Apple Baked French Toast

Name: Apple Baked French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 loaf challah bread, cut into thick slices; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Highlighted under: From Batter to Bliss

I absolutely love starting my weekends with a warm, comforting dish like Apple Baked French Toast. The aromas that fill the kitchen as it bakes are simply mesmerizing. Not only is this dish perfect for leisurely Sunday brunches, but it's also topped with sweet caramelized apples that make every bite divine. I enjoy prepping it the night before so all I need to do in the morning is pop it in the oven while I sip on my coffee. This recipe quickly became a family favorite, and I’m sure it will become yours too!

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:25:36.749Z

When I first tried my hand at baking, I stumbled upon a recipe for Apple Baked French Toast and it captured my heart. The combination of bread soaked in a creamy custard and topped with cinnamon-spiced apples is simply magical. I found that letting the bread soak overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that's bursting with taste and texture.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how forgiving it is. If you have leftover bread, it works wonders in this dish. Just make sure to use a bread that can hold up to soaking in the custard—something like challah or brioche. Each bite feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Warm, rich flavors of cinnamon and apple
Perfectly caramelized topping that adds indulgence
Make ahead option for effortless entertaining

Choosing the Right Bread

Selecting the right bread is key to achieving the perfect texture for your Apple Baked French Toast. Challah bread is traditional for its rich, eggy flavor and soft, airy structure. However, brioche is a fantastic alternative if you want a slightly sweeter and denser option. Make sure to use a day-old bread; it holds up better against the custard and prevents a soggy texture. If you're using fresh bread, toasting the slices lightly before assembling the dish can help absorb the custard without falling apart.

Thickness is also important; aim for slices around 1-inch thick. This thickness allows the bread to soak up the custard without losing its structure during baking. If your slices are too thin, they might turn mushy, while overly thick slices may remain dry in the center. Cutting uniform pieces ensures even cooking and a beautifully presented dish when it's complete.

Perfecting the Apple Topping

The apple topping is what elevates this French toast, adding both flavor and texture. For the best results, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination brings out a delightful balance that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and brown sugar. Aim for roughly chopped slices that are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly and caramelize nicely, enhancing their natural sugars without turning into applesauce.

Once your apples are in the skillet, cook them until they're tender but still hold their shape—around 10 minutes should do. Stir occasionally to ensure they don't stick and burn. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors and contrast wonderfully with the sweetness, making each bite refreshingly complex.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

To serve your Apple Baked French Toast, drizzle it with warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. This enhances the richness and adds a delightful sweetness that complements the caramelized apples beautifully. For a twist, you could sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

If you're prepping ahead, the assembled dish can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a fantastic option for brunch gatherings. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, or enjoy it cold for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

For the French Toast

1 loaf challah bread, cut into thick slices
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Topping

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Have everything ready? Let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Apple Baked French Toast:

Prepare the Bread

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Place the bread slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, and pour the custard mixture over the top. Press down gently to ensure all bread is soaked. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Make the Apple Topping

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples become tender and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Bake the French Toast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set. In the last 10 minutes of baking, add the caramelized apples on top.

Serve

Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Pair it with whipped cream or syrup if desired, and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Your delicious breakfast is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple topping for a delightful crunch. Also, experimenting with different apple varieties will give you a varied flavor profile. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith create a perfect sweet-tart balance.

Ingredient Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to cater to different dietary preferences or restrictions. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with almond milk or coconut cream, and use a non-dairy butter alternative for the apple topping. You can also use egg substitutes, such as flax eggs or applesauce, to make it vegan. Just note that the texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delightful.

If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can cut back on the brown sugar in the custard by using a sugar substitute or additional apples, which can naturally sweeten the dish. Experimenting with different spices in the custard, such as vanilla bean or cardamom, can also offer a new flavor dimension while keeping it simple.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your French toast comes out overly soggy, it could be due to not allowing the bread enough time to soak up the custard. When you prepare the dish, ensure that the bread is pressed down gently and that it rests overnight in the refrigerator. This resting period allows the bread to absorb the liquid fully, yielding a well-cooked, fluffy texture upon baking.

Another common issue can be uneven baking. Make sure to preheat your oven fully and place the baking dish in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. If you notice that the top isn’t browning enough, you can switch on the broiler for the last minute of baking while keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in place of challah. Just ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with pears, peaches, or even berries for a different flavor.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish without eggs?

Yes, you can use a combination of silken tofu and nutritional yeast as an egg substitute for a vegan option.