Description
Welcome the holiday season with this make-ahead Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake. Prepare it the night before for an easy, warm, and delicious breakfast your family will love. This recipe carries the warmth of home cooking, perfect for gathering around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) French or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Butter for greasing
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Scatter the diced apples and pecans (if using) over the bread cubes.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all the pieces are saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the liquid.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the plastic wrap.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
- Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- Using day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard better.
- You can substitute apples with pears for a slight flavor change.
- For a crispier top, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar over the bake before putting it in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg