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Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with this Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast. This make-ahead dish combines soft bread, sweet apples, and warming cinnamon for a delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast. Perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 persons
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf French bread or brioche, day-old if possible
  • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped About 500g.
  • 6 large eggs
  • 480 ml whole milk About 2 cups.
  • 120 ml heavy cream About 1/2 cup.
  • 100 g granulated sugar About 1/2 cup.
  • 65 g packed brown sugar Used in two parts.
  • 90 g unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Used in two parts.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • optional Powdered sugar or maple syrup, for serving

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 aluminum foil
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 measuring cups
  • 1 measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Slice the bread into thick 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes and set aside. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and half the brown sugar. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Arrange the bread cubes evenly over the caramelized apples in the dish.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, remaining brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
  5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, pressing gently to soak all the bread cubes.
  6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours, up to 12 hours).
  7. In the morning, preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Bake, covered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and set.
  9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

For a crunchier top, sprinkle a bit of turbinado sugar before the final baking stage.
Substitute apples with pears for a different flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples.