Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a delightful breakfast casserole perfect for a cozy morning. It features tender brioche bread cubes soaked in a rich cinnamon-spiced custard, layered with warm, buttery cinnamon apples, and baked to a golden perfection. This make-ahead dish is ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings, offering a comforting blend of sweet and spiced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the Custard
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Spread the cubed brioche bread evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Cook Apples: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the peeled and sliced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened and coated in a flavorful caramelized sauce. Remove from heat.
- Combine Apples and Bread: Evenly spread the warm apple mixture over the layer of bread cubes, distributing the softened apples well throughout.
- Prepare Custard: In a large mixing 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 the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Soak Bread Cubes: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Gently press the bread cubes down so they absorb the custard thoroughly, ensuring even soaking.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard and flavors to meld.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the dish uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked French toast cool for about 10 minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting breakfast bake.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old brioche bread so it better absorbs the custard.
- You can substitute apples with pears or peaches based on your preference.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to save time in the morning.
- Try adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup on top before serving for extra flavor and texture.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
