Baked Cinnamon Apple Butter French Toast.

Baked Cinnamon Apple Butter French Toast. Fall mornings are made for this cozy French toast. Thick slices of brioche (or challah) are generously stuffed with apple butter, dipped in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, and baked with honeycrisp apples until golden and caramelized. Finish with a swirl of salted maple cream, and every bite is warm, sweet, and absolutely delicious.

As I was writing this recipe, all I could think was, wow – this might be the best French toast I’ve ever made. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner, but I’m so excited it’s finally here.

I’ll be baking this on repeat straight into December. Honestly, it rivals my homemade cinnamon rolls — and at the moment, I couldn’t tell you which I love more!

This whole idea came about because I was bored with the usual cookies, brownies, and bars. I wanted something apple-focused that I hadn’t shared before. French toast came to mind instantly, and when I ran it by my mom (the queen of French toast), she said I had to make it. Secretly, I think she just wanted a reason to have French toast for lunch, and I can’t really blame her.

This recipe is so good it’s already going on my family’s Thanksgiving breakfast menu. My mom and  my cousin Abby will be so excited!

These are the Details

Ingredients

The French Toast 

• brioche or challah – even better if you can find a pumpkin or cinnamon brioche
• apple butter – definitely try my homemade
• eggs
• whole milk
• vanilla extract
• salted butter
• honeycrisp apples
• brown sugar
• cinnamon

The Salted Maple Cream 

• maple syrup
• cinnamon
• bourbon – or vanilla
• heavy cream
• sea salt

The Tools 

Just a pretty baking dish, mixing bowl, and sauce pot. You can use a stand mixer or electric mixer to whip the cream.

Steps

Step 1: Stuff the bread

Cut thick slices of bread. I’m using brioche, but if you can find a cinnamon bread, pumpkin brioche, or even an apple bread, those would be so yummy! Any bread will work, but I do love soft brioche or challah.

Slice each slice of bread in half, but don’t cut all the way through. Spread apple butter inside each slice, then set the stuffed bread in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Make the eggy batter

Whisk together the eggs, milk, cooled browned butter, and vanilla until smooth.

Dip each piece of stuffed bread into the batter, letting it soak for about 1 minute. Arrange the slices side by side in the baking dish.

Step 3: Toss the apples

Thinly slice the apples — I love using Honeycrisp and always leave the skin on.

Toss the slices with brown sugar and cinnamon, then tuck them between each slice of bread. Pour any remaining batter over the whole dish.

Step 4: Chill the French toast

Pop the dish into the fridge to let everything soak for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight if you want to prep ahead.

Step 5: Bake

Pull the dish from the fridge and bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the bread is set.

Step 6: Make the maple cream

In a small pot, warm the maple syrup with cinnamon. Simmer until steamy and fragrant, then remove from the heat and stir in a splash of bourbon or vanilla.

Whip the cream with 2 tablespoons of the infused maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.

To serve

Dollop the maple cream over the warm French toast, then drizzle with the remaining syrup.

It’s a true fall delight! Light some candles and you’ll have the coziest autumn morning.

Looking for apple recipes? Here are a few ideas: 

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Haunted Pumpkin Patch Margarita

Cinnamon Crunch Apple Butter Soft Pretzel Knots

Salted Maple Apple Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds

Cinnamon Spiced Apple Fritters with Vanilla Coffee Glaze

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Doughnut Holes

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake

Lastly, if you make this Baked Cinnamon Apple Butter French Toast, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!