Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast

Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of thick bread (e.g., challah or brioche); 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 cups peeled and sliced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 tablespoons butter; Maple syrup or powdered sugar; Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast for brunch, especially during the cooler months. The aroma of apples and cinnamon fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely weekend morning. The combination of sweet, tender apples and fluffy bread creates a comforting dish that's perfect for gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite at your table!

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:20:36.409Z

One of my favorite memories is hosting brunch for friends and family, with this Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast as the star of the show. I experimented with different types of bread and found that a thick artisanal bread yields the best results, holding the custard beautifully while becoming wonderfully crispy on top.

This dish is not only delicious but can also be made the night before, so the flavors meld and develop. I love drizzling it with a homemade maple syrup or a simple dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for that extra touch of sweetness!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in fluffy bread
Perfect for a crowd and can be made ahead
Versatile toppings for endless customization

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

The harmony of flavors in Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast is truly a highlight. The tartness of Granny Smith or the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples blends beautifully with the rich custard made from eggs, milk, and cream. As the dish bakes, the custard soaks into the bread, allowing each bite to be saturated with flavor. The contrast between the tender apples and fluffy bread creates a delightful texture that's sure to please your taste buds.

Cinnamon plays a crucial role in elevating this dish. It not only imparts warmth but also enhances the sweetness of the apples. When you sprinkle cinnamon over the soaked bread and apples before baking, it infuses the entire dish with a cozy aroma. I recommend using fresh ground cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Convenience

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare everything the night before by assembling the bread and custard mixture and layering the apples on top. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This not only saves time in the morning but also enhances the flavors, as the bread absorbs the custard and spices better after resting.

If you decide to bake it straight from the fridge, just allow an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven to make sure it's fully cooked through. A good visual cue is to look for a golden-brown top and a slightly puffed center. This way, you can enjoy a leisurely morning without sacrificing a delicious brunch.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast

For the French Toast

1 loaf of thick bread (e.g., challah or brioche)
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups peeled and sliced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons butter

For Topping

Maple syrup or powdered sugar
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Gather these ingredients for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the loaf of bread into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Combine Apples with Custard

Toss the sliced apples in a separate bowl with a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices and layer the apples on top.

Bake the French Toast

Dot the top with butter and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture and use a mix of sweet and tart apples. If preparing in advance, cover the dish after adding the custard and refrigerate overnight.

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

When selecting bread for your French toast, opt for thicker slices like challah or brioche, which provide a delightful texture and soak up the custard nicely without falling apart. If you're aiming for a healthier version, whole-grain bread can also work; just be mindful that it may yield a denser final product.

For the apples, mix varieties to enhance flavor complexity. Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter ones like Honeycrisp creates a balanced dish. Don't worry about the peel; it adds texture and nutritional value. However, if a smoother consistency is preferred, peeling them is entirely acceptable.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve your Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast warm, drizzled with pure maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. For an extra layer of texture, consider topping it with crunchy walnuts or pecans. They provide a lovely contrast to the soft bread and sweet apples, making each bite even more satisfying.

You might also enjoy experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom, which can complement the cinnamon beautifully. For a festive touch, try adding dried fruit or swapping out half the apples for pears. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to fit seasonal ingredients, so let your creativity shine!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! Brioche, sourdough, or even whole grain bread works well. Just ensure it's thick enough to soak in the custard.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread and ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

→ What can I serve it with?

This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.