Oven-Baked French Toast

French toast is one of those classic breakfast dishes that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. Whether enjoyed during leisurely weekend brunches or made quickly on busy weekdays, its versatility and satisfying nature make it a beloved choice in households around the world. Traditionally, it consists of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk, then fried to golden perfection. However, this recipe takes the beloved French toast to new heights with a unique twist that incorporates the warm flavors of cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts.

Discover the joy of breakfast with this Heavenly Cinnamon-Apple Oven-Baked French Toast recipe. Enjoy the comforting blend of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts baked into a fluffy custardy bread. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy brunches, this oven-baked version allows you to serve a crowd with ease. Elevate your breakfast game with a simple yet delicious dish that's sure to impress and create lasting memories around the table.

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Ingredients

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into thick slices

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1 medium apple, peeled and diced

¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish

Maple syrup, for serving

Powdered sugar, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.

Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

Assemble the Bread: Layer half of the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them if necessary. Sprinkle the diced apples and chopped nuts evenly over the bread. Top with the remaining bread slices.

Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread. Press the bread gently with a spatula to ensure it's thoroughly soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

Bake: Once ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap. Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and puffed.

Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled over the top and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lovely finish.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 6–8