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If you crave a cozy breakfast that wraps you in warmth, my Savory Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is just the ticket! This dish is an easy way to enjoy all your favorite fall flavors. Imagine sweet apples, warm spices, and creamy goodness—all ready in one pan. Perfect for brunch or a special morning treat, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful bake!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This dish requires minimal prep time and is perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Deliciously Comforting: The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and crispy bread makes each bite feel like a cozy hug.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits, making it versatile for any taste preference.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe serves a crowd, making it an ideal choice for family breakfasts or brunch parties.
Ingredients
To make a tasty Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake, gather these key items:
– French bread
– Eggs
– Milk
– Brown sugar
– Vanilla extract
– Ground cinnamon
– Nutmeg
– Apples
– Optional ingredients: Pecans, raisins
– Serving suggestion: Maple syrup
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating this dish. The French bread gives a soft base. Eggs and milk create a creamy custard. Brown sugar adds sweetness, while vanilla gives a warm flavor. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide that cozy spice blend.
Using fresh apples adds a fruity crunch. If you want extra texture, add chopped pecans or raisins. Maple syrup is the perfect topping, adding sweetness to each slice.
When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful brunch treat. Enjoy the process of combining these flavors to make a dish that warms hearts and fills bellies.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step helps your bake come out easily.
2. Whisk together wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine three eggs, two cups of milk, and half a cup of brown sugar. Add one tablespoon of vanilla extract, one tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk these until they are mixed well.
3. Incorporate French bread cubes
Take your loaf of French bread and cut it into one-inch cubes. Add these cubes to the egg mixture. Gently fold them in, making sure every piece is coated. Let it sit for about ten minutes. This soaking helps the bread absorb all the flavors.
4. Add diced apples and optional ingredients
Peel, core, and dice two medium apples. Fold the apples into the bread mixture. If you like, add a quarter cup of chopped pecans and a quarter cup of raisins. These add nice textures and flavors.
5. Bake and cool
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and firm custard. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Slicing for serving
Once it has cooled slightly, slice the bake into squares. Serve warm. I love to drizzle maple syrup over each slice. It adds a perfect sweet touch!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Bake
– Ideal bread choice: Use French bread. It has a soft texture and holds the egg mix well. You can also try challah or brioche for a richer taste.
– Soaking time and technique: Let the bread cubes soak in the egg mix for 10 minutes. This time allows the bread to absorb flavors. For best results, gently fold the bread into the mix. Make sure each piece is covered.
– Checking doneness: Look for a golden brown top. The custard inside should be set, not runny. You can insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
Enhancing Flavor
– Substituting ingredients: You can swap the apples for pears or berries. This change gives a new twist to the dish. Feel free to replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
– Adding spices: Mix in a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra warmth. You can also add a splash of orange juice for a fresh note. These small tweaks can make your bake even more delicious.
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old French bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Customize Your Apples: Try different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness to suit your taste.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a hassle-free brunch.
- Serving Suggestions: Enhance your French toast bake with whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up the bread type for a unique taste. Try challah for a richer flavor or whole grain for more fiber. Each choice brings its own twist to the dish. If you want to change the fruit, you can use pears or berries. Just remember to adjust the spices to match the new fruit. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting each time you make it.
Custom Toppings
Custom toppings can make your French toast bake even better. Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. They add crunch and flavor. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds also work well. For a creamy touch, serve it with Greek yogurt or whipped cream. These toppings can enhance the overall experience and make it even more delightful. You can mix and match to find your perfect combo!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake fresh, store it correctly. First, allow it to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the bake into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it for up to two months.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast squares on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you are in a hurry, the microwave works too. Place a square on a plate and heat for 30 seconds. Check and add more time if needed. Enjoy your warm, tasty treat!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Just prepare it the night before. Cover it well and place it in the fridge. Bake it in the morning for a warm breakfast.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Bake the dish for 45-50 minutes. It is done when the top is golden brown. The custard should be set, with no wet spots.
Can I use a different kind of fruit?
Absolutely! You can use pears, berries, or bananas. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this bake can be frozen. Cut it into squares and place them in a freezer bag. It will last for up to three months in the freezer.
What can I serve with Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake?
Serve it with warm maple syrup on top. Fresh fruit on the side adds brightness. You might also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
This blog post covers the simple steps to make a delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake. You learned about key ingredients like bread, eggs, and apples. The preparation steps guide you through baking, while tips ensure great results. You also saw ways to customize the recipe and how to store leftovers properly.
In summary, this dish mixes ease and flavor. It’s perfect for any meal and sure to impress. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recip
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
A delicious baked French toast dish with apples and cinnamon, perfect for brunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 0.25 cup raisins (optional)
- to taste Maple syrup for serving
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Add the French bread cubes to the egg mixture, gently folding to ensure all pieces are coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the liquid.
Fold in the diced apples, pecans, and raisins if using.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares.
Drizzle warm slices with maple syrup and serve with fresh fruit on the side.
Keyword apple, bake, breakfast, cinnamon, French toast
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