Cozy & Flavorful Cinnamon Apple Overnight French Toast Bake

There’s nothing quite as comforting as waking up to the sweet, warm aroma of baked cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen. This Cinnamon Apple Overnight French Toast Bake is the perfect recipe for busy mornings when you want something indulgent but effortless. Imagine a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a leisurely morning when the family gathers around the table, and a golden, custardy French toast bake awaits.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from the classic French toast we all know and love, but with a twist—apples and cinnamon add layers of flavor that feel both nostalgic and luxurious. By preparing it the night before, you can wake up to a ready-to-bake dish that makes your mornings stress-free, yet incredibly special. Whether you serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, this dish is designed to delight every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish, creating a layered base for the apples and custard.

2. Add the Apples
   Layer the sliced apples over the bread cubes, spreading them evenly to ensure each bite will have a touch of cinnamon-sweet apple flavor. Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon and brown sugar over the apples for added richness.

3. Layer the Bread
   Top the apples with the remaining bread cubes, creating a second layer that will soak up the custard mixture.

4. Mix the Custard
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.

5. Pour Custard Over Bread
   Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure the custard seeps into all the bread layers.

6. Drizzle Butter
   Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole, which will help create a golden, slightly crisp crust as it bakes.

7. Refrigerate Overnight
   Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and flavors to meld together.

8. Bake the French Toast
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set.

9. Cool and Serve
   Allow the French toast bake to cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving. This ensures that the custard firms up for easier slicing.

10. Add Toppings
    Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Serve warm for the best experience.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

• Total Time: Overnight + 50 minutes

• Yield: 8–10 servings

Tips for the Perfect Overnight French Toast Bake

1. Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and prevents the dish from becoming soggy.

2. Apples: Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a sweet-tart balance.

3. Custard Mixture: Whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth custard and even distribution of spices.

4. Make Ahead: Refrigerating overnight not only enhances flavor but also saves time in the morning.

5. Baking Dish Size: Use a 9×13-inch dish for the perfect thickness; smaller dishes may require longer baking.

6. Toppings: For a festive touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar or add chopped walnuts before baking for extra crunch.

Why This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Stands Out

This dish combines the classic comfort of French toast with the seasonal appeal of cinnamon-spiced apples. Unlike traditional French toast, this bake is designed to be hands-off in the morning, making it ideal for busy families or holiday brunches. The overnight preparation allows flavors to meld beautifully, giving each bite a perfect balance of sweet, custardy bread and tender, aromatic apples.

It’s also incredibly versatile—serve it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. For those seeking a lighter option, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with almond or oat milk without compromising flavor.

Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish

• Holiday Brunch: Impress guests at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter with minimal effort.

• Weekend Breakfast: Transform an ordinary weekend morning into a special occasion for your family.

• Cozy Gatherings: The sweet aroma of baked cinnamon apples is inviting for friends and family on chilly mornings.

• Potluck Events: This dish is easy to transport and serves a crowd, making it perfect for community or church gatherings.

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. The French toast bake retains its custardy texture beautifully even after reheating.

• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked casseroles. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Healthier Variations

• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the custard by half or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.

• Whole Grain: Substitute whole-grain bread for added fiber while keeping the custardy texture.

• Dairy Alternatives: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk to make the recipe dairy-free.

Fun Serving Ideas

• Layer with caramel sauce for an indulgent brunch treat.

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

• Serve with cinnamon whipped cream for extra flavor.

• Garnish with fresh berries to brighten the dish visually and enhance flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but day-old or slightly stale bread works best for this recipe. Stale bread absorbs the custard more evenly, resulting in a custardy interior without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast it in the oven for 5–7 minutes to help it hold the custard better. Using fresh bread may slightly change the texture, making it less firm, but it will still taste delicious.

2. Can I make this French toast bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for overnight preparation. You can assemble the French toast bake the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply remove the covering and bake as directed. The overnight soak allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, creating a rich, flavorful dish with tender apples and a golden-brown top. This make-ahead method is perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or family gatherings.

3. What types of apples work best for this recipe?
Crisp, firm apples are ideal for this French toast bake because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Some popular options include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples. Granny Smith adds a tart contrast to the sweet custard, while Honeycrisp and Fuji bring a naturally sweet flavor. You can also mix apple varieties to create more depth in flavor. Avoid very soft or mealy apples, as they may turn mushy during baking.

4. Can I make this recipe healthier or adjust for dietary preferences?
Yes, there are several ways to adjust the recipe to fit different dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar in the custard or substitute with natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. You can also swap out heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk to make it dairy-free. Whole-grain or multigrain bread can be used for added fiber, and you can skip the butter drizzle on top to reduce calories. For those who enjoy extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds as a topping. These simple swaps allow you to maintain the delicious flavor and comforting texture while making it more aligned with your dietary preferences.

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Apple Overnight French Toast Bake is a versatile, cozy, and flavorful dish that elevates any morning. Its preparation the night before ensures a stress-free start to your day, while the combination of apples, cinnamon, and custardy bread creates a comforting and indulgent experience. Whether you are looking to impress guests at a holiday brunch or simply enjoy a relaxing weekend breakfast with family, this French toast bake is sure to become a beloved favorite.

With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and the magic of overnight preparation, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table. Try it once, and it will become a staple for every cozy morning or special occasion.

Cozy & Flavorful Cinnamon Apple Overnight French Toast Bake

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: Overnight + 50 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

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Description

Wake up to the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples with this easy overnight French toast bake. Perfect for cozy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or special family gatherings, this dish combines custardy bread, sweet apples, and a touch of spice for a breakfast everyone will love. Prepare it the night before and enjoy a stress-free morning with a golden, flavorful bake ready to serve.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts

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Instructions

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish.

• Layer the sliced apples over the bread cubes, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon and brown sugar over the apples.

• Top the apples with the remaining bread cubes to create a second layer.

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

• Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, pressing gently to allow the custard to soak through.

• Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole.

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the covering and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

• Allow the French toast bake to cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• Serve warm with optional toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for the best custardy texture. Crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape during baking. Make ahead overnight for convenience. Optional toppings like nuts or cinnamon sugar add texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

Michelle Davis