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Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast

This baked French toast features slices of bread soaked overnight in a custard infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and sweetened with caramelized apples. The dish develops a creamy interior with a crisp, caramel-topped exterior, showcasing textures from tender bread to crunchy topping and soft fruit. It’s assembled ahead of time for an easy, flavorful breakfast that is both hearty and nostalgic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices thick-cut bread day-old or slightly stale works best
  • 1 cup milk preferably whole milk for richness
  • 2 large eggs beaten until smooth
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for warm aroma
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds cozy flavor
  • 2 medium apples preferably tart or sweet, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar for caramelizing apples
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for caramelizing apples
  • 1/4 cup sugar for custard

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Slice the apples thinly and toss them with brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat, cooking until they soften and begin to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
    2 medium apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  2. Arrange the bread slices in a greased baking dish, overlapping slightly to fill the bottom, creating a sturdy base for the custard.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
    1 cup milk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup sugar
  4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing down gently to help the bread soak up the flavorful mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours for the bread to absorb fully.
  5. Once ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  6. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.
  7. While the French toast bakes, reheat the skillet with the caramelized apples over low heat until warmed through. Add a small splash of water if needed to loosen the caramel.
    2 medium apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  8. Serve the baked French toast hot, topped generously with the warm caramelized apples and their syrupy juices for added sweetness and crunch.

Notes

Let the French toast rest for a few minutes after baking to settle before slicing. You can add chopped nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.