Apple Baked French Toast

Name: Apple Baked French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into thick slices; 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large apples, peeled and sliced; 2 tablespoons butter; Maple syrup; Powdered sugar (optional); Whipped cream (optional)

Highlighted under: From Batter to Bliss

When it comes to breakfast, I can't resist the sweet aroma of Apple Baked French Toast wafting through my kitchen. This dish has become a weekend staple in my home. The combination of soft bread, tender apples, and a lush custard creates a delightful experience that makes the whole family happy. Every bite is filled with warm flavors and a hint of cinnamon. I love serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness, making mornings feel like a special occasion.

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:20:36.718Z

My journey to perfecting Apple Baked French Toast started with a desire for something comforting yet energizing. I experimented with different apple varieties and spices, finally settling on Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances beautifully with the sweetness of the maple syrup. The custard settles perfectly into the bread when baked, forming a satisfying crust while keeping the insides soft.

One tip that makes this dish special is letting the assembled French toast sit overnight in the fridge. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, making for a richer texture and more pronounced apple flavor. Trust me; the wait is worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and tangy apple flavor harmonized with cinnamon
Easy to prepare and perfect for a crowd
A comforting breakfast that feels indulgent

Choosing the Right Bread

Selecting the right type of bread is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Apple Baked French Toast. Brioche and challah are excellent choices due to their rich flavor and soft, fluffy texture, which hold up well against the custard. If you want a slightly denser option, consider using sourdough or even a hearty whole-grain bread. Just be aware that drier bread will absorb more custard, so adjust the soaking time accordingly to avoid a soggy outcome.

For the best results, use day-old bread. Stale bread has had time to dry out a bit, allowing it to absorb more of the custard mixture without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread on hand, you can lightly toast the slices in the oven for about 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to dry them out slightly before assembly.

Mastering the Custard Mixture

The custard mixture is the heart of this dish, providing that creamy, rich base that infuses the bread and apples with flavor. When whisking together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and sugar, be sure to incorporate them thoroughly until smooth and glossy. This ensures a well-distributed flavor throughout the baked French toast. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with additional milk.

Adding a touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, while the ground cinnamon not only contributes warmth but also pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples. For an extra depth of flavor, consider a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to complement the cinnamon and create a unique twist on the classic taste.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once baked, I recommend letting the French toast rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the custard set a bit more, making serving easier and preventing it from falling apart. Serve it warm, accompanied by generous drizzles of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and whipped cream for an indulgent experience. Fresh seasonal berries also make a lovely addition, adding a burst of color and flavor.

If you have leftovers, Apple Baked French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked layers if you want to prepare it ahead; just assemble according to the instructions, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients to make this delightful Apple Baked French Toast.

For the French Toast

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into thick slices
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large apples, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons butter

For Serving

Maple syrup
Powdered sugar (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting your cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Apple Baked French Toast.

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Layer the bread slices in a greased baking dish, and pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is soaked.

Add Apples

Tuck the sliced apples between the bread layers, and dot the top with butter. You can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on the top for additional flavor if desired.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Serve

Let the French toast sit for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and whipped cream if you like!

Enjoy your delicious Apple Baked French Toast with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or using a combination of apples for depth in taste.

Ingredient Variations

You can easily customize the recipe with different fruits to match your preferences or seasonal availability. Try substituting the apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for an alternative flavor profile. Each fruit will bring its own unique sweetness and texture, and they all work well with the custard base. If using berries, consider folding them into the custard mixture rather than layering them to ensure even distribution.

For those looking to cater to dietary preferences, using plant-based milk alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, works well in this recipe, especially if combined with a vegan egg substitute like flaxseed meal or chia seeds. This can create a similar texture without sacrificing the overall flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice that the top of your French toast is browning too quickly, consider tenting it with foil after it has achieved the desired golden color. This prevents over-baking while allowing the custard to cook through. Conversely, if it seems undercooked after the suggested baking time, adding an additional 5-10 minutes may be necessary; just keep an eye out to ensure it doesn't dry out.

Should the baked French toast turn out too soggy, this could indicate that either the bread was too fresh or it was soaked for too long. For the next attempt, reduce the soaking time and ensure your bread is adequately dried out. Utilizing thicker slices of bread can also help prevent excess moisture absorption during baking.

Scaling Up or Down

This recipe is easily scalable! If you're hosting a brunch and expect a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, or consider baking it in two separate dishes. It’s important to align the baking time with the size of your pan; larger portions might require a slightly longer baking time to ensure even cooking.

For a smaller gathering or a quick breakfast for one, feel free to halve the ingredients. Prepare the mixture in a smaller dish or even a toaster oven if it’s available to you, ensuring you keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly due to decreased volume. Enjoying a delicious breakfast doesn’t have to mean immense preparation every time!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it the night before and let it sit in the fridge. Bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast.

→ What type of bread works best?

Brioche or challah is ideal as they soak up the custard beautifully, but you can use any thick sliced bread.

→ Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely! Pears or berries can also be used for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.