Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a comforting and delicious breakfast casserole featuring tender brioche bread cubes soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard, layered with buttery cinnamon-spiced apples, and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a cozy weekend brunch or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Apple Layer
- 1 loaf brioche bread (about 16 ounces), cut into cubes
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Custard Mixture
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish evenly and spread the cubed brioche bread inside to form the base layer.
- Cook Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the sliced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sauté the apples for 5 to 7 minutes until they are slightly softened and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Layer Apples: Spread the warm cinnamon-buttered apple mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
- Mix 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 the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apple layers. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid, ensuring every piece is soaked.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the custard to fully soak into the bread.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
- This bake can be assembled the night before for convenience and richer flavor.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture.
- Swap brioche for challah or French bread if preferred.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter.
- Top with chopped nuts or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
