Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast

Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of challah bread, sliced; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons butter

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Recipes

Every time I make Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast, I feel an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. The warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through my kitchen always reminds me of Sunday mornings spent with family. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also creates a delightful dish that is perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast at home. The combination of soft bread soaked in a rich custard, paired with sweet, spiced apples, is nothing short of heavenly. We truly adore this easy, yet impressive dish.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:24:39.024Z

I originally stumbled upon this recipe while searching for something new to serve during our family brunch. After a few tweaks, it became a staple in my home. The secret lies in letting the bread soak long enough to absorb the custard, which ensures every bite is flavorful and moist. I love using challah bread here because it offers a rich texture, but you can certainly use any bread you have on hand.

One tip I have discovered is to truly embrace the spices. A bit of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile, enhancing the sweetness of the apples. I often prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, and then just pop it into the oven in the morning. It really makes breakfast feel special without much effort!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The warm spices create a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weekend gatherings.
The dish can be made ahead of time, making mornings stress-free.

Understanding the Bread Choice

Choosing the right bread is crucial for the success of your Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast. Challah is my favorite because of its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture. It soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. However, feel free to substitute with brioche or even a sturdy sourdough if you prefer a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apples. Just ensure the bread is a day or two old for the best absorption.

To achieve the ideal texture, I recommend slicing the challah into thick 1-inch pieces. This thickness allows the bread to soak in the egg mixture while still maintaining enough structure to hold up during baking. If your bread is fresh, you might want to lightly toast the slices before layering them in the dish; this helps create a crust that adds extra texture.

Perfecting the Apple Mixture

The apple mixture enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a sweet and tangy contrast to the custardy bread. For optimal results, use a mix of apples such as Granny Smith for tartness combined with Honeycrisp for sweetness. This balance not only enriches the dish but also adds complexity to each bite. Remember to dice the apples uniformly, about 1/2-inch pieces, to ensure they cook evenly.

During the cooking process, be sure to monitor the apples closely. You want them to become tender and caramelized without turning mushy; about 8 to 10 minutes should suffice. Stir the apples occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking. If you want to elevate the flavor further, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture.

Ingredients

For the French Toast

1 loaf of challah bread, sliced
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Mixture

3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Layer the slices of challah bread in a greased baking dish, pouring the egg mixture over the top. Ensure all pieces are well-coated and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Apples

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Bake

Spread the cooked apple mixture over the bread in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard has set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider serving with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also mix in nuts or raisins for extra texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is fantastic for meal prep since it can be assembled the night before. After coating the bread with the custard, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for a richer texture in the morning. Just remember to let the dish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat portions in the microwave, or for a crispier texture, pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a variety of toppings. A drizzle of warm maple syrup enhances the sweetness without overpowering the dish. For something a bit richer, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this breakfast delight into a dessert-worthy treat.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch. Freshly grated lemon zest also adds a bright note that complements the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully. Serve it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete and satisfying breakfast spread.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, while challah works best for its richness, you can use brioche, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread.

→ Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Absolutely! Just prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it in the morning directly from the fridge.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Allow it to cool, then wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.