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For this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, I prefer using challah or brioche bread. Both have a soft texture that soaks up the custard well. - 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cubed Next, we need eggs and milk to create the rich custard. I often use whole milk, but almond milk works too. - 3 large eggs - 2 cups of milk (or almond milk) For sweetness and flavor, brown sugar adds a nice depth. The vanilla extract gives it a warm aroma. - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Lastly, we will add apples for freshness. I use three medium apples, peeled and diced, to bring a fruity element to the dish. - 3 medium apples, peeled and diced If you want a little crunch, consider adding pecans. They pair well with the soft bread and apples. - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) For serving, I recommend dusting with powdered sugar. It adds a nice touch. Maple syrup is perfect for drizzling on top. - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) - Maple syrup for serving {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. You can use butter or non-stick spray. This helps the bake not stick. Take your cubed challah or brioche bread. Spread it evenly across the greased dish. Make sure to fill all corners. This helps each piece soak in the custard. No bread should be left out. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and brown sugar. Add in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until everything is mixed well. This mixture is what makes the bake creamy and sweet. Now, gently fold in the diced apples. If you want some crunch, add the chopped pecans. Mix carefully so you don’t break the apples. This step ensures every bite has fruit. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You want the top to turn golden brown. Check if the center is set; it should not jiggle. Once done, let the bake cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier. Cut it into squares and dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve with maple syrup on the side for extra sweetness. To ensure your bread soaks up the custard well, choose day-old bread. Fresh bread may not absorb the liquid as effectively. After you mix the egg and milk, pour it over the cubed bread slowly. Press down gently so each piece gets soaked. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the bread soak up all the yummy flavors. You can add more spices for extra flavor. Try a pinch of ginger or allspice for warmth. If you like nuts, walnuts or almonds can also add a nice crunch. For fruit, swap apples with pears or berries. Each option gives a unique twist to your bake! For serving, slice the bake into squares. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. You can also drizzle maple syrup over each piece. Serve it warm on a nice plate for a beautiful brunch treat. Add fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side for a pop of color. Pro Tips Choosing the Bread: For a richer flavor, use challah or brioche. These breads absorb the custard beautifully and give a delightful texture. Soaking Time: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 15-30 minutes before baking. This ensures a custard-like consistency throughout. Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness to customize the flavor profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it in the morning for a warm, fresh breakfast! {{image_2}} You can switch up the bread in this recipe. While I love using challah or brioche, other breads work well too. You might try sourdough for a tangy flavor. Whole wheat bread adds more fiber. Even French bread can give a nice crust. Just cut it into cubes to soak up the custard. You don't have to stick with apples. Other fruits can shine in this dish. Pears add sweetness and a soft texture. Berries like blueberries or raspberries bring a fresh taste. You could also try nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch. They add a nice nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices. If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk works great. You can also use coconut milk for a tropical twist. For gluten-free, choose a gluten-free bread. Many stores sell good options now. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. To store leftover Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Try to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. When ready to enjoy, slice off what you need. For longer storage, you can freeze the bake. Cut it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it later! It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat each slice for 30-60 seconds. Enjoy it warm with maple syrup for added sweetness! Yes, you can use stale bread. Stale bread works well because it soaks up the custard better. Fresh bread may make the dish soggy. Stale bread absorbs flavors and holds its shape. This helps create a great texture in the bake. Look for a golden brown top. The center should be set and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean. If it is wet, bake it a bit longer. Keep an eye on the edges; they should pull away from the dish. Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, take it out about 30 minutes before baking. This helps it bake evenly and rise nicely. You can serve it with maple syrup for sweetness. A side of bacon or sausage adds protein. Fresh fruit like berries or bananas is also great. You might consider whipped cream for a nice touch. Enjoying it with coffee or tea completes the meal. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake. We explored essential ingredients like bread options, custard preparation, and baking tips. Plus, I shared ideas for keeping your bake perfect and tasty. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste or diet. Whether you choose challah, brioche, or a different bread, enjoy the process. With these tips, you'll create a dish everyone loves!

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

A delicious baked dish combining cinnamon, apples, and bread, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk or almond milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • to taste none powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • to taste none maple syrup for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  • Place the cubed challah or brioche bread into the greased baking dish. Distribute evenly across the dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  • Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans (if using) into the egg mixture.
  • Pour the egg and apple mixture over the cubed bread in the baking dish, ensuring all bread pieces are soaked. Gently press the bread down into the mixture to help it soak up the custard.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve with maple syrup on the side.

Notes

Optional to add chopped pecans and powdered sugar for dusting.
Keyword apple, baked, cinnamon, French toast