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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a comforting casserole-style dish made with layers of bread soaked in a custard mixture and topped with tender apple slices and warm cinnamon. After baking, it develops a golden-brown top with a soft, custardy interior filled with cinnamon-apple flavors, resembling a breakfast pudding or bread pudding.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 7x9-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf day-old bread (such as French bread or brioche) cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 large ripe apples peeled, cored, sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for greasing
  • optional powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish with a tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking.
  • Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish, creating a uniform layer that will soak up the custard.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
  • Pour the custard evenly over the bread layer, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the mixture.
  • Layer the sliced apples over the soaked bread, spreading them out so they are evenly distributed across the surface.
  • Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

For best results, use slightly stale bread to ensure it soaks up the custard well. You can prepare the bake ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before baking.