Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bake

Name: Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups of cubed day-old bread; 3 cups of peeled and diced apples; 1/2 cup of sugar; 1/4 cup of brown sugar; 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 2 cups of milk; 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional); Butter for greasing the baking dish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love starting my day with a warm, comforting dish, and this Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bake is my go-to recipe. The combination of sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla creates a delightful aroma that fills my kitchen. It's so simple to prepare and can even be made the night before for a hassle-free morning. Whether enjoyed on a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend, this dish always brings a smile to my face and is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-18T03:19:10.950Z

During one of my weekend brunch experiments, I stumbled upon the idea for this Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bake. The beauty of this dish is its versatility; you can tailor it with different nuts or add-ins to suit your taste. I love the way the apples caramelize, creating a deliciously gooey layer beneath the tender bread. It feels indulgent without being overly rich.

This bake is not only tasty but also visually appealing. When I have guests over, it’s the first thing they notice when I bring it to the table!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Warm, comforting flavors that evoke a cozy morning
Easy to prepare ahead of time, making mornings hassle-free
Deliciously versatile—customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits

      

Choosing the Right Bread

When preparing this Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bake, selecting the right type of bread can significantly impact the final dish. Day-old bread, such as a loaf of French bread or sourdough, is ideal because it has dried out enough to absorb the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to achieve a similar effect. This ensures a perfect texture with golden edges after baking.

Another option to consider is using a sweet bread, such as challah or brioche. These types add an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the cinnamon. Feel free to experiment, but aim for a bread that has a sturdy texture to withstand the custard soaking.

Adjusting for Sweetness

The sweetness of this breakfast bake can be tailored to fit your preference or dietary needs. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce both the sugar and brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons, while still keeping the flavor balance intact. Alternatively, if you enjoy a sweeter bake, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the egg mixture to enhance the overall sweetness without overpowering the dish.

For a healthier twist, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic option. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust to taste as necessary.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best features of this recipe is its make-ahead capability. You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Simply follow the mixing steps, cover the baking dish, and let the flavors meld overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—there's no need to let it sit at room temperature. This method also intensifies the flavors as the apples infuse with the custard.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Just cut the baked casserole into squares, wrap them tightly, and store in freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful breakfast bake:

Ingredients

6 cups of cubed day-old bread
3 cups of peeled and diced apples
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
Butter for greasing the baking dish

Make sure to have everything prepared before you start baking.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious breakfast bake:

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, diced apples, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Set aside.

Make the Custard Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine and Pour

Pour the egg mixture over the bread and apple mixture, ensuring the bread is thoroughly soaked.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with maple syrup or whipped cream for extra indulgence!

Enjoy your delicious breakfast bake warm and fresh!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding dried cranberries or raisins for an extra layer of flavor. If you want it to be a bit more indulgent, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of syrup.

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bake is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different tastes. For a traditional breakfast experience, drizzle warm maple syrup over each serving just before enjoying. If you prefer a richer treat, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt pairs wonderfully, adding creaminess and balancing the sweetness.

You can also add a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg on top before serving for a finishing touch that enhances the warm, cozy flavors. Consider serving it alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a heartier breakfast that balances sweetness with savory elements.

Variations to Try

This recipe invites creativity with numerous variations to enhance your breakfast bake. For an added crunch, mix in 1/2 cup of dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. You can also experiment by including different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, which add texture and a delightful nutty flavor. Just remember to chop larger nuts for even distribution throughout the dish.

For a twist on the flavor profile, consider adding spices like cardamom or ginger along with the cinnamon. You could even incorporate a layer of cream cheese for a richer texture, swirling it into the mixture before baking. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to customize the bake to reflect your favorite flavors!

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bake turns out soggy, it’s likely due to using too much liquid or bread that’s too fresh. Ensure you are using day-old bread and properly following the egg and milk ratios. Should it still be too wet, you can return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically until it firms up.

Conversely, if it seems too dry, you may have overbaked it or not input enough custard. Always keep an eye on the bake as it approaches the end of the cooking time, looking for a golden top that is just set rather than hard. Remember, the bake will continue to firm up slightly as it cools, so be careful not to overdo it!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh apples instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh apples provide a yummy texture and flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare everything and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.