Name: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups brioche bread, cubed and slightly stale; 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred); 6 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; Powdered sugar, for topping; Maple syrup, for drizzling

I’ve made a lot of breakfast casseroles over the years, but this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is something I keep coming back to—especially when the air gets crisp and apples are in season. It’s the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that makes your whole kitchen smell like a warm hug. The combination of juicy, caramelized apples, soft brioche bread, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg create a flavor that’s comforting and indulgent without being too heavy.

What I love most is that I can prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, which makes it perfect for holiday mornings, brunch with friends, or just an easy weekend treat. The contrast of crunchy pecans and gooey maple syrup on top adds a little extra magic to each bite. It’s become a staple in my kitchen not only for its taste but also for the memories I associate with it.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This bake is everything you want in a cozy, fall-inspired breakfast. It’s easy to assemble, deeply flavorful, and makes enough to feed a small gathering. Plus, it turns ordinary ingredients into something you’d happily serve to guests. From the custard-soaked bread to the tender apple chunks and golden edges, every bite is pure comfort.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

Brioche or challah are my top picks for this bake. They’re rich, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. If you can’t find those, a good-quality French bread or even croissants work beautifully. Just make sure whatever you choose is a bit stale—day-old bread absorbs the custard better and gives you that perfect texture.

Options for Substitutions

There’s plenty of flexibility in this recipe. If you’re dairy-free, swap the milk for almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter. Not a fan of pecans? Try walnuts or skip the nuts entirely. You can also use pears instead of apples, or toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor. And if you’re looking to reduce the sugar, you can cut it down by a third without losing that warm sweetness that makes this dish shine.

Ingredients for This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Brioche bread – This is the heart of the recipe. Its buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor are perfect for absorbing the custard and baking into a rich, soft base.

Apples – Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness beautifully.

Eggs – Essential for the custard, eggs help bind everything together and create a creamy, rich interior.

Whole milk – Provides the necessary moisture and richness to soak the bread, making it soft and fluffy inside.

Heavy cream – Adds extra decadence and a creamy mouthfeel to the custard.

Brown sugar – Adds warmth and a touch of molasses depth to both the apple mixture and custard.

Granulated sugar – Lightens up the sweetness profile and balances the brown sugar.

Ground cinnamon – The star spice here; it adds that classic fall flavor and warmth.

Nutmeg – Just a pinch brings a subtle spice that enhances the cinnamon.

Vanilla extract – Lends a rich aroma and rounds out the flavor of the custard.

Butter – Used for sautéing the apples and greasing the dish, it brings richness and helps caramelize the fruit.

Chopped pecans – They give a crunchy texture contrast to the soft custard and a slightly nutty depth.

Powdered sugar & maple syrup (optional toppings) – A dusting of powdered sugar and drizzle of maple syrup make the bake look and taste extra special.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cube the brioche bread into 1-inch pieces. Let it sit out for a few hours or overnight so it becomes slightly stale, which helps it soak up the custard more effectively.

Step 2: Cook the Apples

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Grease a large baking dish with butter. Add half of the bread cubes, layer with half of the sautéed apples, then repeat. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Pour the custard mixture evenly over everything, pressing the bread down gently to help it absorb the liquid.

Step 5: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

For best results, cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer texture.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the bake from the fridge while the oven preheats. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let the bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup just before bringing it to the table. Serve warm and enjoy every cozy bite.

How Long to Prepare the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Prep Time: The hands-on portion of this recipe takes about 20 minutes. That includes chopping the apples, sautéing them, whisking the custard, and assembling the layers. If your bread is already cubed and slightly stale, that saves even more time.

Chill & Bake Time: I recommend chilling the assembled bake for at least 1 hour, or overnight if planning ahead. Baking takes about 45-55 minutes, depending on your oven. So from start to finish (not including overnight chilling), you’re looking at just over an hour and a half total.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Use slightly stale bread. Fresh bread turns mushy; a drier loaf soaks up the custard without breaking down.
Sauté the apples first. This brings out their natural sweetness and softens them so they bake evenly.
Let the custard soak. Overnight chilling is best, but even an hour helps for deeper flavor and better texture.
Tent with foil if browning too fast. If the top starts to darken before the center is set, lightly cover it to prevent overbaking.
Let it rest before serving. This helps the custard finish setting and makes slicing easier.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using fresh bread: This can result in a soggy, overly wet bake.
Not whisking the custard thoroughly: Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated, or you might get bits of cooked egg.
Skipping the chill time: Rushing the soak leads to uneven texture and flavor.
Baking at too high a temp: Stick to 350°F for a gently baked, custardy middle.
Overcrowding the pan: Don’t press the bread in too tightly. Leave space for the custard to circulate.

What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake?

1. Maple-Glazed Bacon

The sweet-savory contrast is incredible. Crispy bacon with a drizzle of maple syrup complements the soft, spiced bake.

2. Greek Yogurt with Honey

A tangy, creamy side that balances the richness of the bake.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad

Adds brightness and freshness to your breakfast table.

4. Hot Apple Cider

Warm, spiced cider echoes the flavors in the bake and enhances the cozy mood.

5. Soft Scrambled Eggs

A savory protein addition that rounds out the meal without overpowering it.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Once cooled, cover the leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the bake either fully baked or unbaked. For baked, wrap portions in foil and freeze up to 2 months. For unbaked, assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole dish (covered) in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 10 servings)

Calories: ~320
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 210mg
Cholesterol: 105mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this?

You can prep it up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I make it without nuts?

Yes! Just skip the pecans, or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely. Just choose a sturdy, slightly stale gluten-free loaf that holds up to soaking.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk work well in place of whole milk. Just be sure it’s unsweetened.

What kind of apples work best?

I like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is everything you love about a comforting fall morning in one dish. It’s warm, flavorful, and incredibly easy to customize to your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping for the holidays, or just craving something cozy, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. The best part? It feels indulgent but is simple enough to whip up without stress. Serve it with your favorite sides, a hot drink, and a smile—because this is comfort food at its best.