Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a cozy, comforting breakfast casserole that’s perfect for a weekend brunch. Cubed brioche bread is layered with diced apples and soaked in a rich custard mixture infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Baked until golden and set, it’s served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 6 cups brioche bread, cubed
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Custard Mixture
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Cube your brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and allow it to dry slightly. This helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks to distribute evenly throughout the bake.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Layer half of the cubed bread evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle half of the diced apples over the bread. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread and apples.
- Add Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it soaks up the custard.
- Soak: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight to let the bread fully absorb the custard.
- Preheat Oven & Add Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread and apple mixture to create a rich crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step helps the custard set gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French Toast Bake cool for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with caramel sauce or maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
- Drying the bread before assembling helps prevent sogginess and allows for better custard absorption.
- The bake can be prepared the night before and refrigerated for a convenient breakfast option.
- Use brioche or another sturdy, soft bread for the best texture.
- Adjust the sugar quantities to your taste preference or substitute with a sugar alternative if desired.
- Optional toppings like nuts or whipped cream can be added for extra flavor and texture.
