Baked Cinnamon Apple French Toast with Maple Pecan Glaze

This baked French toast is the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch dish. Soft brioche buns and fresh apple slices are soaked in a creamy egg mixture, then baked until golden and custardy. The result is a warm, comforting casserole that’s both indulgent and easy to make.

Before serving, drizzle generously with a luscious maple-crème fraîche glaze and sprinkle with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings or a special weekend treat.

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Ingredients

2 unit EggsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce PecansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 tablespoon Crème FraîcheView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit AppleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit Brioche BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon CinnamonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Maple SyrupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon (tbsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Cut brioche buns into 1-inch cubes. Peel, core and dice the apple into small pieces.
4. Place brioche cubes and apple pieces in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently to soak. Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
6. Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine crème fraîche, cream cheese, maple syrup and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Heat over low, stirring, until smooth and warm. Do not boil.
7. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Chop roughly.
8. Remove French toast from oven. Drizzle with the warm maple glaze and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?

Yes, but brioche adds richness. Challah or Texas toast are good substitutes.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk, vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese and crème fraîche alternatives.