This is what I eat when I need a breakfast that’s both tasty and efficient. Since it’s baked, I can move on to my morning to-do list while the oven does the heavy lifting! If you’re a busy person like me looking for a filling meal without the stovetop stress, this one is for you!
Ingredients 🛒:
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup apples, chopped
• 4–6 slices of bread (I used homemade thick-cut Challah!)
Directions:
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and heavy cream until well combined.
2️⃣ Stir in the vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon.
3️⃣ Arrange your bread slices in a greased baking dish, and sprinkle apples in between slices. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are well-soaked (you may have to flip them a few times to cover completely).
4️⃣ Place in a preheated oven at (400°F). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Chef’s Tip 👩🍳: If you have the time, let the bread soak in the liquid for 10–15 minutes before popping it in the oven for an even fluffier texture.
... Read moreWhen mornings get hectic, finding a breakfast that’s both quick and fulfilling can be a real challenge. This baked French toast recipe is a true time-saver because it allows you to prep everything quickly and then let the oven do the work while you move on with your day. What I especially love about using thick-cut bread like Challah is how well it soaks up the custard mixture of eggs, milk, and cream, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
Adding chopped apples between the slices adds a lovely natural sweetness and a bit of texture contrast, making this breakfast more exciting and packed with flavor. The cinnamon and vanilla infusion elevate the taste, giving it that classic comforting feel without needing any extra toppings. One personal tip I swear by is to let the bread soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes before baking; it transforms the dish by making the custard soak deeper into the bread, yielding a richer, fluffier outcome.
I also appreciate that baking this dish at 400°F ensures the top gets perfectly golden brown and slightly crisp while keeping the inside creamy. Another bonus is you don’t have to watch a pan on the stove, so you can multitask, whether it’s finishing morning emails, getting kids ready, or planning your day.
This recipe adapts well to various bread types—brioche or even sourdough can work, each imparting their unique taste and texture. For those looking for a healthier twist, you can experiment by using less sugar or substituting with maple syrup after baking. Plus, it’s easy to double the recipe for a family breakfast or meal prep to enjoy throughout the week.
Overall, this baked French toast is a perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort—a great example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to make a weekday-friendly breakfast that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.