Apple Baked French Toast

Name: Apple Baked French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 8 slices of brioche or challah bread; 4 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 large apples, peeled and sliced; 2 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Inspiration

I love starting my morning with a warm, comforting dish, and this Apple Baked French Toast is a delightful way to do just that. Combining fluffy bread with cinnamon-spiced apples and a luscious custard, this dish is perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast at home. It's incredibly easy to prepare the night before, letting all the flavors meld beautifully. When baked, the top gets perfectly golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and bursting with flavor. Trust me, every bite is worth savoring.

Created by

Linnea Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-08T04:24:35.374Z

When I first made this Apple Baked French Toast, I knew I wanted something that felt both indulgent and comforting. I experimented with different types of bread, and I found that thick slices of brioche soaked in a custard mixture yield the perfect texture. It's crucial to let the bread soak adequately, as it absorbs the flavors of the cinnamon and apples beautifully.

The first time I served it to guests, I was thrilled to see how much they loved it! I added a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving, which took it to a whole new level. It’s a dish that’s always a hit!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Warm, spiced apple goodness in every bite
Make-ahead preparation for stress-free mornings
Crispy top with a soft, custardy center

The Importance of Bread Choice

Using brioche or challah for this Apple Baked French Toast is crucial. Both breads are rich and slightly sweet, which complements the spiced apples perfectly. If you're short on these options, any thick, soft bread can work, though you may want to adjust the sugar in the custard. Just ensure it can soak up the custard mixture without falling apart—this is key for achieving that custardy center.

Another tip is to slightly stale your bread before using it. You can leave the slices out overnight or lightly toast them before assembly. Stale bread absorbs the custard better, leading to a more cohesive texture after baking. Fresh bread may turn mushy and affect the texture, so aim for that perfect balance.

Optimize Your Apple Topping

Choosing the right apples makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal due to their balance of tartness and sweetness. I recommend slicing the apples thinly to ensure they cook through quickly and integrate well into the dish. This way, they’ll become tender but not mushy, delivering that delightful pop of apple flavor with each bite.

If you're looking for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the apple mixture as it cooks. The acidity enhances the sweetness of the apples and prevents browning. For more variety, feel free to mix in other fruits like pears or even dried cranberries, adjusting the cooking time accordingly so everything is tender and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the French Toast

8 slices of brioche or challah bread
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

For the Apple Topping

2 large apples, peeled and sliced
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Arrange the bread slices in a greased baking dish, overlapping slightly.

Make the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread.

Make the Apple Topping

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine and Chill

Spread the cooked apples over the bread mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until golden. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the custard or a splash of bourbon to the apple mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave, making for a quick breakfast option.

Make-Ahead Advantage

One of the best features of this recipe is its make-ahead capability. After assembling the dish, you can refrigerate it overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. This not only saves you time in the morning but also ensures that the bread fully absorbs the custard mixture. Just remember to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature; this will help it bake more evenly.

If you find yourself with leftovers, this dish reheats wonderfully! Simply cover the baked French toast with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven method helps to maintain that crispy topping.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to customize the flavor profile of your Apple Baked French Toast. For a caramel note, try adding a tablespoon of caramel sauce into the custard mixture. This can enhance the overall sweetness and add depth to the dish. You might also experiment with different spices; adding nutmeg or allspice to the apple topping can create an autumnal twist that's perfect for cooler weather.

If you're catering to dietary needs, gluten-free bread can substitute perfectly in this recipe. Be sure to pick a high-quality gluten-free bread to maintain the integrity of the dish. You can also use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk to make it dairy-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this comforting breakfast treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is excellent to prepare the night before. Just refrigerate after assembling, then bake in the morning.

→ What type of bread works best?

Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal for this recipe. They absorb the custard beautifully.

→ Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely! Pears or berries are great alternatives to apples and will add a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.