Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

Introduction

There’s something special about waking up to the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake recipe combines the coziness of bread pudding with the flavor of warm apple pie. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for holidays but simple enough for a Sunday breakfast at home. You don’t have to fuss over flipping slices in a skillet—the oven does all the work. Soft bread, tender apples, and a spiced custard come together into one warm, comforting bite. Let’s walk through the recipe, plus tips, storage ideas, and nutrition details.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cubed (day-old is best)
• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for serving

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Foil for covering during baking

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Apples

Cut your brioche into bite-sized cubes and let them dry slightly. Meanwhile, peel and slice the apples. If you like more texture, keep the peel on—it adds a rustic feel.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. The mix should be creamy but not too thick.

Step 3: Assemble

Grease your baking dish with melted butter. Add a layer of bread cubes, scatter apples, then pour the custard evenly on top. Gently press down with a spatula so the bread soaks up the mixture.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Extra Tips to Make It Perfect

• Use day-old bread so it absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
• Try mixing apple varieties—Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking for a caramelized crust.

How to Serve

This bake is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve it with maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Recipe Notes

• Brioche and challah are best, but French bread works too.
• You can prep the bake the night before, refrigerate it covered, and bake in the morning.
• Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels based on your sweetness preference.

Time and Serving

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

(Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.)

Health Benefits

• Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, supporting digestion and immunity.
• Eggs provide protein, making this dish more filling than sugary pastries.
• Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and adds flavor without extra calories.
• Using milk and cream adds calcium, supporting bone health.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes—assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning.

Q2: Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes, but brioche or challah hold texture better.

Q3: How do I prevent soggy French toast bake?
Use day-old bread and make sure the custard isn’t overly watery.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute almond or oat milk and coconut cream.

Q5: What toppings go best with this recipe?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, nuts, or whipped cream are all delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake recipe is one of those dishes that feels comforting no matter the occasion. It’s hearty enough for weekend brunch, yet special enough for holidays or family gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to often. Whether you serve it warm with syrup or dress it up with whipped cream, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Try it once, and you might just find it becomes your go-to bake for cozy mornings.