Apple Baked French Toast

Name: Apple Baked French Toast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 1 loaf of thick-cut bread (like challah or brioche); 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 cup sugar; Pinch of salt; 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Maple syrup; Powdered sugar (optional)

Highlighted under: Homestyle Treats

I absolutely adore starting my mornings with a warm and comforting dish, especially one as delicious as Apple Baked French Toast. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist diving right in. This recipe has become a favorite in my family, perfect for weekends or special occasions. The combination of tender bread soaked in a creamy custard and topped with caramelized apples creates a delightful experience that’s simply unforgettable. It's an easy dish to prepare, yet it feels like a hug in every bite.

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:37:35.949Z

When I first made Apple Baked French Toast, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying it was. I decided to use thick slices of bread soaked overnight in a spiced custard, which ensured they would soak up all the delightful flavors. The addition of fresh apples, sautéed in a little butter and brown sugar, provided a caramelized richness that took it to the next level.

I learned that allowing the dish to rest before baking is key to achieving that perfectly gooey texture. This way, the bread absorbs all the custard, resulting in a beautifully baked dish that’s as delicious as it is comforting. Trust me, this recipe quickly becomes a morning favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Warm cinnamon and sweet apple filling that brings joy to breakfast.
A make-ahead dish, perfect for lazy weekends or gatherings.
Golden, caramelized topping that adds a satisfying crunch.

The Importance of Bread Choice

Selecting the right type of bread is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Apple Baked French Toast. Thick-cut breads like challah or brioche are ideal due to their ability to absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. Their enriched dough also contributes to a rich taste and fluffy texture. If you want to switch things up, sourdough or a sturdy whole grain bread can lend a unique flavor profile, but be mindful that they may require additional soaking time to adequately absorb the custard.

When cutting the bread, aim for slices around 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures that the middle remains soft and custardy while the edges achieve a beautiful golden brown during baking. If you have leftover bread sitting around, don’t hesitate to use it; day-old bread will absorb the custard even better, resulting in an even more delightful outcome.

Perfecting the Apple Topping

The apple topping adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture to the dish. For this recipe, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination ensures a balanced sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly. When slicing the apples, try to keep the pieces uniform to ensure even cooking and caramelization. If you prefer a different fruit, pears or even peaches can work well, but be mindful of cooking times, as they may caramelize faster or slower than apples.

When preparing the apple mixture, be sure to cook the apples over medium heat to prevent them from burning. Stir gently during cooking to coat the apples evenly in the sugar and spices. You'll know they are ready when they become tender and golden, about 5-7 minutes. After spooning them over the custard-soaked bread, you can incorporate nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the fantastic aspects of Apple Baked French Toast is its make-ahead potential. Preparing the dish the night before simplifies your morning routine. After assembling the layers of bread and custard, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it overnight. This time allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard fully, leading to a creamier texture. Just make sure to adjust baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge; you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to achieve the desired golden brown crust.

Leftover French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice individual portions and warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage; wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start baking!

For the French Toast:

1 loaf of thick-cut bread (like challah or brioche)
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt

For the Apple Topping:

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

For Serving:

Maple syrup
Powdered sugar (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin assembling!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake the perfect French toast!

Prepare the Bread

Cut the loaf of bread into thick slices and arrange them in a baking dish. You can also use leftover bread or even croissants for added flavor.

Mix the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and salt until well combined. Pour this custard evenly over the bread, ensuring every slice is coated.

Prepare the Apples

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Spoon this mixture over the soaked bread.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight). Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the French toast uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy your delicious breakfast with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a handful of nuts to the apple topping or some chopped raisins into the custard mixture. Adjust the spices according to your taste for a personalized twist!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Apple Baked French Toast experience, consider serving it with various toppings. A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds sweetness and flavor, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn breakfast into a dessert. For a more decadent touch, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or chocolate chips just before serving, allowing them to melt slightly against the warm French toast.

Pairing the dish with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices can create a delightful contrast. Not only does this provide added sweetness, but it also introduces a refreshing element that balances the richness of the baked toast.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice that your French toast isn’t puffing up as expected, it might be due to the custard not being absorbed thoroughly. Make sure that each slice of bread is well coated in the custard mixture. If your bread feels too dry, a little extra soaking time can help; just be cautious not to let it become too soggy or the structure may collapse during baking.

If the top of your Apple Baked French Toast is browning too quickly while baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from burning while allowing the interior to cook properly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden hue.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche, sourdough, or even bagels can work wonderfully.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the French toast the night before and bake it in the morning for an effortless breakfast.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you could also add whipped cream or yogurt for extra flavor.