Go Back
- 8 slices of thick bread (challah or brioche) - 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 4 large eggs - 1 cup milk - 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons butter (melted) - Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting, maple syrup for serving Gathering the right ingredients is key. You'll want thick slices of bread. Challah or brioche works best for a soft and rich taste. Next, choose two large apples. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp adds a nice sweet and tart flavor. Make sure you have four large eggs, which create a rich custard. One cup of milk adds creaminess. The brown sugar gives sweetness and depth. Use half a cup, packed tightly. Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract for warmth and flavor. Ground cinnamon brings a familiar taste, so use one teaspoon. A quarter teaspoon of nutmeg adds a subtle spice. Don’t forget a quarter teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness. Finally, melt two tablespoons of butter to drizzle on top before baking. If you like, have powdered sugar ready for dusting. Maple syrup is a great choice for serving, adding that sweet touch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Cut each slice of thick bread into cubes. Make sure the cubes are even for good baking. In a bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss the apples well to coat them. Pour the apple mixture over the bread cubes. Distribute the apples evenly so every bite has some fruit. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and all ingredients blend well. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apple mix. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up the custard. Drizzle the melted butter over the top for added richness. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a set custard. Let the French toast bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. For a sweet touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top. Enjoy every bite! When making a French toast bake, the type of bread matters. Thick bread works best. I love using challah or brioche. They soak up the custard well and get soft. If you need gluten-free bread, try a good gluten-free loaf. Whole grain bread is also a great choice for added fiber. For baking, I suggest using tart apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape and add great flavor. When preparing apples, start by peeling them. A simple vegetable peeler works best. Next, cut the apples into quarters, remove the core, and slice them into small pieces. This makes them easy to mix into your dish. To avoid soggy bread, don’t soak the bread for too long. Pour the custard over the bread and apples, then press down gently. This helps the bread absorb just enough liquid. For a golden crust, bake covered for the first part. Uncover it towards the end to allow the top to brown nicely. This gives you a tasty, crunchy top. {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor of your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake. Adding spices like cardamom or ginger brings warmth and depth. You could also mix in some berries or raisins for a fruity twist. These flavors add a new layer of taste, making each bite exciting. If you want to cut back on sugar or fat, there are easy swaps. Use less brown sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener. For a lighter version, consider using almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. You can also replace eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water for a vegan option. These changes keep the dish tasty while being gentle on your diet. Think about serving this dish in different ways. You can make it savory by adding cheese or fresh herbs, like basil or thyme. This gives your bake a unique flavor profile. You can also serve it as a breakfast casserole or a dessert option. With a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream, it can be a sweet treat anytime! To keep your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can stay good for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to warm it up is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice. If you need a quick option, use the microwave. Heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as it can become soggy. Prep is easy with this dish! You can assemble it the night before. Just cover it and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This way, it’s ready to bake in the morning. You can also freeze it before baking. Just prepare it as usual, cover it well, and freeze. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can prepare your French toast bake the night before. Just follow these steps: - After assembling the bread and apple mixture, cover it with foil. - Place it in the fridge overnight. - In the morning, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you save time and enjoy a warm breakfast with ease. Yes, you can use different apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices. They add a nice tartness and firmness. Here are some other options: - Fuji apples for sweetness. - Gala apples for a softer texture. - Braeburn apples for a mix of sweet and tart. Feel free to mix different kinds for added flavor! This French toast bake is tasty on its own, but you can enhance your meal. Here are some great sides: - Bacon or sausage for a savory touch. - Fresh fruit like berries or bananas for brightness. - Whipped cream for a creamy texture. - Nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. Maple syrup is a must for drizzling! Cooking your French toast bake takes about 45 to 50 minutes. Here's the breakdown: - Prep time is about 15 minutes. - The initial bake takes 30 minutes covered with foil. - Then, bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. This timing ensures a delicious, custardy bake. Enjoy! This blog post covered everything you need for a delicious Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake. You learned about ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect texture. We explored variations and provided storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. In the end, I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for gatherings. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with friends and family. Happy baking!

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

Indulge in a delicious Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch! This easy recipe combines thick bread, sweet diced apples, and a rich custard, baked to golden perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Ready to create this delightful dish that will make your mornings sweeter? Click through for the full recipe and get ready for a tasty treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 slices of thick bread (such as challah or brioche)

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (granny smith or honeycrisp work well)

4 large eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Maple syrup (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

Prep the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Cut each slice of bread into cubes and place them evenly in the baking dish.

    Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat the apples. Pour the apple mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

      Make the Custard: In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

        Combine and Soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apple mixture, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the custard. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.

          Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

            Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8