Name: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 5 large eggs; 1 ¾ cups whole milk; ¼ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for apples); ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ cup cold butter, cubed

Warm, cozy, and deeply satisfying, Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. Imagine layers of fluffy bread soaked in cinnamon-spiced custard, topped with caramelized apples and a crunchy brown sugar streusel. It tastes like the lovechild of apple pie and classic French toast—ideal for lazy weekends or holiday mornings.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just looking for leftovers worth waking up to, this dish delivers. The balance of sweet apples, warm spices, and creamy texture makes it an irresistible treat, and the fact that it can be prepared the night before only adds to its charm.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use for French Toast Bake?

Brioche or challah are top choices because they’re rich and tender, yet sturdy enough to hold up to the custard. Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the mixture without getting too soggy. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread, which can break down during baking.

Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
5 large eggs
1 3/4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar (for apples)

For the Streusel Topping:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

How To Make the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Step 1: Prep the Bread Base

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure everything gets soaked. Let sit while you prep the apples.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apples and brown sugar, cooking until softened and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Distribute apples evenly over the soaked bread.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top.

Step 5: Chill Overnight or Bake

Cover and refrigerate overnight (recommended), or let sit for 30 minutes if baking right away. When ready, bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.

How to Serve and Store Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Serve warm straight from the oven, topped with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage on the side.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s a sturdy variety that can hold up to soaking.

What apples work best for this bake?

Go for firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and offer a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Freeze after baking and cooling completely. Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot.

Is it sweet enough on its own?

It has a balanced sweetness, but feel free to adjust the sugar or drizzle on extra syrup if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

Can I prep this two nights ahead?

Yes, but no more than 48 hours in advance for best texture. Keep it tightly covered in the fridge.

Want More Breakfast Bake Ideas?

If you’re a fan of cozy brunch casseroles, these other bakes are just as satisfying:

Try the Nutella French Toast Casserole for a chocolatey twist.
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake brings extra protein and fluffiness.
Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe offers a cakier texture with donut flavor.
Enjoy sweet, flaky treats like Baked Apple Empanadas for single-serve delights.
For something savory, explore Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can revisit it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

Tried this bake? I’d love to know how yours turned out! Did you add raisins, swap apples for pears, or toss in some nuts? Leave a comment and share your spin.

Let’s make mornings a little sweeter, one slice at a time.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is the perfect cozy breakfast casserole, combining tender bread, cinnamon-spiced custard, sautéed apples, and a buttery streusel topping. Great for weekends, holidays, or make-ahead brunches.