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- 6 slices of day-old bread (challah or brioche works best) - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg For this dish, I love using day-old bread like challah or brioche. This type of bread gives a nice texture after soaking. The apples must be tart and sweet, so I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add great taste and contrast. Next, we have the liquid ingredients. You need four large eggs and two cups of whole milk. The eggs bind the mixture, while milk adds creaminess. For sweetness, we use half a cup of brown sugar. It brings a rich flavor and depth. Don't forget the spices! One tablespoon of vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma. One tablespoon of ground cinnamon is a must for that warm spice. A little nutmeg adds a nice touch too, just a quarter teaspoon. - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) - Maple syrup, for serving For extra texture, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. They give a nice crunch. Finally, maple syrup is perfect for drizzling on top. It adds sweetness and pairs well with the apples. First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. While the oven warms up, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. You can use butter or cooking spray for this. Next, grab a medium bowl. In it, whisk together four large eggs, two cups of whole milk, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add one tablespoon of vanilla extract, one tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until it looks smooth and creamy. Now, let’s cut the bread. Use six slices of day-old challah or brioche. Cut each slice into cubes. Place half of the bread cubes evenly in your greased dish. In a separate bowl, take two diced apples. You can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Toss the apple pieces with a pinch of cinnamon, then layer them over the bread cubes. Top this with the rest of the bread cubes. Press down lightly to pack them in. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Make sure every piece is soaked well. If you like, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top. Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This soaking time helps the flavors blend. You can also refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor. Next, bake it covered for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a golden brown top. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top. Enjoy! Using day-old bread makes a big difference. It soaks up the egg mixture well. Fresh bread might turn mushy. Try using challah or brioche for the best texture. Soaking time is also key. Let the dish sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the bread absorb flavors. You can even soak it overnight for extra taste. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Look for a sturdy kind to hold up. For apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well. You can swap in other types, like Fuji or Gala. Want it sweeter? Use maple syrup or honey as a sweetener. Serving this dish can be fun! Drizzle with warm maple syrup for a classic touch. Top with whipped cream or yogurt for creaminess. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Pair it with bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast. Enjoy it with fresh fruit for a colorful brunch plate! {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake easily. Adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries brings extra sweetness. You can also try other spices. A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add a warm twist. For a savory version, use cheese and herbs. Crumbled feta or sharp cheddar cheese makes a great pairing with apples. If you want a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. For milk, use almond or oat milk. You can also swap brown sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar. If you are watching carbs, try low-carb bread. Use sugar substitutes like erythritol for a low-sugar option. Adjust the recipe as you like, and enjoy! To keep your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake fresh, store it in the fridge. First, let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it moist. You can also place it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the bake into individual squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bags with the date. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. For the best texture, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the squares in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. This keeps the bread soft and the apples tender. If you are in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place a square on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check if it is warm enough. The microwave may make the bread a bit soggy, so I prefer the oven method. Enjoy your warm treat! Can I prepare Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake the night before? Yes, you can prepare it the night before. Just cover it well and chill it in the fridge. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture. In the morning, bake it as directed. What type of bread works best for this recipe? Day-old bread works best. I recommend using challah or brioche. These breads soak up the egg mixture well and get nice and fluffy. How long can I store leftovers? You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them tightly. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Can I bake this in a smaller dish? Yes, you can. If you use a smaller dish, reduce the baking time. Check for doneness as it bakes. What if I want to make a larger batch? To make a larger batch, just double the recipe. Use a bigger dish and adjust the baking time as needed. Make sure everything cooks evenly. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for making a Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake. You learned about using day-old bread, choosing the best apples, and mixing the right liquids. I shared tips on layering ingredients and offered variations for your dietary needs. Remember, the best bakes come from following the steps and making it your own. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

Wake up to the delightful taste of Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, a scrumptious recipe perfect for family brunches or holiday gatherings! Made with layers of sweet apples and rich egg custard-soaked bread, this easy dish is sure to please everyone. It’s simple to prepare and can even be made ahead of time. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a warm, comforting breakfast that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

6 slices of day-old bread (challah or brioche works best)

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.

      Cut the bread into cubes and place half of them evenly in the greased baking dish.

        In a bowl, toss the diced apples with a pinch of cinnamon and then layer the apple mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish.

          Top with the remaining bread cubes, pressing down slightly to pack them in.

            Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire dish, making sure to soak the bread and apples well. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

              Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the liquid (or refrigerate overnight).

                Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.

                  Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled over the top.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 6-8