Description

This cozy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake is the perfect breakfast or brunch for chilly mornings, holiday gatherings, or leisurely weekends. Filled with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a sweet brown sugar topping, this bake brings the comforting flavors of apple pie into a simple, hands-off morning dish. Inspired by family breakfasts and seasonal traditions, it’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Toast Base:

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

For the Apple Filling:

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch

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Instructions

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender but still firm. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Place cubed bread evenly in the dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
Pour half of the custard over the bread cubes, ensuring even coverage. Spoon half of the apple filling over the bread. Repeat with remaining bread, custard, and apple filling. Press down gently to soak.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the bake. Add nuts if desired.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until top is golden and custard is set.
Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread for better custard absorption. Adjust sweetness to taste. Adding nuts creates a crunchy topping contrast.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes