Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a comforting breakfast casserole featuring soft brioche bread cubes soaked in a rich custard and topped with warm, cinnamon-spiced sautéed apples. Perfect for making ahead, it delivers a golden, tender dish bursting with autumn flavors and a touch of vanilla sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf brioche bread (about 16 ounces), cut into cubes
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
Custard Mixture
- 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
Cooking Fat
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and spread the cubed brioche bread evenly inside to create the base layer of the bake.
- Sauté Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the sliced apples along with 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften slightly but retain some texture. Remove from heat.
- Add Apples to Bread: Evenly spread the warm apple mixture over the brioche cubes in the baking dish to ensure the fruit layers meld with the bread.
- Make 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 completely smooth and blended.
- Combine Custard and Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apple layers in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes to fully absorb the custard for a moist finish.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to let the flavors meld and bread soak properly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the dish uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set firm and the top has developed a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the French toast bake to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into portions and serving warm.
Notes
- For best texture, soak the bread overnight in the custard before baking.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
- To make ahead easier, prepare the apple mixture and custard the night before and assemble in the morning.
- Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance flavors.
- Can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
