Description
This Baked Cinnamon Apple Butter French Toast is a cozy and comforting breakfast casserole made with layers of buttery brioche, apple butter, warm spices, and baked apples. Perfect for fall mornings, holidays, or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) challah or brioche bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, apple butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the cubed bread to the bowl and gently toss to coat, allowing the bread to soak in the custard for 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and sauté until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Fold half of the sautéed apples into the soaked bread mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining apples.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
- Let cool slightly before serving with powdered sugar and maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best results—it absorbs the custard better.
- You can assemble this dish the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Swap apple butter for pumpkin butter for a seasonal twist.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
