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 challah or brioche bread, cut into thick slices; 4 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; Maple syrup, for serving

Highlighted under: Baked Bliss

I love making Apple Baked French Toast for a cozy weekend brunch. The combination of tender bread, sweet apples, and fragrant cinnamon creates a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s easy to prepare the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. On busy mornings, all I have to do is pop it in the oven, and the house fills with the inviting aroma of baked apples and warm spices. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and warmth, making it a favorite in my household.

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-08T03:13:36.160Z

When I first tried Apple Baked French Toast, I was amazed by how simple it was to create a dish that felt so luxurious. The secret is in letting the bread soak overnight, which allows it to absorb the custard mixture fully. This method creates a custardy center while the top becomes beautifully golden and crispy. I usually add a sprinkle of brown sugar on top just before baking to enhance that crunch.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with different apple varieties, and I highly recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples to create the best flavor profile. Granny Smith provides a nice tartness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cinnamon and sugar. Plus, serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup is the cherry on top!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Warm, aromatic flavors of baked apples and cinnamon
Effortless to prepare, especially for weekend brunch
Perfectly crispy on the top and soft in the center

Choosing the Right Bread

For this Apple Baked French Toast, selecting the right bread is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Challah and brioche are ideal because they are rich and slightly sweet, which complements the apples beautifully. Ensure that the bread is a day or two old; it will absorb the egg mixture better and hold its shape during baking. Fresh bread tends to become too mushy, so aim for a loaf that’s just a bit stale.

If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute with sourdough or even cinnamon raisin bread for a unique flavor twist. Keep in mind that different breads will affect the final texture: thicker slices yield a more custardy interior, while thinner slices will bake up quicker and have more crispiness. My preference is slightly thicker slices as they provide a delightful contrast of textures.

Preparing Ahead of Time

To make your morning routine easier, prepare the Apple Baked French Toast the night before. This allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture, enhancing the flavors while saving you precious time in the morning. Just be sure to cover the dish well with plastic wrap or foil; this prevents the bread from drying out in the refrigerator. The soaked bread should appear glossy, indicating it has absorbed the mixture perfectly.

An additional tip for prepping in advance is to slice the apples and toss them with a little lemon juice before layering them on the bread. This will not only prevent browning but will also add a touch of brightness to the dish. You can even experiment with different types of apples—Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness—tailoring the flavor to your preference.

Ingredients

For the French Toast

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

For Topping

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Place the bread slices in a greased baking dish and pour the egg mixture over them. Ensure each slice is well-coated. Layer the apple slices on top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

The Next Day

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the bread and apple layers. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.

Serve

Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the apple mixture before baking. This adds texture and additional flavor!

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings beyond maple syrup. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness. If you enjoy nuts, toasted pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the French toast and the tender apples.

For a festive touch, you might drizzle a spiced caramel sauce over the top after baking. Simply heat sugar, butter, and a splash of cream with a pinch of salt until it thickens, then swirl it over each slice. This not only enhances the flavor but adds an elegant presentation too, making your brunch feel extra special.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, this Apple Baked French Toast stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them in plastic, then place in an airtight container; this way, you can enjoy them any time without compromising flavor or texture.

When reheating, simply place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisped. For a quicker method, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Just note that the microwave may result in a softer texture, so if you're after that delectable crispy top, stick with the oven!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, it's best to assemble the French toast the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

→ What kind of apples should I use?

A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith combined with Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a great flavor profile.

→ Can I freeze leftover French toast?

Absolutely! Allow it to cool, then slice and wrap it tightly. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven for best results.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute gluten-free bread for the challah or brioche. Just ensure the remaining ingredients are also gluten-free.