Description
Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake with juicy apples, cinnamon, and fluffy bread – a cozy and crowd-pleasing breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf (16–18 oz/450-500g) day-old French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 medium apples (about 1 lb/450g), preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring all sides are well-coated. This prevents sticking and adds a delicious buttery edge to your Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake. For an extra touch of richness, you can even dust the buttered dish with a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar.
- Step 2: Prepare the Apples Core and slice the apples into 1/4-inch pieces (no need to peel unless preferred). In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add apple slices, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender but not mushy. They’ll continue cooking during baking, so keeping some firmness now ensures perfect texture later.
- Step 3: Create the Custard Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, remaining brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until fully combined and slightly frothy. The thorough mixing ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the custard.
- Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Spread half the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Distribute the cooked apples evenly over the bread layer, including any butter-cinnamon sauce from the pan. Top with the remaining bread cubes. Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, making sure to soak all bread pieces.
- Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight (but not more than 14 hours). This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together beautifully. This is what transforms good french toast into extraordinary french toast!
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover with aluminum foil. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 calories per serving
- Sugar: 23 grams
- Sodium: 370 milligrams
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 48 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Cholesterol: 190 milligrams