Short Description
Caramel Apple Upside Down French Toast Bake is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish featuring caramelized apples and a rich, custardy French toast base. This make-ahead dish is perfect for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and brunches
- Combines rich caramel, tender apples, and soft French toast
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- A warm and comforting dish for fall and winter
- Great for feeding a crowd
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- French bread or brioche
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the Caramel Apple Layer: In a skillet, melt butter and add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth, then add sliced apples. Cook until softened and caramelized.
- Assemble the Dish: Grease a baking dish and spread the caramelized apple mixture on the bottom.
- Prepare the French Toast Layer: Slice bread into thick cubes and layer over the apples.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down lightly to ensure absorption.
- Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results, or bake immediately.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: Overnight (optional)
- Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (or overnight for make-ahead)
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel apple layer.
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the caramel mixture for extra depth.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the bread layers.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and dairy-free butter.
- Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for more warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or even sourdough work well for this recipe.
Do I have to let it sit overnight?
No, but letting it sit allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard better.
What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples hold up well and balance the sweetness.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, substitute eggs with a mixture of mashed bananas or flaxseed meal and water.
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Use slightly stale bread and ensure an even custard distribution.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 3-4 hours until set.
How do I get a crispier top?
Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy top.
Can I prepare the caramelized apples ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in the fridge and assemble when ready to bake.
Is this dish very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet; adjust sugar levels based on preference.
Can I add raisins or dried cranberries?
Absolutely! Add them with the apple mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Upside Down French Toast Bake is the ultimate cozy breakfast, bringing together warm spices, caramelized apples, and rich French toast. Whether you’re hosting brunch or preparing a special holiday breakfast, this dish is sure to impress!
Caramel Apple Upside Down French Toast Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Upside Down French Toast Bake is the perfect cozy breakfast for fall! Sweet caramelized apples sit beneath a rich, custardy French toast, baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to make ahead for busy mornings or holiday brunches. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or extra caramel sauce!
Ingredients
- For the Caramel Apple Layer:
- 3 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or your choice), peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Apple Layer:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Arrange sliced apples on top of the caramel in an even layer.
- Prepare the French Toast:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the cubed bread and toss to coat. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the custard.
- Pour the soaked bread mixture over the apple layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and set.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter to reveal the caramelized apples on top.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or extra caramel sauce.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Bread Choice: Brioche, challah, or French bread work best. Stale bread absorbs custard better.
- Apple Variations: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords: French Toast Bake, Caramel Apple, Overnight French Toast, Fall Breakfast, Baked French Toast
- Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *