If you’re looking for the ultimate fall breakfast that combines the flavors of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and soft French toast, look no further than my Baked Apple French Toast recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. The magic happens when you take the classic flavors of French toast, bake them together with juicy apples and rich brown sugar, and let it all come together in the oven to create a sweet, cinnamony, caramelized breakfast you won’t forget.
Plus, it’s super easy to make and perfect for those mornings when you want something indulgent but don’t want to stand over the stove flipping French toast one slice at a time. Whether you’re hosting a cozy weekend brunch or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread (approx. 400-500g), cut into thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 360 ml whole milk (1 ½ cups)
- 120 ml heavy cream (½ cup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Baked Apples:
- 3 large apples (about 600g total), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 50g brown sugar (¼ cup)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 15g unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)
For the Topping:
- 50g brown sugar (¼ cup)
- 12g granulated sugar (1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 30g cold butter, cut into small cubes (2 tablespoons)
How to Make Baked Apple French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Melt 15g (1 tablespoon) of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, 50g brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ginger (optional). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften but still have some texture. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the French Toast
Cut the challah or brioche into thick slices. In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, 360 ml whole milk, 120 ml heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Layer half of the bread slices in a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spoon half of the cooked apples over the bread, then add another layer of bread and top with the remaining apples. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
Step 3: Let it Rest
Let the assembled dish sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for better flavor absorption.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine 50g brown sugar, 12g granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the 30g cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the French toast before baking.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake the French toast for 35-40 minutes, until golden and set. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicious, cozy breakfast.
Tips for Variations
- Use Different Fruit: If you’re not a fan of apples, you can easily swap them out for pears or even berries! Blueberries and raspberries add a nice tartness that works well with the sweet custard.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: For some added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. They’ll toast up nicely in the oven and give a lovely crunch.
- Make It Dairy-Free: You can substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk and cream, and use dairy-free butter or margarine in place of regular butter. The flavors will still shine through!
- Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the custard for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the apples if you really love that apple-cinnamon combination.
- Make Ahead for Busy Mornings: This dish is perfect for making ahead! You can assemble everything the night before and let it rest in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven, and breakfast is ready in no time.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those breakfasts that instantly makes the house smell amazing and gets everyone excited for the day ahead. So grab those apples, your favorite loaf of bread, and let’s get baking!
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-380 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 230mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Calcium | 90mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
If you loved this Baked Apple French Toast, you’ve got to check out my guide on making the perfect waffles! It’s a foolproof recipe that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, perfect for your next breakfast or brunch. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it! Head over to How to Make Great Waffles and get all the tips for your next perfect breakfast.
