Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake: A Cozy & Irresistible Breakfast 🍎🍞✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting and delicious way to start your day, this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake is perfect. Combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples with the rich, custardy texture of a classic French toast casserole, this Cinnamon Apple Breakfast is a delightful dish to serve on a weekend morning or special brunch. Whether you’re preparing it for family or brunch guests, this Maple French Toast Casserole delivers cozy flavors that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, hearty, and flavorful breakfast!
2. Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced
- 3 large apples, peeled and sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Fresh powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for the Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake
Preparing the Apples and Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter and set aside. Arrange slices of bread evenly in the dish. Spread the sliced apples over the bread, distributing them evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Making the Custard Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined. This custard will soak into the bread, creating a rich, flavorful base for your French toast.
Combining and Baking
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, making sure everything is well coated. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the French toast is golden and puffed. For an extra crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Serving
Serve your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake warm, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. This cozy breakfast pairs well with a side of crispy bacon or fresh fruit for a complete meal. For more breakfast inspiration, check out our easy breakfast rolls.
4. Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Feel free to swap apples with pears or peaches for seasonal variations.
- Make ahead: prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
5. Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warm. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for even heat distribution. This makes your breakfast leftovers just as delicious as the freshly made dish.
6. Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake is excellent on its own or paired with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or additional maple syrup. For a nutritious boost, add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. Explore other breakfast options like our Peach and Raspberry Cobbler, or for a savory contrast, try our Cheesy French Onion Potato Bake.
7. FAQs about Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed for a quick and effortless breakfast.
What substitutions can I make?
If you don’t have apples, pears or other seasonal fruits work well. Use plant-based milk and egg alternatives if catering to dietary restrictions. For gluten-free options, substitute bread with gluten-free bread.
How long does this cinnamon apple breakfast take to prepare?
It takes approximately 15 minutes to assemble, with an additional 40-45 minutes baking time. Total prep and cook time is around 1 hour.
8. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer: For mixing custard ingredients easily and efficiently, making your preparation smoother.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Perfect for reheating leftovers with a crispy finish, ensuring your breakfast stays delightful even the next day.
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: An excellent versatile appliance for baking, reheating, and more, making your kitchen more efficient.
9. Conclusion
This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake offers a warm, comforting, and flavorful start to your day. Its enticing blend of cinnamon, sweet apples, and custardy bread makes it a perfect choice for a cozy breakfast or weekend brunch. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare this delightful Maple French Toast Casserole easily, impressing your family and guests alike. Try it today and enjoy a breakfast that combines texture, flavor, and comfort all in one dish!
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Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake for a Cozy Breakfast
A delicious baked French toast casserole soaked in a cinnamon custard, topped with caramelized apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, ideal for breakfast or brunch.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 large apples, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Place bread cubes in the prepared dish. Pour custard mixture over bread.
- In a skillet, melt butter and cook apple slices with cinnamon until tender and caramelized.
- Top the soaked bread with caramelized apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use stale bread for best soaking.
- Cook apple slices until caramelized for extra flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 Kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg