Description
This Overnight Apple French Toast Bake is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast featuring spiced apples, soft brioche, and a creamy custard base. Topped with crunchy pecans and a rich cream cheese glaze, it’s the perfect holiday brunch or weekend indulgence—prep it the night before, bake it in the morning!
Ingredients
French Toast Filling
¼ cup unsalted butter
5 medium Granny Smith apples (about 5 cups), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 loaf (16 oz) brioche bread, cubed
Egg Mixture
12 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups whole milk
⅓ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp kosher salt
Topping
½ cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Glaze
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 oz cream cheese, softened
½ tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
1–3 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
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Cook Apples: In a skillet, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. Let cool.
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Layer the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch dish. Layer half the cubed brioche, then half the apples. Repeat with remaining bread and apples.
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Whisk Custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
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Pour & Chill: Pour over the bread mixture. Press gently to soak. Cover and chill overnight or at least 4 hours.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let dish sit at room temp while oven preheats. Sprinkle with pecans. Bake 45–55 minutes, until golden and set.
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Make Glaze: Beat butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Mix in powdered sugar. Add milk 1 tbsp at a time until pourable.
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Serve: Let bake cool slightly. Drizzle with glaze and serve warm.
Notes
Bread Options: Challah or French bread work in place of brioche.
Fruit Variations: Use pears, berries, or peaches instead of apples.
Nut-Free: Omit pecans or replace with granola.
Spice Boost: Add nutmeg or ginger to the custard.
No Glaze? Serve with maple syrup instead.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
