If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s both cozy and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Apple French Toast Bake Recipe. Imagine juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a custardy bread base all baked to golden perfection. It’s like your favorite Sunday brunch but effortlessly made ahead, so mornings can be relaxed and delicious. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or any time you crave that sweet and subtly spiced apple goodness infused right into your French toast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple French Toast Bake Recipe lies in its use of simple, wholesome ingredients that blend together to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial role—from the apples lending sweetness and crunch, to the eggs and milk creating that rich custard, and the oats adding a lovely, rustic topping. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this delightful dish!
- 4 large eggs: These are the backbone for the custard, helping to bind everything into a creamy, baked delight.
- 2 cups milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring every bite is smooth and custardy.
- 1/2 cup applesauce: Brings natural sweetness and a touch of fruity moisture to the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the dish with that warm, inviting spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Offers an extra layer of sweetness and depth of flavor, making the bake truly indulgent.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the sweetness with floral notes.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and prevents the dish from tasting flat.
- 1 pound cubed bread: Day-old wholemeal or white bread works best, soaking up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
- 2 cups chopped apple: Fresh, crisp apples add juicy bursts and a satisfying texture salad to the bake.
- 8 ounces low-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth): Adds a subtle creaminess and a gentle tang that elevates the flavor complexity.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats: Used as a topping, these add a delicate crunch and a wholesome finish to the dish.
How to Make Apple French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Make the Milk Mix
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, applesauce, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large measuring jug until everything is smooth and beautifully combined. This mixture is the heart of your custard, promising a luscious texture that envelops the bread and apples throughout the bake.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Take a lightly greased deep baking dish, ideally 7×11 inches, although a 9×13 works if you prefer a slightly thinner, crispier result. Begin with half of the cubed bread, then pour over about one-third of your milk mixture, allowing the bread to soak up the flavors. Scatter the chopped apple evenly over this, then add dollops of the blended cottage cheese. Layer the remaining bread on top and pour the rest of the milk mixture over everything, making sure all the bread pieces are well soaked for maximum custard goodness.
Step 3: Chill the Casserole
This step is key for flavor development and texture. Cover your dish and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight. The longer soak allows the bread pieces to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a much richer and more cohesive bake once cooked.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
When you’re ready, preheat the oven to 350°F. Take the bake out of the refrigerator and remove the cover. If you like, sprinkle the top with rolled oats or a little extra cinnamon for added texture. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the custard has fully set, becoming firm but still tender when you give it a gentle poke.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the Apple French Toast Bake Recipe to rest for about five minutes after baking so it can settle and cool slightly. Serve warm with fresh sliced apples, a drizzle of maple syrup, and chopped pecans for crunch. This finishing touch truly takes the dish to the next level and makes every bite a celebration of autumn flavors.
How to Serve Apple French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds an irresistible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy custard. Fresh apple slices bring a crisp, refreshing note, while a light dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon mimics that extra touch of loveliness found in your favorite brunch spots.
Side Dishes
Pair this bake with a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to balance the sweetness, or crispy bacon or sausage for those who enjoy savory with sweet. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also be enchanting toppings for a more decadent brunch or dessert treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins sprinkled with oats and a few apple slices for an elegant look. Alternatively, create a build-your-own French toast bar where guests can top their servings with nuts, fresh fruit, syrups, or even whipped cream. It turns breakfast into a fun, interactive experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Apple French Toast Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it well covered to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or snack the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap portions tightly with plastic wrap and foil or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed portions in the oven at 325°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the custard slightly rubbery, so the oven is always the better option if you have the time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this Apple French Toast Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While day-old wholemeal or white bread works best, you can also experiment with brioche, challah, or even gluten-free varieties. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with any plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. For the cottage cheese, try using a silken tofu blend or a dairy-free cream cheese to keep that creamy texture.
How long can I prepare the Apple French Toast Bake Recipe ahead of time?
This recipe can be assembled and refrigerated overnight, which is ideal, but 30 minutes is the minimum soaking time. Overnight not only makes your morning stress-free but enhances the custard’s richness.
Can I add other fruits to this bake?
Definitely! Pears, berries, or even diced peaches can complement the flavors beautifully. Just keep textures in mind—softer fruits might break down more during baking, while firmer ones maintain their shape nicely.
What’s the best way to get a crispy top on my Apple French Toast Bake Recipe?
Sprinkling the top with rolled oats or a light dusting of brown sugar before baking encourages a beautifully caramelized, crispy crust that contrasts delightfully with the soft, custardy interior.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sinking your fork into this Apple French Toast Bake Recipe—a cozy combination of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors with a creamy, custardy texture. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a holiday breakfast, or simply craving something special on a weekend morning, this recipe is one you’ll want to tuck away in your favorites. Give it a go and share the joy of this warm, nourishing dish with those you love!
Print
Apple French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus chilling time, ideally overnight)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Apple French Toast Bake is a cozy and wholesome breakfast casserole perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings. It combines cubes of bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg and milk mixture with sweet chopped apples and creamy blended cottage cheese, baked to a golden perfection with a soft, custardy interior. Make it ahead by chilling overnight for convenience and serve with fresh apples, maple syrup, and pecans for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 pound cubed bread (wholemeal or white, preferably day old)
- 2 cups chopped apple
- 8 ounces low fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Make the milk mix: Place the eggs, milk, applesauce, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large measuring jug. Whisk them together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer the casserole: Lightly grease a deep 7×11 inch baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works too but results in a slightly flatter and crispier bake). Add half of the cubed bread to the dish. Pour over one-third of the milk mixture evenly. Scatter the chopped apples on top and dot with the blended cottage cheese. Then add the remaining bread cubes and pour the rest of the milk mixture, making sure all the bread is well soaked.
- Chill the casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully and flavors to meld.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover. Optionally, sprinkle with rolled oats or your preferred topping. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the bake is set in the center.
- Serve: Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve warm with additional fresh apple slices, maple syrup, and chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- Feel free to substitute applesauce with mashed banana or pear for a different fruity twist.
- Using low fat cottage cheese keeps the bake lighter, but full fat can be substituted if preferred.
- For extra texture, sprinkle rolled oats or chopped nuts on top before baking.
- This bake can be prepared the night before, making it a convenient breakfast option.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
