.
Cover with foil for the first half of baking to prevent the top from browning too fast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: quick breakfast, easy recipe, holiday brunch, baked french toast, apple breakfast ideas