Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

Imagine waking up to the cozy scent of cinnamon, buttery apples, and golden French toast sizzling in one skillet, no flipping, no fuss. This Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe brings together everything you love about breakfast comfort: tender cubes of bread soaked in a rich custard, caramelized apples tucked in between, and a toasty, cinnamon-sugar top that’s practically begging for a drizzle of maple syrup (or a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy). And the best part? It’s all baked in one pan. Yup, no oven mitt relay or breakfast chaos here, just sweet, apple-filled serenity.

This recipe has the cozy, nostalgic vibes of our Cracker Barrel Fried Apples and the heartwarming feel of anything on grandma’s table, like our Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars or Baby Lemon Impossible Pies. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal-prepping for the week, or making your Sunday extra special, this dish checks all the boxes: sweet, soft, slightly crisp on top, and always a crowd-pleaser.

If your mornings need a little magic, this cinnamon apple French toast skillet bake is your golden ticket. Serve it straight from the skillet, scoop out a warm wedge, and pair it with something cool and refreshing like our Coconut Mojito for a sweet and sassy balance.

Origins of Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

The roots of French toast date back to ancient times, yes, even before baguettes were cool. The dish has been around in one form or another since the Roman Empire, where it was called Pan Dulcis and made by soaking stale bread in milk and eggs, then frying it in butter. But the modern term “French toast” became popular in 17th-century England and later made its way to America, where it evolved into the breakfast staple we know and love.

Now add a homey American twist: baked French toast. This version skips the stovetop flipping and instead soaks all the bread in a rich custard before baking it to golden perfection. Throw in cinnamon and apples, two beloved ingredients in traditional fall and Southern baking, and you’ve basically created a mash-up of classic apple pie, bread pudding, and French toast. Comfort food? You bet.

This skillet-baked take borrows inspiration from cozy diner breakfasts, nostalgic dishes like our Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, and the kind of cinnamon-spiced bakes you’d find cooling on grandma’s windowsill. It’s French toast, leveled up with seasonal flair and one-pan simplicity, no turning, flipping, or fussing required.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

1. Use Day-Old Bread for Best Texture. Soft, fresh bread will soak up too much custard and turn soggy. Go for day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for a golden, slightly crisp top and soft center.
2. Please don’t skip the pre-toasting. Lightly toasting the bread cubes in the oven or skillet before soaking them adds structure and prevents mushiness, especially when using juicy apples.
3. Caramelize Your Apples FirstSautéing the apples with a little butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar before baking gives you that pie-like, tender texture like in our Cracker Barrel Fried Apples and prevents them from turning watery.
4. Add a Streusel Topping for Extra CrunchWant a bakery-style finish? Mix a quick crumble of flour, oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar with butter and sprinkle it over the top before baking.
5. Let It Rest After BakingIt’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the bake rest for 5–10 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps it set and slice more neatly.
6. Double the Cinnamon if You’re a Fan! The base recipe is balanced, but if you’re a cinnamon lover, don’t be shy. You can even swirl in some homemade cinnamon syrup or serve it on the side for extra flair.
7. Freezer-Friendly BonusYes, it freezes beautifully! Just wrap individual portions tightly and reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick weekday treat.
8. Pair with Something Cool & RRefreshingdish is rich and warm, so pairing it with a cold drink like our Blackberry Mojito or Coconut Mojito makes for the ultimate brunch balance.

Health Benefits of Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

While French toast bake may not scream “superfood,” this cinnamon-apple version brings a few surprising nutritional perks especially when made with whole ingredients and mindful swaps. From the fiber in apples to the protein in eggs, every bite offers more than just cozy fall flavor.

Apples are naturally rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, which support digestion and heart health. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and may help regulate blood sugar. Eggs deliver high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline. Even the milk (or plant-based alternative) contributes calcium and vitamin D. Want to boost it more? Use whole grain bread and a little Greek yogurt in the custard.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

👉 Pro tip: You can reduce sugar and fat by using unsweetened almond milk, skipping the streusel topping, or replacing some butter with applesauce.

