Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast is the ultimate cozy breakfast casserole, bringing together the comforting flavors of spiced apples, soft cinnamon-soaked bread, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for feeding a crowd or as a make-ahead breakfast, this dish requires minimal effort but packs a lot of flavor. The apples bake down into sweet, tender bites that blend beautifully with the fluffy French toast. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup, this baked French toast is perfect for special mornings and holiday gatherings alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread and Apples: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the bread cubes and apple slices in the dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup or brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble and Soak: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, ensuring all the bread is evenly soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and dot the top with small pieces of butter. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Serve: Let the French toast rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired.
This Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast is the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and creamy, creating a warm, comforting breakfast that everyone will love.
