When breakfast feels like a chaotic morning, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake offers a cozy active solution. It’s an escape from the usual scramble—baked overnight, it’s like waking up to a bakery filled with warm spices and the scent of sweet apples.

This dish transforms a simple breakfast into a nostalgic moment. The buttery bread soaks up a cinnamon-apple custard, resulting in a texture that’s fluffy yet satisfyingly rich. Plus, it’s perfect for turning brunch into an effortless celebration of fall flavors or an indulgent weekend treat.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

The aroma that fills the kitchen makes every morning feel special.

I love how the sweet apples balance out the cozy cinnamon spice.
This bake is a relief on busy weekends—set it and forget it!

It’s a nostalgic shoutout to childhood breakfasts with a grown-up twist.
Sharing it makes any gathering an instant hit, even with last-minute guests.

AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)

FORGOT to soak the bread overnight? It’s dry—so add a splash of milk and rebake! (smells like fresh bread)
DUMPED too much cinnamon? The flavor’s overpowering—balance with a splash of vanilla extract next time.

OVER-TORCHED the top? The surface turns bitter—cover tightly with foil and cook longer.
FORGOT to preheat the oven? The bake turns uneven—always start your oven early for even heating.

QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY

When the custard is too runny, patch it with extra bread slices and bake longer—crisp edges sealed.
Splash a little vanilla or apple extract for an instant flavor boost if the taste feels flat.
When apples are too firm, shield with foil and pop in the oven for a few more minutes—perfectly tender.

When the top is not crisp enough, quickly broil for 2 minutes—watch carefully, it’ll crackle to golden perfection.
If you smell burnt edges, sprinkle sugar and quickly return to oven—sweet shimmer reappears.

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a season-defining breakfast that champions simplicity and warmth. The comforting aroma and rich textures turn an ordinary morning into a small celebration, no matter the weather outside.

It’s a reminder that good things often come from straightforward ingredients paired with a little bit of love. Whether enjoyed on a chilly weekend or as a holiday brunch centerpiece, this dish invites a sense of comfort and nostalgia into your home.

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: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

1 loaf day-old bread (such as brioche or challah) cut into 1-inch slices

3 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced thin
4 large eggs beaten
2 cups milk whole or 2%
1/4 cup brown sugar packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
butter for greasing butter

Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing Bowls

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish with butter for easy removal.

Arrange the bread slices evenly in the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom in a single layer.
Spread the sliced apples across the bread, creating a colorful layer that will soften during baking.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth and slightly frothy.

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, ensuring all slices are soaked and the apples are coated with the custard.
Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the custard and ensure even soaking.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 4 hours, to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.

Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to promote even cooking.
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to settle. The smell will be warm and inviting, and the surface will be beautifully golden with slightly crisp edges.

Serve warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup or topped with whipped cream, and enjoy the rich, fluffy, cinnamon-spiced layers with tender apples.

Sometimes, the simplest dishes hold the most meaningful moments. This bake’s combination of apples, cinnamon, and buttery bread captures that cozy feeling we crave when days grow shorter.

As the mornings get busier and the air crisper, it’s nice to have a recipe that feels both indulgent and effortless. The warm spices and sweet apples are a gentle reminder to slow down and savor those quiet, comforting mornings with loved ones or alone with a good book.

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.