Variations to Spice Up Your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting brunch, or want to remix it with what’s in your pantry, these fun twists will make your French toast bake feel brand new every time:

🧁 French Toast Bake Variations:

• Berry Bliss Bake Swap the apples for fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Top with lemon zest for a fresh punch.
• Pumpkin Spice Dream: Add ½ cup of pumpkin purée and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the custard for a cozy autumn twist.
• Banana Bread Pudding StyleUse ripe banana slices instead of apples and add a dash of nutmeg and walnuts. It’s like banana bread and French toast had a baby.
• Pecan Pie-Inspired Mix in chopped pecans and a swirl of maple syrup before baking for a flavor profile similar to our Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe.
• Savory Twist (Yes, Really!)Use sourdough or a baguette, skip the sugar, and swap apples for sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Friendly Use almond or oat milk, egg substitute (like flax eggs), and coconut oil or vegan butter; they’re still just as delicious!

Serving Ideas for Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

Pairing and presentation can take this recipe from “yum” to “OMG!” in seconds:

• Weekend Brunch Platter: Serve warm slices with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a side of our refreshing Coconut Mojito or Thai Watermelon Salad.
• Make It Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce and serve as a cozy dessert, especially during the holidays!
• Kid-Friendly Breakfast Bar: Slice into squares and let kids top theirs with yogurt, maple syrup, raisins, or even mini chocolate chips.
• On-the-Go Bake: in muffin tins instead of a skillet for grab-and-go portions perfect for busy mornings.

Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake & the Keto Diet: Can You Make It Low Carb?

Let’s be real, traditional French toast bakes are not keto by default. With their carby bread cubes, sweet apples, and custard mix, they’re designed to be comforting rather than carb-conscious. But don’t worry, if you’re on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, you’ve still got delicious options!

💡 Here’s how to make it keto-friendly:

• Use Low-Carb Bread:
  Sub out regular bread for a keto-approved version like almond flour bread or store-bought low-carb loaves such as Sola or Carbonaut.
• Swap the Apples: Apples are naturally high in sugar. To keep the flavor but cut carbs, use zucchini sautéed in cinnamon and stevia trust us, it mimics apple texture when cooked. You could also use chayote squash, a popular low-carb apple replacement.
• Use Keto Milk & Sweetener:
  Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia in place of sugar.
• Add Healthy Fats:
  Amp up keto benefits by using grass-fed butter or coconut oil, and adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and sustained energy.

Keto-Friendly Customization Snapshot:

This version still gives you all the cozy cinnamon-spice vibes of the original recipe; without knocking you out of ketosis.

Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe From OoohDelish!

Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

This cozy one-skillet cinnamon apple French toast bake is a warm, comforting breakfast made with caramelized apples, custard-soaked bread, and just the right touch of cinnamon, all baked golden in a single pan. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a sweet weekend treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Bake
• 4 cups cubed brioche or challah preferably day-old
• 2 medium apples peeled and sliced thin (like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk or almond milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream optional for richness
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional Toppings
• Powdered sugar
• Extra maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans

Equipment

• Skillet (oven-safe, 10–12 inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an oven-safe skillet with butter or spray.
2. Sauté Apples: In the skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add apple slices, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring until apples are softened and caramelized. Remove from heat.
3. Whisk Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine & Soak: Add bread cubes into the bowl with the custard. Toss gently to coat and let sit for 5–10 minutes to soak.
5. Layer in Skillet: Spread half the soaked bread mixture into the skillet over the apples. Add more apple slices if desired. Top with remaining bread mixture and gently press down.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
7. Cool & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with powdered sugar, syrup, or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving — estimated)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 18g

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📝 Notes

• For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
• Use whole grain bread for added fiber.
• Can be made ahead and reheated!

Share Your Twist on Skillet Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake!

Did you add crushed pecans for a nutty crunch? Swirl in pumpkin purée or caramel for a holiday spin? Or maybe you made it keto-friendly with almond flour bread and stevia-sautéed apples?

📸 Snap a pic of your skillet cinnamon apple French toast bake and tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist we just might feature your version!

💌 Have a family twist or passed-down version of this cozy bake? Email us at contact@ooohdelish.com we’d love to try it out and credit you on OoohDelish!

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