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.
Ingredients
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1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
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3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
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8 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts
Instructions
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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.
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Layer the sliced apples over the bread cubes, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon and brown sugar over the apples.
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Top the apples with the remaining bread cubes to create a second layer.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
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Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, pressing gently to allow the custard to soak through.
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Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.
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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.
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Allow the French toast bake to cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving.
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Serve warm with optional toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts.
Notes
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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