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
Units
Scale
- 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