There’s nothing like the warm aroma of apples and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen on a cool morning. This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake captures that comforting feeling in one easy, crowd-pleasing recipe. Inspired by cozy mornings at my Nonna’s countryside kitchen in Tuscany, where stale bread found delicious second lives, this dish is a nostalgic nod to autumn gatherings, family brunches, and lazy weekend mornings.
Whether you’re planning a special breakfast or just want to add something homemade to your table, this baked French toast casserole is your new go-to.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Ingrédients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed day-old works best
- 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- powdered sugar for garnish
- vanilla glaze or powdered sugar + milk glaze optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread cubed bread and sliced apples evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and set.
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with glaze if desired.
Notes
🥄 Why This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Belongs on Your Brunch Table
This dish is the perfect combination of ease and flavor, making it ideal for both seasoned hosts and beginner home cooks. Here’s why it always hits the mark:
- Prep-ahead friendly – Assemble it the night before and just bake in the morning.
- Great for feeding a crowd – One pan serves everyone.
- Flavor-packed comfort – Every bite delivers soft custardy bread, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon spice.
- Versatile for any occasion – Weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner.
It’s no wonder this apple-cinnamon beauty is a go-to brunch favorite in so many homes. Visit this fall-inspired crowd-pleaser for another heartwarming breakfast idea.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this cozy French toast bake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed (day-old works best)
- 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Optional glaze – store-bought vanilla or a simple mix of powdered sugar + milk
👩🍳 How to Make the Best Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Making this breakfast classic is simple—no stress, no early-morning rush.
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Layer Bread & Apples
- Spread the bread cubes and apple slices evenly in the dish.
3. Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
Pour the custard evenly over the bread and apples, making sure every piece gets coated.
4. Let It Soak
- Press down lightly with a spatula to help the bread absorb the mixture.
5. Bake Until Golden
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. Cool & Garnish
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with glaze if desired.
This is brunch magic in every bite.
🍎 Make It Your Own: Tips & Delicious Variations
This dish is easy to customize with your favorite flavors and textures.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Bread swaps: Use brioche, challah, or even cinnamon swirl bread for added indulgence. Visit this Thermomix bread guide to explore options.
- Fruit options: Try pears, berries, or peaches instead of apples.
- Sweet toppings: Serve with maple syrup, vanilla glaze, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Visit Serious Eats for tips on customizing your baked dishes with advanced techniques like sous vide fruit preparation.
🧊 How to Store and Reheat Your French Toast Bake
Fridge
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat
- Warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave in individual portions until hot.
Freezer
- Assemble the casserole uncooked, wrap tightly, and freeze.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
This makes it ideal for holiday prep or easy weekday breakfasts.
🍽️ Add These Two Creative Twists for Even More Brunch Magic
🍯 Apple Crumble French Toast Version
Add a quick crumble topping made of butter, oats, brown sugar, and flour to turn this into a baked apple crisp + French toast fusion. The result? A slightly crunchy top with a warm, custardy bottom—pure comfort in every bite. Visit this apple crisp recipe if you’re craving more cozy crumble inspiration.
🥧 Apple Pie-Inspired Version
Stir in a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of vanilla extract to mimic classic apple pie flavor. Serve with whipped cream instead of glaze for an even cozier twist.
With these variations, your breakfast table becomes a celebration of fall flavors and home-style comfort.
🧁 More Brunch Inspiration to Try
Looking for more cozy breakfast ideas? Visit this banana bread recipe for another warm and comforting bake. Or if you love savory options, visit this easy French-style quiche that pairs beautifully with sweet dishes like this one.
❓ FAQs: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up in the custard.
What apples are best for baking?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape and provide the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute with almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free glaze or skip it entirely.
🏁 Final Thoughts: The Best Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy, it’s versatile, and it fills the kitchen with the kind of nostalgic aroma that makes people linger a little longer around the breakfast table. Whether you’re making it for a holiday crowd or a slow Sunday morning, it brings joy in every forkful.
Try it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to it season after season.