Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a delightful and comforting breakfast casserole featuring tender brioche bread cubes layered with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and cream. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a sweet, cozy start to your day with the perfect balance of fruit, spice, and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread Base
- 1 loaf brioche bread (about 16 ounces), cut into cubes
For the Apple Mixture
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Custard
- 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 the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then evenly spread the cubed brioche bread inside, creating the base for your French toast bake.
- Cook the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the peeled and sliced apples along with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples become slightly softened and caramelized. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Layer the Apples: Spread the warm apple mixture evenly over the cubed brioche in the baking dish, distributing the fruit to create a flavorful fruit layer.
- Make the 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 cinnamon, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Combine Custard and Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Press the bread cubes gently to help them absorb the custard liquid for a fully soaked bake.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if preferred, to allow the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the custard-soaked bread uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into portions and serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the apple mixture before baking.
- Using stale or day-old brioche allows the bread to absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for an easy make-ahead breakfast.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and vegan cream.
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
