When breakfast feels like a whirlwind, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake offers a simple yet comforting solution. Prepared the night before, it fills your kitchen with the sweet, warm aroma of apples and cinnamon, making it feel like a cozy bakery morning.

The custard-soaked bread creates a fluffy yet indulgent texture, with layers of tender apples and rich cinnamon. It’s a perfect dish for lazy weekends or to elevate a fall brunch with minimal effort.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by the desire to enjoy a comforting, make-ahead breakfast without the early-morning chaos. The combination of cinnamon, apples, and custard-soaked bread creates a nostalgic dish that turns simple ingredients into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-ahead: Prepare the night before for an easy morning.
Cozy fall flavors: Sweet apples and cinnamon create a comforting, seasonal treat.

Minimal prep time: Just assemble and bake for a delicious breakfast.
Fluffy and rich: The custard-soaked bread results in a satisfying texture.

Perfect for brunch: An indulgent yet effortless centerpiece for your fall gatherings.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use day-old bread: Brioche or challah works best for soaking up the custard.
Let it rest overnight: This allows the bread to absorb the custard for the best texture.
Add a dash of nutmeg: Enhances the cinnamon flavor with warmth.

Grease the pan well: Prevents sticking and helps the edges crisp up.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Baking dish
Knife
Cutting board
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients in This Recipe

Day-old bread (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch slices): The base for the custard soak and creates a fluffy texture.
Apples (3 large, peeled, cored, and sliced thin): Adds sweetness and fall flavor.
Eggs (4 large, beaten): Bind the custard together and help the bread soak up the flavor.

Milk (2 cups, whole or 2%): The liquid base for the custard.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): A warming spice that complements the apples.

Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and aroma.
Butter (for greasing): Helps prevent the dish from sticking and adds richness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Apples: Adds a juicy, sweet contrast to the rich cinnamon flavor.

Day-old bread: Perfect for soaking up the custard and holding its shape during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar: For a different flavor profile, especially in the custard.

Swap apples for pears: For a slightly different but equally delicious fruit option.
Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk: For a dairy-free version.
Add nuts or raisins: For extra texture and flavor.

How To Make This Recipe

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Arrange slices of bread in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.
Layer the sliced apples over the bread.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak in the custard.
The next morning, remove the dish from the fridge and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm, topped with powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This baked French toast combines slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-apple custard mixture, then baked until golden and fluffy. The dish features a rich, pudding-like texture with caramelized apple pieces and a fragrant cinnamon aroma, resulting in a cozy, visually appealing breakfast casserole.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings: 6

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

Day-old bread 1 loaf, cut into 1-inch slices: The base for the custard soak and creates a fluffy texture.

Apples 3 large, peeled, cored, and sliced thin: Adds sweetness and fall flavor.
Eggs 4 large, beaten: Bind the custard together and help the bread soak up the flavor.
Milk 2 cups, whole or 2%: The liquid base for the custard.

Brown sugar 1/4 cup, packed: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons: A warming spice that complements the apples.
Vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances the sweetness and aroma.
Butter for greasing: Helps prevent the dish from sticking and adds richness.

Equipment

Baking dish
Knife
Cutting board
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Arrange slices of bread in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.

Layer the sliced apples over the bread.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak in the custard.

The next morning, remove the dish from the fridge and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm, topped with powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

Freeze leftovers in individual portions for up to 1 month.

How to Serve This Dish

Serve warm as a breakfast or brunch centerpiece, topped with syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Additional Tips

Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Experiment with different types of apples for varying sweetness and tartness.
Serve with bacon or sausage for a more savory balance.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Apple Cinnamon French Toast: Use leftovers as the base for a quick French toast breakfast or reheat and serve as a casserole.
Baked Apple Casserole: Turn leftovers into a baked apple dessert.

Brunch Bake: Layer with scrambled eggs for a savory brunch twist.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve this dish in a rustic baking dish and garnish with cinnamon sticks or apple slices for an extra fall touch.

Variations to Try

Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots: For extra sweetness and texture.
Caramelized apple topping: Top with caramelized apples for added decadence.
Spiced version: Add nutmeg or ginger for a deeper fall flavor.

FAQ’s

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare it the night before and bake the next morning.
Can I use regular bread? Yes, but day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard.

How long does it take to bake? About 45-50 minutes at 350°F.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, freeze for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, almond or oat milk works as well.

Can I add nuts? Yes, pecans or walnuts add a great crunch.
Can I skip the apples? Yes, you can skip the apples, but they add a beautiful sweetness and texture. Alternatively, you could replace them with pears or berries.
How do I store leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I add maple syrup to the batter? Yes, maple syrup adds extra sweetness and flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free bread as a substitute.

Anjali Arora

Hi, I’m Anjali Arora — the curious heart behind Feast Chase.

To be honest, I’ve always felt most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved deeply: animals and food.

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