Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast casserole that blends sweet, caramelized apples with buttery brioche bread soaked in cinnamon-spiced custard. Perfect for quick breakfast prep, easy dinner ideas, or healthy-ish brunch indulgence. This easy recipe is ideal for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or even a sweet food idea for dinner. A crisp golden top, soft creamy center, and warm fall spices make this an instant favorite.
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
Instructions
1. Cube brioche bread into 1-inch pieces and let it sit out to become slightly stale.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté apples with brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until just tender (5-7 minutes), then set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Grease a large baking dish. Layer half the bread cubes, then half the apples. Repeat layers, then sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
5. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread. Gently press bread down to soak. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until top is golden and center is just set.
7. Let rest 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption and texture.
Chill the assembled bake overnight for richer flavor and better structure.
If the top browns too quickly while baking, tent with foil to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon french toast bake, easy breakfast casserole, make-ahead brunch, fall breakfast ideas, cozy breakfast