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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This dish is a baked breakfast casserole featuring slices of bread layered with baked apples and cinnamon, soaked in a custard mixture of eggs and milk. It develops a golden, crispy top with a moist, tender interior, with flavors of warm cinnamon and sweet baked apples throughout. The presentation is an inviting, brunch-worthy dessert-like casserole that offers a soft, slightly gooey center and a crisp surface.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread) cut into 1-inch slices
  • 3 large apples peeled, cored, sliced thin
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 large eggs beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups milk whole or 2%
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted, plus extra for greasing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
  2. Arrange the slices of bread in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly if needed.
  3. Spread the sliced apples evenly over the bread, then sprinkle cinnamon over all the layers for a fragrant, spicy aroma.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined and slightly frothy.
  5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples, pressing gently to help the bread soak up the custard and become moist.
  6. Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard further, or cover and refrigerate for up to a few hours for extra flavor.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes; the bake will firm up slightly as it cools, making it easier to serve.
  9. Slice into squares and serve warm, optionally garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar, additional cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

For best flavor, prepare the dish ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking. Use slightly stale bread for better absorption. Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a quick breakfast the next day.