Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

$- 8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread - 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The bread provides a soft base. I like using brioche or challah for their rich taste. Apples bring sweetness and a nice bite. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my favorites. They hold up well when baked. The eggs create a creamy custard. Whole milk adds richness to the dish. Brown sugar gives it a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The spices are what make this dish shine. Cinnamon adds warmth, while nutmeg offers a hint of earthiness. A touch of salt balances the sweetness. If you want extra crunch, add chopped walnuts. They give texture and flavor. Each ingredient comes together for a delicious morning treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This helps the bake come out easily. - In a large bowl, combine 8 slices of cubed bread and 2 diced apples. If you like, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth. - Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apple mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to press down the bread. This helps it soak up the liquid. - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. You can also refrigerate it overnight for more flavor. - Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. - Alternatives for bread types: You can use any bread you have. Sourdough or whole wheat bread works well. If you like a lighter texture, try using white bread. Just ensure it is a little stale for the best results. - Apple varieties recommendations: Honeycrisp apples bring sweetness and crunch. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness. You can mix both for more flavor. Other apples like Fuji or Braeburn can also work great. - Achieving the ideal golden crust: To get that lovely golden top, bake the dish uncovered for the last 15 to 20 minutes. This helps crisp the edges nicely. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. - Ensuring the custard is fully absorbed: Press down gently on the bread before baking. This helps the liquid soak in well. If you let the dish sit longer, even overnight, it becomes richer in flavor. - Garnishing with maple syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over each serving. This adds sweetness and makes it feel special. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top. - Complementary sides to consider: Serve with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices. A dollop of whipped cream can make it even more delightful. You can also pair it with yogurt for a healthy side. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old brioche or challah bread. It absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Choose the Right Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples add a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall flavor. Let It Soak: Allow the dish to sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight, to ensure the bread absorbs the flavors fully. Check for Doneness: The bake is done when the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. A toothpick should come out clean from the center. {{image_4}} You can make your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake even better with some fun twists. - Incorporating other fruits: Try adding berries like strawberries or blueberries. You can also use bananas for a sweeter touch. - Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Walnuts add crunch, while chocolate chips bring a sweet twist. Mix them in with the bread and apples for extra flavor. If you need to make this dish fit certain diets, there are great options. - Gluten-free bread options: Use gluten-free bread to make this dish friendly for those who can’t eat gluten. Look for a sturdy brand to hold up well in the bake. - Dairy-free alternatives: Swap whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. This keeps the recipe rich and tasty without dairy. You can change the spices to fit the season and the mood. - Fall-themed spices: Adding pumpkin spice enhances the fall flavor. Just mix it in with the cinnamon for a warm twist. - Holiday variations: For a festive touch, add nutmeg or gingerbread spices. These flavors can make this dish a holiday favorite. To keep your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of baking. This dish stays good for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat slices in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat each slice for about 30 seconds. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10 to 15 minutes. To keep it fresh, cover with foil while reheating in the oven. This helps keep moisture in and prevents the top from getting too hard. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the bake into portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the slices in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move slices to the fridge overnight. Reheat them as mentioned above for the best taste and texture. Can I prepare this dish the night before? Yes, you can. Just mix the bread and apples, then pour the egg mix over them. Cover the dish and place it in the fridge overnight. This helps the bread soak up the flavors. Bake it in the morning for a warm breakfast. What type of apples work best for this recipe? I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples. Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crunch. Granny Smith gives a nice tartness. Both work great in this bake. Can I cut this recipe in half? Absolutely! Just use 4 slices of bread and 1 apple. Adjust the other ingredients by half too. This is perfect for a smaller group. How do I adjust for more servings? For more servings, double the recipe. Use 16 slices of bread and 4 apples. Keep the other ingredients in the same ratio. Use a larger baking dish if needed. How to enhance the cinnamon flavor? Add a bit more cinnamon. Try 1.5 tablespoons instead of 1. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon on top before baking. This gives a nice aroma and flavor. Can I use other types of bread? Yes, you can use other breads like sourdough or whole wheat. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best texture. Fresh bread may get too soggy. This blog post shows you how to make a tasty bread pudding. You learned about key ingredients, like brioche and apples, and how to mix them well. We shared helpful tips for substitutions and perfecting your bake. Different flavor ideas and storage options let you get creative. With this knowledge, you can create your own delicious version. Enjoy your cooking and share your results with others!$

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

A delicious baked French toast dish featuring apples and cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

8 slices day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
0.5 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 serving pure maple syrup for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, diced apples, and chopped walnuts (if using), gently tossing them together to ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Pour the creamy egg mixture evenly over the bread and apple mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to lightly press down on the bread, ensuring it absorbs as much of the liquid as possible.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For enhanced flavor, you can refrigerate it overnight.
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden and crisp.
Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with warm maple syrup just before enjoying.

Notes

Serve warm in squares, drizzled with maple syrup and sprinkled with extra cinnamon. Garnish with fresh apple slices or whipped cream for decoration.

Keyword apple, bake, brunch, cinnamon, french toast