Description
A simple, crowd-pleasing baked French toast featuring a rich custard base, tender apples, and warm cinnamon. This set-it-and-forget-it breakfast is perfect for weekend mornings and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
- 1 loaf thick-cut bread (brioche or challah), sliced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth and sugar is dissolved.
- Arrange half of the bread slices in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom.
- Scatter the sliced apples evenly over the bread layer. Sprinkle with nuts if using.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top of the apples.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.
Notes
Use day-old bread for best texture as it absorbs custard without falling apart. Do not skip the 5-10 minute soak time to ensure even cooking. For make-ahead, assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold. Avoid Red Delicious apples as they turn to mush.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: baked french toast, apple cinnamon breakfast, easy weekend breakfast, make ahead breakfast, comfort food, 5 ingredient recipe